A few weeks ago, it was being reported that Sony was planning to expand The Amazing Spider-Man universe on screen by developing a series of spin-off films based on characters other than Spider-Man himself. At the time, we were all wondering what other characters they could possibly draw from since Spider-Man doesn’t have a ton of allies that are specific to him. A Venom solo film seemed to be the only obvious choice, and in fact, had already been previously announced. Now this week Sony has officially unveiled plans for a Venom film as well as a villain-centric spin-off called The Sinister Six, which will be separate from The Amazing Spider-Man 3. Hit the jump to see the team of writers and directors who will make this a reality.

According to a press release from Sony, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner, Ed Solomon and Drew Goddard will all be involved in these new projects in collaboration with Marc Webb and producers Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach. Kurtzman and Orci are, of course, best known for writing the Transformers and Star Trek movies, while Jeff Pinkner was a writer and producer on Lost, Alias and Fringe. Ed Solomon wrote Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Men in Black while Drew Goddard directed The Cabin in the Woods and wrote Cloverfield. Here is how the upcoming movies will break down:

• The Amazing Spider-Man 3 will be written by Kurtzman & Orci & Pinkner and directed by Marc Webb (they hope)
• Venom will be written by Kurtzman & Orci & Solomon and directed by Alex Kurtzman
• The Sinister Six will be written by Drew Goddard with an eye to direct as well

So I guess Chronicle director Josh Trank is no longer involved in the Venom movie. It’s worth noting that Drew Goddard is also currently writing the upcoming Daredevil series for Marvel and Netflix. It can’t be a coincidence that most of these people have spent a lot of time collaborating with J.J. Abrams… it seems like Sony is hoping Abrams’ success will rub off without actually having his name on it.

The main question being asked at this point is why would Sony give The Sinister Six their own movie? Will the movie be told from the point of view of the villains? It almost seems like they’re trying to make it their version of The Avengers, but if they think this can compete with what Marvel, Warner Brothers and Fox have brewing, they are sadly mistaken. Are you looking forward to seeing Venom and The Sinister Six on the big screen?