Across the Spider-Verse and Sequel Anxiety
It’s refreshing to say the most anticipated comic book film of the year isn’t in the MCU. Often, it feels like Marvel Studios have a stranglehold on the comic book media market, with films and series scattered throughout the year. However, they’ve got tough competition in 2023. The most exciting comic book film releasing this year is of course Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the long-awaited sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Combined with the release of Insomniac’s Spider-Man 2 PS5 game later this year, and pretty soon we’ll be asking “MCU? More like MC-who?” We’ll be well fed Spider-Man fans, but we’re not dining exclusively at the MCU table.
In case it wasn’t obvious from other articles I’ve written, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse means a lot to me. It’s not only one of my favourite comic book films, but also my favourite film of all time. I love Into the Spider-Verse more than I can adequately describe. I’ve watched it a ludicrous number of times and I’ve cried during every viewing. For me, it’s everything a film should be. It’s a glorious display of escapism and entertainment, but it also makes you think and feel on numerous levels, and the experience never diminishes upon revisiting. So, the prospect of a sequel causes a strange feeling, mixing nervousness and excitement. I want the sequel to be good, but I know that’s never guaranteed, and sequels invite complications.
It’s difficult to talk about this topic, because there’s no rule book on how to make a good sequel. Hollywood loves a sequel, which is why we have so many, but they’re an absolute minefield in terms of quality. The easiest route is to make more of the same thing, but that’s a recipe for disaster which tanks any lazy sequel. The mindset for a sequel shouldn’t be to offer the same experience or reuse the same tricks. The end goal should be to offer the audience a new experience, to tell a new story, and illicit a reaction of thoughts and feelings which is different from how we responded to the original. It’s not just a step forward, it’s also a step slightly to the side. Making a good sequel is easier said than done, but it is possible.
There’s always going to be an element of doubt when a sequel is looming, but I’m remaining optimistic. It’s important to keep in mind, these are some of the creators who gave us Into the Spider-Verse. They’ve already given us plenty of reasons to trust them. In fact, some of the strengths of Into the Spider-Verse provide an insight into what could help make Across the Spider-Verse a worthy sequel and damn good standalone film.
1. Outstanding visuals
The visual language of Into the Spider-Verse was incredible, offering an experience you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a testament to just how spectacular Into the Spider-Verse was, because it felt completely new. I grew up watching classic Disney films, and I was a kid during the boom of Pixar, Dreamworks and other studios, making animation an art form which I treasure. Keeping this in mind, Into the Spider-Verse was special because I couldn’t compare it to anything I’d seen before. It doesn’t have a set style, but dabbles in multiple styles and adapts like a chameleon. The combination of 3D animation and 2D panel structure, the incorporation of comic book storytelling through thought balloons and dialogue boxes, the different colour palettes and details which are specific to the characters and their respective universes. It was so beautifully creative and felt like familiar mediums merged to create something totally new and captivating.
More importantly, Into the Spider-Verse makes great use of comic book language, in a way which absolutely fits the story, tone and characters. It never feels forced or out of place. As a point of comparison, I’ve always found the comic book panelling in Ang Li’s Hulk to be distracting and hollow. Even though Hulk is explicitly a comic book film, the use of comic book panelling isn’t a natural fit. If Across the Spider-Verse continues to use comic book elements in such a vibrant and satisfying way, whilst taking the overall visuals to the next level, then we’re in for a treat.
2. Fantastic writing
One of the most important aspects of any film. Regardless of anything else, the characters and story need to be engaging. Into the Spider-Verse has a fun and exciting story, but it’s also brilliantly character-driven.
Miles Morales’s story is told perfectly. It’s so much more than a superhero origin or a multiverse film. It’s not even just a story about Miles Morales becoming Spider-Man. If you dig into the layers of this film, it’s a coming of age story, which is more about Miles than Spider-Man. Take away the radioactive spider and the web shooters, because at its very core this is a story about Miles discovering who is as a person, who he wants to be, and who he needs to be. But as we all know, life isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey. Across the Spider-Verse is set to continue Miles’s journey, so the prospect of him facing more challenges and learning new lessons is incredibly exciting.
While Into the Spider-Verse is absolutely a Miles Morales film, every character is going on their own journey. Everyone is fleshed out, to the point where even Kingpin’s arc as the villain is tragic and emotional. Arguably the secondary protagonist is Peter B. Parker. There’s an interesting parallel drawn between Miles as the new Spider-Man who is finding his way in the world, and the older Peter B. Parker who is the veteran Spider-Man looking for redemption and a new lease of life. They’re both directionless in different ways, and through their friendship they lift each other to new heights and reinforce the values and purpose of Spider-Man. All of the characters have interesting arcs, but the pairing of Miles and Peter B. Parker makes this really special. I have no doubt Across the Spider-Verse will continue to deliver three dimensional characters, and I’m hoping we’ll see much more of Spider-Gwen’s story this time around.
