Feb 20, 20244 min read

Sony's Spiderverse Woes: Exploring the Madame Web Debacle and the Struggle for Success

Madame Web

The most recent addition to Sony’s Spiderverse franchise, Madame Web, was released in theatres last week and breaking records. It’s just that those records are records that no studio would want having been broken. Despite its midweek release around Valentine's Day, the film only managed to accrue around $11 million between Friday and Sunday, marking it as the lowest-grossing opening in the entire SSU. The projected 6-day total of $24 million falls even further below the franchise's previous low point, set by "Morbius" with an opening of $39 million. But why is it that the majority of films that Sony has released as part of this Spiderverse have flopped at the box office?

Superhero Fatigue

The most optimistic option for Sony is that these recent flops in their Spider-Man Universe are just a general fatigue from audiences for superhero-related content. Superhero Fatigue refers to a decline in audience interest and enthusiasm for superhero films, particularly within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and other superhero franchises. This decline is attributed to various factors, including oversaturation of the market with superhero content, perceived brand dilution due to an excessive number of releases and tie-ins, lack of coherence and focus in storytelling, and mismanagement of properties by studios like Sony and DC.

A AI generated image of a Madam Web Concept — Image by Leonardo AI

A Lack of a Titular Character

Whilst Superhero Fatigue could explain the lack of enthusiasm for this film, however, that doesn’t explain why other Superhero films have had great box office success this year such as Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 and Sony’s own Spider-Man: Across the Multiverse. Why is it that one film from the same producers could be a box office success yet they have seemingly made a flop with both Madame Web and last year's Morbius? Well, could the answer be in the fact that the Spider-Man Universe that Sony is creating, lacks Spider-Man? Whilst all the characters are from the Spider-Man comics and appear as villains or allies in his rose gallery, the films are lacking in one element and that is Spider-Man is not part of the cinematic films that Sony is making. Due to contracts and deals made in the 2010s, Sony licensed the ability to use Spider-Man as an on-screen character to Disney who used it in successful and critically acclaimed feature films such as Captain America Civil War, Spider-Man Homecoming, and Avengers Infinity War. However, because of this deal, the films this iteration of Spider-Man has appeared in are all a part of the MCU, which has nothing to do with the Sony-produced Spider-Man Universe, meaning these films lack the main character of the story they’re all trying to tell. This has led to confusion from fans and could have also caused a lack of interest in seeing anything a part of this Sony-created Universe as they won’t get to see Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in them.

Spidermen from different universes battling each other. — Image by DALL.E

Mismanagement of a Franchise

Whilst both of these explain why someone would have little to no interest in going into these films, they don’t explain the one glaring factor. None of these films have been well received by critics or by a large portion of the general audience. Madame Web currently sits at 13% on the critic review site Rotten Tomatoes, a website that correlates film critics' reviews into one easy-to-read score, along with Morbius sits at a cool 15% from 283 critic reviews, and Venom sits at 30%. Could it just be that these movies are just… not very good? Could the answer to why these films continue to flop be that Sony has struggled to find a suitable person to fulfil the “Kevin Feige” role of a film producer? The main reason the Marvel films proved to be a success was primarily because they were all following the vision and endgame of Kevin Feige’s plan. Whilst he brought in both established and emerging directors to lead directing the solo films but ensured that they all worked towards the same ending goal he had planned since the first Iron Man film was released back in 2008. Maybe Sony’s mistake is not having someone in this role who is capable of the job. This is something that DC have realised they need and recently apportioned James Gunn, director of the Guardians of the Galaxy films and the hit TV Show Peacemaker, to CEO of DC Studios to hopefully emulate the same success that Marvel had during the 2010s.

Concept of Madam Web fan Art — Image by DALL.E

In conclusion, Sony's Spiderverse franchise continues to face challenges at the box office for several reasons. Superhero fatigue, the absence of Spider-Man, mismanagement of the franchise, and lack of creative leadership have all contributed to the underperformance of films like "Madame Web" and "Morbius." While other superhero films have found success, Sony's offerings have struggled to resonate with audiences and critics alike. To revitalise the franchise, Sony may need to address these issues by introducing stronger storytelling, incorporating beloved characters like Spider-Man, and establishing clear creative leadership. Only then can they hope to regain momentum and recapture the excitement of audiences for their Spiderverse universe.

January Trends: New Year, New Habits

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16 January 2025

Paul Francis

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January is a month of fresh starts, big plans, and lofty ambitions. After the indulgence of December’s festive season, people around the world embrace January as a time for reinvention, setting new goals, and trying out popular trends. Whether it’s about health, finances, personal growth, or community involvement, January is brimming with activities to shake off the winter blues and kickstart the year.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular trends people dive into during the first month of the year.

