(CBS) - Spider-Man fans can breathe a sigh of relief: Disney and Sony have finally reached a deal to keep the superhero in theMarvel Cinematic Universe, at least for a little while. After months of tension, the two studios announced Spider-Man will return to theaters in 2021.
Sony Pictures Entertainment and The Walt Disney Studios jointly announced Friday a partnership to release a third film in the "Spider-Man Homecoming" franchise under Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. Tom Holland will return to the iconic role in the movie, which is scheduled for release on July 16, 2021.
The announcement comes after the studios appeared to cut tiesover the franchise earlier this month. A deal between Marvel and Sony brought Tom Holland into the "Avengers" franchise, but the deal expired after "Spider-Man: Far From Home" — Sony's highest-grossing movie of all time.
"I am thrilled that Spidey's journey in the MCU will continue, and I and all of us at Marvel Studios are very excited that we get to keep working on it," Feige said in a statement. "Spider-Man is a powerful icon and hero whose story crosses all ages and audiences around the globe. He also happens to be the only hero with the superpower to cross cinematic universes, so as Sony continues to develop their own Spidey-verse you never know what surprises the future might hold."
Holland's character will also continue to appear in other MCU films, the studios said. Amy Pascal, who produced the previous two Spider-Man films in the series, will return as well.
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