3. Overwhelming fun
Forget any desire to over-analyse and discuss the deeper meanings, this film was unbelievably fun. It has a fantastic sense of adventure, a stunning way of executing comic book action, and a sense of humour which is above and beyond the quality of most straight-up comedy films. It was exactly the kind of playful film fans needed in an increasingly saturated market. It appears Across the Spider-Verse is going one step further in terms of whacky multiverse shenanigans, so fingers crossed they keep the same spark!
4. Brilliant casting
Into the Spider-Verse not only boasts an awesome range of characters, but it utilised some seriously talented actors to bring those characters to life. Among others, we saw Shameik Moore as Miles Morales, Hailee Steinfeld as Spider-Gwen, Jake Johnson as Peter B. Parker, Nicolas Cage as Spider-Man Noir, Mahershala Ali as Uncle Aaron / The Prowler, and Liev Schreiber as Kingpin. Many of the same actors are returning, which will be fantastic, but we’ve also got some fresh faces along for the ride:
- Jason Schwartzman as The Spot
- Daniel Kaluuya as Spider-Punk
- Karan Soni as Pavitr Prabhakar
- Issa Rae as Spider-Woman
- Oscar Isaac as Miguel O’Hara, AKA Spider-Man 2099
- Andy Samberg as Ben Reilly’s Spider-Man. That’s right, we’ve got Andy freaking Samberg as Scarlet Spider - what a time to be alive folks!
Based on the cast alone, you’ve got your value for the cinema ticket. The fact they’re lending their talents to bring fascinating and exciting characters to life is even better. The performances from Into the Spider-Verse were some of the best I’ve experienced (like Liev Schreiber’s Kingpin), so I’m hopeful we’ve got even more to look forward to.
5. A celebration of Spider-Man
One thing I love about Into the Spider-Verse is it doesn’t celebrate just one type of hero. And while it is a celebration of Spider-Man, it’s not a celebration exclusively of Peter Parker’s Spider-Man. That would be reductive. Instead, this is a celebration of Spider-Man as a concept, the concept Stan Lee first put forward when he made the character, and the values he baked into the idea of Spider-Man.
I’m aware there are folks who believe Peter Parker is the Spider-Man, reducing other characters to just alternate versions of Spider-Man. I don’t pay attention to those people, because they’ve quite clearly misunderstood the concept of Spider-Man. There is no ‘one true’ Spider-Man, they’re all valid. Anyone can wear the mask. Into the Spider-Verse not only understands that principle, but it celebrates it. Differences like gender, skin colour and national identity are displayed with pride, and characters can express who they truly are. With Spider-Woman, Miguel O’Hara and Pavitr Prabhakar joining the roster (among others), Across the Spider-Verse looks set to continue this celebration of Spider-Man, identity and individuality.
The criteria listed above is by no means a definitive list of everything which made Into the Spider-Verse fantastic, but it gives a rough blueprint of some key factors. If Across the Spider-Verse can tap into those areas, maintain the same quality and add a twist which makes the film different, then we’re in safe hands. I know that’s easier said than done, but I trust the creators. I trust them to take us on another unique adventure, and I trust them to tell the story they’ve constructed. It’s their vision, they know how to execute it better than anyone else. Our job as the audience is to trust them, and tag along for whatever journey they want to take us on.
The point of writing this article wasn’t to be negative about sequels, because it’s unfair to paint every sequel with the same brush. There are numerous examples to be found when looking for sequels which match or exceed the original. People look to The Godfather Part II or Empire Strikes Back, which are excellent choices. However, there’s one film which gives me hope. One film which reassures me the beauty of a fantastic first instalment can not only be replicated, but taken to the next level. Paddington 2. They managed to take one of the greatest films I’ve ever seen, and make a sequel which is somehow even better. It’s definitive proof that modern day magic exists, and you’re a muggle if you think otherwise.
Regardless of how Across the Spider-Verse turns out, there’s two things to bear in mind. Firstly, we’ll still have the first film. Nothing that happens in a sequel will take anything away from Into the Spider-Verse. Second, it’s a great time to be a Spider-Man fan. We’re living in a world where the Spider-Man mythos thrives in comic books, live action films, animated films, animated TV shows and video games. The Spider-Man party only ends when fans lose their passion. Which I can’t see happening, as long as creators across mediums are telling new and exciting stories, keeping the colourful plethora of Spider-Man related heroes, villains and side characters alive in our heads and our hearts.
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