It happens every year. Right as winter rolls in, theaters get jam packed with award season offerings. At the same time there are a few action and family oriented pictures vying for attention. This year there’s a film we couldn’t be more excited about, that ticks both of those last 2 boxes. We’re talking, of course, about Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. Sony’s other web-slinging (and hopefully less annoying) movie places a focus on the multi-world structure that exists within the fabric of Marvel comics. Ok, that sounds a bit heady, but trust us, the new trailer does a good job making sense of it, as well as fully introducing the myriad of characters to grace the screen.
Clean and concise. Perfect. Now, there’s some fun new footage in there as well, but the main attraction are the side characters from throughout Marvel’s many alternate universes. And thankfully, to go along with that new clip, we have several character posters.
First up is Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), the lead of the film. Head-strong, green and wearing his trademark sneakers, he’s the Spider-Man for a new generation. He’s also the main web-slinger where the movie’s set, after Peter Parker unfortunately dies. Yet that doesn’t mean the movie will be without everyone’s favorite wall crawler. Speaking of…
This is as close as the film will get to the tradition Peter Parker (Jake Johnson) most people have seen before in Sam Raimi’s trilogy. His introduction even includes some variations on moments from those films (save for punching the taxi. In costume). Serving as a psuedo-mentor for Miles, he seems to be a key component in the film. From here on out is where things get both very exciting and rather weird.
That’s Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn) and the trusty mech suit she pilots, sp//dr. Penny hails from a world that, in the comics, is manga or anime inspired. There her suit looks more inline with the EVAs from Neon Genesis Evangelion. In Into The Spider-Verse, it seems to be changed to have a more simple robotic appearance. Which is understandable.
As we said, things get weird and nothing is weirder than Peter Porker. Yes, you read that right. Spider-Ham is actually a long standing character in the Marvel Universe. As in, he made his first appearance in 1983. Voiced by John Mulaney and animated as if he stepped out of a Chuck Jones cartoon, he’s primed to the be most popular variation here. If only it weren’t for the involvement of the next character.
Spider-Man Noir is darker take on Peter Parker. Existing in a world where it’s apparently always in the midst of The Great Depression, this Spider-Man wages his war against crime, sometimes using guns. But that’s not what’s important. What most people should know, is that he’s voiced by Nicolas Cage. This isn’t the first time the Oscar winner has provided his voice to an animated superhero movie. That was earlier this year with Teen Titans Go! To The Movies!
Last, but certainly not least is Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld). On her world, it was she, not Peter Parker who was bit by the radioactive spider. She’s Arguably the most popular character here, outside of Miles Morales. Her inclusion means she’s primed to blow up, even bigger. Should Into The Spider-Verse prove to be successful, don’t be surprised if she gets her own animated feature. In a just world, that would happen regardless.
These characters previously teamed-up together in the comics, back in 2014, in an event called Spider-Verse. Obviously where the film gets its title from. Since Marvel is one for savvy marketing, Into The Spider-Verse will be hitting theaters just as the characters are again teaming up for another Spider-riffic crossover. The so named Spider-Geddon limited series is currently underway and the final issue, #5 will go on sale, just days after this movie comes out. What bearing does it have on the plot? None really, but if you enjoy the characters, it’ll be a fun way to catch up on their adventures. Marevel would greatly appreciate it too. Plus, there’s a good chance Sony pumps out a couple of these films, giving you an idea of what to expect from future installments.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse swings into theaters on December 14th. Set your expectation levels high, as this looks like loads of fun.
