Before the release of Sony and Marvel’s joint sequel, SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME, Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation have plans to release SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, and animated feature starring Mile Morales as the friendly neighborhood wall-crawler. Directed by Bob Persichetti (THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT), Peter Ramsey (RISE OF THE GUARDIANS) and 21 JUMP STREET producer Rodney Rothman, the film finds Miles Morales, an African American and Puerto Rican teen, crossing parallel dimensions and teaming up with other Spider-Men to stop a common threat to all reality as they know it.
As part of Sony's panel at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, the studio presented an in-depth look to those in attendance. Thankfully, our own Paul Shirey was there to gather all the news, and share it with you fine people via our official Twitter feed. I'll be collecting some of Paul's tweets throughout the showcase, and sharing them with you here. Let's get started, shall we?
First, Sony brought out their host for the panel, Jessica Ch. H., who introduced the filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller:
Next, those lucky enough to be seated at the panel were treated to an extended look at the film.
The upcoming animation boasts an ensemble cast of voice actors each set to portray new and classic Spidey-related characters. Hold onto your web fluid, True Believers, because we’re about to present one heck of an impressive list. Starring in the film as the voice of Miles Morales / Spider-Man is Shameik Moore; while Nicolas Cage is set to play Spider-Man Noir; Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy / Spider-Gwen; Jake Johnson as Peter Parker / Spider-Man; Liev Schreiber as The Kingpin; Lily Tomlin as Aunt May, among many others.
In taking a look at the footage we've already seen, fans of the web-head can tell right away that Sony Animation is looking to give the film a unique, almost Telltale Games sort of animation style. It’s a little jarring at first, though I must admit that it didn’t take me long to become completely on board with what the studio is cooking up. The action looks supremely intense, the colors fr Miles’ world are vibrant and playful, and I think it’s nice to see something quite different than your standard Disney, Pixar, or Illumination Entertainment fare. It’s not always easy to keep track of all the comic book-related films headed our way, though SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE looks to be seperating itself from the rest of the pack in more ways than one. With any luck, this will be the start of something truly exciting and long-lasting for animated superhero adventures up on the big screen. SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE arrives December 14th.