Sony's next 'Spider-Man' film is about little-known spider-ally Jackpot and Mark Guggenheim will script it
Sony's 'Spider-Man' universe is set to expand, once again, with comics scribe Mark Guggenheim to script a film featuring Jackpot. The film's focus is a surprising choice, as Jackpot is one of Marvel's lesser-known heroes. According to Deadline, the movie will expand Sony's roster of superhero movies attached to the 'Spider-Man' license, joining 'Venom,' 'Morbius,' 'Kraven the Hunter' and more.
Sony is making the most of its license to create films featuring heroes that fall under the umbrella of the 'Spider-Man' license. In addition to the movies listed above, 'Silk', 'Nightwatch' movies are also in development, as well as a film that is set to star the ultra-powerful psychic Madam Webb. Even with all these characters getting their movies, however, Jackpot is still a surprising choice for a film feature, as her appearance in the comics was relatively limited.
Jackpot was introduced to the Spider-Man comics shortly after Peter Parker made a deal with the devil to retcon his marriage to Mary-Jane Watson. A redhead who took her name from Mary-Jane's iconic catchphrase, "Face it, tiger, you just hit the jackpot!" Jackpot was an intentional mislead, meant to lead readers to believe that Mary-Jane had somehow taken up crimefighting. Created by Dan Slott and Phil Jiminez, there were two characters who wore the mantle of Jackpot - Sarah Ehret and Alana Jobson.
Sarah Ehret is a mother who gained her powers in an accident involving gene therapy at Oscorp. She took up crimefighting to protect her family, after which the Jackpot identity was purchased by Alana Jobson. Jobson unfortunately passed in the line of duty, causing Ehret to take up the mantle once again out of guilt.
What's interesting is that Jackpot was introduced shortly after Marvel's 'Civil War' event, which required superheroes to register their secret identities with the government. Spider-Man ultimately fought to oppose the law, meaning that he was on the run from the government around the time he met Jackpot. Given that Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is framed for murder in 'Spider-Man: Homecoming,' Spider-Man's status as an outlaw has now made its way to the films, as well.
Mark Guggenheim has written Jackpot before, in the pages of 'The Amazing Spider-Man.' He also has extensive experience writing, producing, and directing live-action superheroes for various Arrowverse episodes such as 'The Flash', 'Arrow,' and making his directorial debut on 'DC's Legends of Tomorrow.'