Sony's Morbius was originally slated to be released in theatres in summer 2020 but has now been delayed for the third time. The highly anticipated Marvel vampire film, which stars Jared Leto in the title role, will now premiere on January 28 of 2022.
Morbius was directed by Daniel Espinosa (Safe House, Life) and is based on the Marvel Comics character with the same name. Morbius the Living Vampire/ Dr. Michael Morbius was created by writer Roy Thomas and penciler Gil Kane and first appeared in 1971’s The Amazing Spider-Man #101. The blood-thirsting antihero notably opposed Spider-Man, the Human Torch, and the original X-Men. Morbius is a pseudo-vampire who does not possess all the powers and weaknesses of a traditional supernatural vampire.
In 2017, Sony Pictures announced that a film adaption of Morbius was in the works. The character previously appeared in Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Ultimate Spider-Man vs. the Sinister Six, and a deleted scene from 1998’s Blade. Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless penned the upcoming film’s script, while Matt Tolmach, Avi Arad, and Lucas Foster are serving as producers. In addition to Leto as Michael Morbius, the cast includes Matt Smith as Loxias Crown and Tyrese Gibson. Michael Keaton is reprising his role as Adrian Toomes/Vulture in from Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Morbius will center on, Michael, a renowned scientist who attempts to cure himself of a rare blood disease by undergoing an experimental treatment that involves bat DNA. The experiment goes awry, as it causes the Nobel Prize-winning biologist to develop pseudo-vampiric abilities and physical traits. The now year-old Morbius trailer revealed that Leto’s Michael acquired superhuman strength and speed, as well as the ability to fight in pitch darkness. Smith’s Crown will reportedly be one of the villains in the film. The character is also a pseudo-vampire who has traits of both humans and bats.
After wrapping production in June of 2019, Morbius' release date been delayed numerous times due to the global pandemic. The film is in the same universe as Sony’s Spider-Man and Venom. Earlier this year, Venom: Let There Be Carnage was delayed to September 2021. The Venom sequel is being directed by Andy Serkis and will see Woody Harrelson star as Carnage, the villainous alter-ego of Cletus Kasady. Meanwhile, Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, and Reid Scott are reprising their roles from the original film.
Morbius and the Venom films are only a part of Sony's plans for its Universe of Marvel Characters. Other projects in various stages of development include a Kraven the Hunter film and a feature being directed by Olivia Wilde, which is rumored to be a Spider-Woman film.
Morbius is scheduled to be released in theatres on January 28, 2022.
Source: Gamesradar