1. Veganuary: Going Plant-Based for a Month

Veganuary encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle throughout January. The movement has gained traction in recent years, inviting participants to adopt a plant-based diet and avoid all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs.

For some, it’s about ethical considerations for animals. For others, it’s an environmental decision or a chance to improve their health. With more vegan options in supermarkets and restaurants than ever, January has become a prime time to explore this plant-based trend.

Pro Tip: If you’re curious but not ready to go all-in, try "Meatless Mondays" or explore plant-based versions of your favourite dishes.

2. Dry January: A Break from Booze

After the revelry of the holiday season, Dry January offers a chance to take a break from alcohol. The challenge isn’t just about abstaining but also about reflecting on drinking habits and exploring sobriety’s physical and mental benefits.

Many participants report improved sleep, better focus, and weight loss after a month without alcohol. It’s also an excellent opportunity to explore the growing world of non-alcoholic drinks, from mocktails to alcohol-free wines.

Fun Fact: Non-alcoholic drink sales spike in January, with more brands innovating delicious alcohol-free options.

3. New Year’s Resolutions: The Classic Goal-Setting Ritual

No January trend list is complete without mentioning New Year’s resolutions. From getting fit to learning a new skill, millions of people commit to self-improvement at the start of the year.

Common resolutions include:

Joining a gym or starting a fitness program.
Eating healthier or starting a new diet.
Saving money or tackling debt.
Picking up hobbies like painting, cooking, or coding.

Reality Check: Studies suggest most resolutions fizzle out by February. Small, actionable goals tend to be more sustainable than sweeping changes.

4. The 10,000 Steps Challenge

Fitness is a top priority in January, and walking challenges like hitting 10,000 steps a day have become wildly popular. Whether it’s for weight loss, cardiovascular health, or just clearing the mind, walking is an accessible activity that many embrace during the colder months.

Tip for Beginners: If 10,000 steps feels overwhelming, start small—5,000 steps daily can still make a significant difference.

5. Financial Clean-Up: No-Spend January

After December’s holiday splurges, many people use January to reign in their spending. A “No-Spend Challenge” is a growing trend where participants commit to only essential purchases for the month.

This minimalist approach helps reset financial habits, build savings, and encourage mindful consumption. Apps and planners are often used to track progress and identify areas to cut back.

Money-Saving Tip: Meal prepping and cutting back on takeaway coffee are common starting points for budget-conscious Januarys.

6. Mindfulness and Mental Health Focus

For some, January isn’t about physical challenges but mental clarity. Mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, and gratitude exercises see a surge in popularity as people seek to start the year with a calmer mind.

Apps like Headspace and Calm see their highest downloads in January as users set intentions to prioritize mental health.

7. Decluttering: The “New Year, New Space” Movement

There’s something about starting the year with a clean slate—literally. Decluttering trends inspired by the likes of Marie Kondo or the “Swedish Death Cleaning” method encourage people to purge their homes of unnecessary belongings.

Many take this as an opportunity to donate unused items to charity, making the process as rewarding as it is practical.

8. Joining Community Challenges

January also sees people getting involved in community-focused activities. From volunteering to neighborhood fitness groups, the month is about connecting with others while working on personal goals.

Popular initiatives include charity runs, book clubs, and skill-sharing events. Social media hashtags like #NewYearNewMe help connect like-minded individuals worldwide.

9. Self-Education and Skill Development

Many people take advantage of the quieter January period to pick up a new skill. Online courses, language apps, and educational platforms experience a boom as people commit to expanding their knowledge.

Learning goals might include mastering a new instrument, taking up baking, or even delving into professional certification.

10. The Winter Wellness Movement

Finally, winter wellness trends like cold water therapy, infrared saunas, and vitamin D supplementation became popular in January. These practices aim to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and keep energy levels high during the darker months.

Did You Know? Cold showers have been linked to increased circulation, improved mood, and even better immune response.

Final Thoughts: Embracing January Trends

January is a time of transformation, whether you’re adopting a new habit, exploring a challenge, or simply setting intentions for the year ahead. While not every trend will stick, the month offers a unique opportunity to reflect on what matters most and take steps—big or small—toward a better year.

The key to navigating January trends is to pick ones that resonate with your values and goals. Whether you’re giving up meat, ditching alcohol, or simply clearing out a junk drawer, every little effort counts toward making the new year brighter.

Here’s to a January full of meaningful starts!