Yes, this is for real!Marvel and Sony have announced a partnership that will officially bring Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe

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The deal calls for “the new Spider-Man” (as the press release describes him) to first appear in an upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film – though which film that will be is not named. Spider-Man will then star in his own new film, released by Sony, opening July 28th, 2017, which will be produced by Amy Pascal and Marvel’s Kevin Feige.The press release notes that Feige and Pascal “will collaborate on a new creative direction for the web slinger.” Sony Pictures will continue to finance, distribute, own and have final creative control of the Spider-Man films, though Feige’s involvement as a producer seems to indicate Marvel is heavily involved in the series now.Fans will also be happy to hear that Marvel and Sony “are also exploring opportunities to integrate characters from the MCU into future Spider-Man films,” which would indicate when Spider-Man gets his own solo films again, he’ll still likely be able to interact with MCU characters he’ll be seen with in the Marvel/Disney-distributed films.During the Sony hacks late last year, leaked emails revealed conversations between Marvel and Sony about this possibility that ultimately didn’t come to fruition. At the time, it was said the plan was for Spider-Man to be introduced into the MCU in Captain America: Civil War. That film will begin production soon, so it remains to be seen if Spider-Man will be included there or if his debut is saved for a different MCU film.The announcement and Pascal’s involvement comes in the same week it was revealed she would be stepping down from her co-chairman position, in the wake of those hacks.In the press release, Feige praises Pascal, stating, "I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie. Amy has been deeply involved in the realization on film of one of the world’s most beloved characters. Marvel's involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years."For those wondering if there’s any possibility of a different person – say Miles Morales – behind the Spider-Man mask this time, Sony’s Doug Belgrad’s statement puts an end to that speculation. Says Belgrad, "Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios share a love for the characters in the Spider-Man universe and have a long, successful history of working together. This new level of collaboration is the perfect way to take Peter Parker's story into the future.”Says Sony’s Michael Lynton, of the long hoped-for deal, “This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans."

Eric Goldman is Executive Editor of IGN TV. You can follow him on Twitter at @EricIGN , IGN at ericgoldman-ign and Facebook at Facebook.com/TheEricGoldman