Even though "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" was considered a financial success, negative reviews from fans as well as critics labelled the film as a critical failure. One of the major reasons why fans reacted negatively was because the filmmakers killed off Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), which was reason enough for Sony to be reluctant to produce a sequel. 

However, rumor has it now that "The Amazing Spider-Man 3" will not be spearheaded by Sony and that Marvel Studios will be taking over the franchise from the company. While the parties are reportedly in talks to reach an amicable agreement, neither one of them have commented on the situation so far.

Initially, after releasing the second installment, Sony's next objective was to release the movie's sequel by 2016, followed by "The Amazing Spider-Man 4" in 2018. However, as stated earlier, negative feedback targeted at the film forced the company to a corner and, as a result, pushed back the project by a huge margin.

Instead, other projects will precede the showing of the next Spidey flick. According to Screenrant, the film "Sinister Six," which involves a team of super-villains in the Spider-Man story line, is expected to be released on Nov. 11, 2016. The website reported that Paul Giamatti and Dane DeHaan have already signed on for the project, while others such as Felicity Jones and Jamie Foxx are also rumored to join the cast. 

Another spinoff film, which is being called "Venom Carnage," is expected to hit theaters in 2017, and will follow Eddie Brock's and serial killer Cletus Kasady's storyline.

And while Gwen Stacy was killed in "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," there is a high probability that its sequel, which is now slated for a 2018 release, will be bringing back the character.

These, of course, are simply rumors which could be refuted at any part of the year. Sony and Marvel have yet to comment on the fate of the "Spider-Man" franchise, and whether or not it will be released earlier than 2018.