After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most.
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” swung into theaters in 2023, captivating audiences with its dazzling animation and thrilling superhero narrative. This American computer-animated superhero film is a sequel to the beloved “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018). Produced by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation in collaboration with Marvel Entertainment, the film is distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, it features a screenplay penned by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham. Notably, Lord and Miller also serve as producers alongside an esteemed ensemble cast.
Exploring the Multiverse:
At the heart of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” lies the concept of the Spider-Verse, a shared multiverse teeming with alternate universes. The film follows the journey of Miles Morales, voiced by Shameik Moore, reprising his role as Spider-Man. He embarks on a multiversal adventure, teaming up with Gwen Stacy, also known as Spider-Woman and voiced by Hailee Steinfeld. Together, they encounter a diverse group of Spider-People, collectively known as the Spider-Society. This ensemble, led by Miguel O’Hara, or Spider-Man 2099, confronts a new threat in the form of the enigmatic Spot.
A Sequel Born of Vision:
The inception of this sequel occurred even before the release of its predecessor, “Into the Spider-Verse,” with the creative team already on board. The central focus of the sequel is the evolving relationship between Miles and Gwen. Sony officially announced the sequel in November 2019, signaling its commitment to expanding the Spider-Verse universe. Animation work commenced in June 2020, promising a visual style distinct to each of the six universes visited by the characters.
Premiere and Reception:
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” made its grand debut at the Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on May 30, 2023. Its U.S. release followed on June 2, after a delay from the original April 2022 date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film, much like its predecessor, earned widespread critical acclaim. Critics lauded its stylized animation, visually stunning presentation, engaging storyline, dynamic action sequences, outstanding voice acting, memorable score, and well-crafted script.
Box Office Triumph:
The sequel swung into box office success, setting records and solidifying its status as one of the highest-grossing films of 2023. With a production budget of $100 million, the film soared to a global box office gross of $689.7 million. Notably, it surpassed its predecessor, “Into the Spider-Verse,” and emerged as the third highest-grossing film of the year in the United States.
A Multiverse Expanding:
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” has ignited excitement for what lies ahead in the Spider-Verse. Fans can anticipate the arrival of the third installment in the trilogy, titled “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” along with a female-focused spin-off film, “Spider-Woman,” both currently in development.
As this spectacular multiverse continues to expand, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” has undoubtedly webbed its place in the hearts of superhero enthusiasts worldwide.