When Sony Pictures released the first trailer for Madame Web earlier this month, the credited screenwriters were listed as only Claire Parker and director SJ Clarkson.
Parker doesn't appear to have any previous writing credits but is named as a producer on the likes of Life on Mars and MI-5. Clarkson directed episodes of the former, so that explains that, though she's only penned Mistresses and is primarily known for her directing work (including The Defenders, Succession, and Dexter).
Kerem Sanga, meanwhile, has been given a "Story By" credit, but only counts relatively obscure projects like The Young Kieslowski and The Violent Heart among his previous work. However, he's clearly been involved for a while as, last March, he shared an Instagram post about Dakota Johnson's casting and said, "Had a crazy idea for a movie, thanks [producer Eric Fineman] for believing from the start."
Morbius scribes Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless were originally named as Madame Web's writers and the fact they didn't receive a mention when the trailer dropped surprised a lot of fans.
Well, Sony Pictures has just updated the movie's website and the screenplay is now credited to, "Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless and Claire Parker & SJ Clarkson." As for the story, "Kerem Sanga and Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless" are all listed.
We'd assume Sazama and Sharpless' screenplay was either rewritten or they were brought in due to their "knowledge" of the Marvel Universe after introducing the Living Vampire last year.
In terms of producers, Lorenzo di Bonaventura is named, as are Adam Merims and Parker. There's currently no sign of Avi Arad so this movie's place in the wider Spider-Verse is undeniably intriguing, particularly as he fancies himself the architect of this Spider-Man-less world.
Meanwhile, in another universe...In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing's most enigmatic heroines.
The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who may have clairvoyant abilities. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women destined for powerful futures...if they can all survive a deadly present
SJ Clarkson directors from a screenplay she wrote with Claire Parker. Confirmed cast members include Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, and Adam Scott.
We believe the movie is still dated for February 16, 2024, in the U.S., but recently trailers ended with "Coming Soon" (we have, however, been able to confirm it will swing into UK cinemas on February 14).