The third installment of Sony's acclaimed animated 'Spider-Verse' franchise undergoes significant changes and a postponement as the studio is reportedly prioritizing the fourth live-action 'Spider-Man' movie.
- Sep 10, 2024
AceShowbiz - According to reports, Sony Pictures has scrapped most of the existing work on "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse" due to a creative overhaul. This has led to a likely delay in the film's release beyond 2027, as it will give the production team more time for development.
The delay is also driven by the proximity of the fourth live-action "Spider-Man" film, which is set to begin filming in early 2025. Sony is reportedly prioritizing the live-action project, which will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.
Animators have expressed relief over the additional time afforded by the delay, as they had reportedly faced poor working conditions during the production of "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" (2023).
Phil Lord and Chris Miller, producers of the "Spider-Verse" franchise, have emphasized their commitment to delivering a high-quality product, rather than meeting a specific release date.
Plot details for "Beyond the Spider-Verse" remain under wraps, but it is expected to address the cliffhanger ending of "Across the Spider-Verse", which left Miles Morales stranded in an alternate universe. Jake Johnson, who voices Peter B. Parker, has expressed confidence in the filmmakers' ability to produce an excellent film.
The "Spider-Verse" franchise has faced scrutiny in the past, with reports of "unsustainable working conditions" and clashes over budgets. However, despite these challenges, the first two films have been critical and commercial successes. "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" grossed $691 million worldwide on a $150 million budget and received rave reviews.