Spider-Man is one of the strongest superhero brands, whether in comic books or on the big screen. That’s due to several factors, one of which is that he’s a friendly neighborhood hero, which few others can claim. He also has a rogues gallery that is second only to Batman’s familiar clique of criminals.

Over the years, we’ve seen some of the best Spidey baddies on the big screen, with the likes of Doctor Octopus, the Green Goblin and the Vulture making trouble for the hero. SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME even turns to some of his smaller foes, creating loose interpretations of Molten Man, Hydro-Man and Sandman, as the Elementals.

For years, there have been hints and rumors that Marvel and Sony could be setting up something a lot more exciting: a Sinister Six film, in which half a dozen of Spider-Man’s most dangerous foes unite in a concerted attack upon the wall-crawler. Let’s explore the idea of that happening under Marvel’s watch.

An Evil Team

[Credit: Marvel Comics]

In the comics, the Sinister Six were introduced back in 1964 (as seen above), and they’ve gone through a few different incarnations over the years. The Six are typically led by Doctor Octopus or the Green Goblin, with other frequent members including Mysterio, the Vulture and Kraven the Hunter.

Sony first explored the idea of a Sinister Six movie back in 2014, planning to spin it off from THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2. That’s why Rhino, played by Paul Giamatti, had a small part in the movie. Those plans fell through; instead, the Spider-Man franchise was rebooted as part of the MCU.

Calling the Six …

[Credit: Sony Pictures]

Even before Andrew Garfield suited up for his two movies, original SPIDER-MAN director Sam Raimi drafted ideas for his own SPIDER-MAN 4. That film was never made, but both SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING and SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME appear to have loosely developed ideas from his concept, which planned to include both the Vulture and Mysterio.

If we know the details of those old plans, Marvel certainly does — and the company seems to be drawing on those concepts, albeit with a Marvel Studios twist. Meanwhile, fans have also noticed that recent films have established a number of other villains associated with the Sinister Six: Shocker, the Scorpion and the Prowler. Some rumors even suggest that SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME could introduce the MCU’s version of the Green Goblin or at least contain a nod to him. If it does, five members of the Sinister Six will be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

… Just Not Quite Yet

[Credit: Sony Pictures / Marvel Studios]

Marvel is known for playing the long game when it comes to setting up characters. In this case, however, producers insist they’re taking things one step at a time and that the Six aren’t yet ready to unite. In a recent interview with Screen Rant, producer Eric Carroll explained that they don’t really have this kind of long-term plan for the Spider-Man films, perhaps in part due to Marvel’s unique deal with Sony.

“Right now, I think everyone thinks we’re dodging these questions,” he admitted, “but we kind of take these movies one at a time. If we have that right idea, I think that’s something audiences would love for sure. I do think it’s something people have been wanting for a long time. So, I can’t imagine it’s not somebody’s dream project? But it’s not something we’re specifically building to at the moment.”

The key phrase, of course, is “at the moment.” Tom Holland has stressed that he wants to keep playing Spider-Man for years to come. If the Spidey-sharing deal between Marvel and Sony continues, there are already almost enough characters in play to do a Sinister Six movie. It may be only a matter of time before Marvel and Sony decide they want to call the evil team to the field.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME opens on July 2.