Activision webs up Spider-Man movie rights through 2017

While director Sam Raimi's Spider-Man series of movies is only scheduled through 2007's Spider-Man 3, it's a safe assumption that Sony Pictures will extend the property beyond that. How safe? Activision today announced that it has secured the rights to make games based on subsequent Spider-Man sequels or new TV shows through 2017. The company made games based on the first two films, and was already the rights holder for games based on Spider-Man 3.

Activision adds the long-term Spidey film rights to its mix of mighty Marvel properties. Earlier this month, word arrived that Activision secured the licenses to create games based on the X-Men and Spider-Man comics, also through 2017. The most recent Spider-Man game, the multiplatform Ultimate Spider-Man, was based on the comic books rather than the films.

"Given their performance and long-term commitment to the franchise, as well as their creative excellence, Activision is the ideal partner for movie-based Spider-Man games, a business that complements our recent extension of their interactive license for 'classic' Spider-Man," said Tim Rothwell, worldwide president of Marvel Entertainment's consumer media group.

Activision has made superhero games a regular fixture in its product lineup. In addition to games featuring Spider-Man and the X-Men, the company has created games based on the Fantastic Four and Iron Man properties in recent years.