Open this photo in gallery This image released by Sony Pictures shows Zendaya, left, and Tom Holland in a scene from Spider-Man: Far From Home. JoJo Whilden/The Associated Press

Spider-Man, the popular web-slinging superhero currently played by actor Tom Holland, will headline a new movie in 2021 and appear in a future Marvel Studios film under a deal announced Friday by Sony Corp. and Walt Disney Co.

The agreement between the Hollywood studios was welcome news to fans who had feared that a corporate dispute would keep Spider-Man out of the blockbuster Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

“I am thrilled that Spidey’s journey in the MCU will continue,” Marvel Studios’ president Kevin Feige said in a statement.

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In August, Disney-owned Marvel Studios and Sony’s Sony Pictures were at an impasse over Spider-Man’s future. Sony owns the rights to the Marvel character under a long-standing arrangement, while Disney controls others such as Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain Marvel and Black Panther.

The news about the breakup had disappointed fans, who took to Twitter to start a campaign with hashtags “#SaveSpiderMan” and “#SaveSpidey.”

Under the new deal, Marvel Studios and its president, Mr. Feige, will produce a third film starring Mr. Holland that will be released on July 16, 2021, a statement from the companies said. Amy Pascal also will be a producer.

The most recent film in the series, June release Spider-Man: Far From Home, ranks as Sony Pictures’ highest-grossing film, fetching US$1.11-billion at global box offices.

Spider-Man also will appear in a future Marvel Studios film, the companies said.