Tom Rothman on Sony’s ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Blockbuster Success, Being Outbid for ‘Obsession’ and More

Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman celebrated the runaway success of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" during an appearance at the Lumière Summit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, where he spoke with Variety about the film industry's stronger-than-expected summer. The picture has become 2026's highest-grossing release, a result Rothman attributed to its emotional, character-driven approach rather than spectacle alone, arguing it works as a relatable "super-person" story about loneliness and friendship rather than a conventional superhero blockbuster. Rothman framed the film's performance, alongside other hits, as evidence that predictions of cinema's decline have been overstated.

Since its 31 July release, the film has taken $2.4 billion worldwide, including $923 million in North America, with Rothman crediting star Tom Holland and the backing of Disney and Marvel. He also discussed missing out on horror hit "Obsession", which cost just $700,000 to make but has grossed nearly $510 million, after Universal's Focus Features outbid Sony by a few million dollars, reportedly paying $14 million for the rights; Rothman said the film disproved claims that young audiences avoid cinemas. He additionally praised Netflix's gamble on "K-Pop Demon Hunters", now the streamer's most-watched film ever, saying culturally specific stories tend to achieve universal appeal.