Maybe it wasn't such a good idea for Sony Pictures to venture into the Spider-Verse because they appear to be stuck, lost, or worse yet, can't find directions toward a release date for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Can someone please get them a GPS or something?!
Initially slated for March 2024, there have been repeated delays and bad news from Sony related to the Spider-Verse. (What's new, right?) Unfortunately, the SAG-AFTRA strike delays affected that original date. Then, last September, fans were told that Beyond the Spider-Verse may not be released until 2027, citing a traffic jam of Spider properties on the calendar. Also, insider Jeff Sneider reported, "Sony scrapped most of Beyond the Spider-Verse for creative reasons.
Now, we have another update from Jharrel Jerome, the voice behind the Spider-Verse's patriarch, Miles G. Morales. He was interviewed by Decider about his new emotional triumph movie, Unstoppable. Following his chat about the film and co-star Jennifer Lopez, the question came about production on the third installment in the beloved animated franchise, and the answer kicked us all in the Spidey senses.
"No, I wish. We haven’t started up yet. A lot of things being figured out, but good things."
That's it. End of quote. And it spoke volumes.
Is there a hole in the Spider-Verse?
Remember last December? Santa gave us all a gift when Sony Animation told us the directorial duo of Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson were returning to helm Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
News from the #SpiderVerse. Please join us in welcoming back your friendly neighborhood filmmakers, Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson, who will serve as the directing team behind Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. pic.twitter.com/aXzMGEZPOR
— Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (@SpiderVerse) December 17, 2024
Finally, this mesmerizing and revolutionary animated saga had some direction. It's time to add to the Oscars and acclaim. Launch the spider confetti. LFG! Right? Welp, that didn't last long.
Are we back to 2027? Is it going to take longer? The previous two films are nothing short of remarkable animation. In short, that premium content takes a while to develop. If Jerome is correct and those two have not "started up yet," then we need to stop holding our collective breath.
Maybe Sony thinks we won't notice since we have the new Disney+ breakthrough, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man? (Not for nothing, but our Michael Patterson calls it "spectacular in every way.") Perhaps the thought is fans are so web-headed delirious about Spider-Man 4 that these Spider-Verse delays and hijinks won't be as tragic of news.
Writer and Spider-Verse producer Christopher Miller is trying to squash the misery on Xwitter.
Nothing has been scrapped. The reels are coming along nicely.
— Christopher Miller (@chrizmillr) September 10, 2024
Yet, Sony Pictures or Sony Animation hasn't said a word to debunk a single rumor. Whatever the cause, this is sad news because Into the Spider-Verse was a fantastic first step into what could be. Across the Spider-Verse multiplied all expectations and surpassed them. Now, Beyond the Spider-Verse may not have even started.
The hope was that Sony could capitalize on the momentum of the previous two installments and get the ball rolling on the third outing (and after the issues with its live-action Spider-Verse, these wins are more than necessary), but the film just seems to keep encountering delays. If things don't pick up soon, fans may be just through with the Spider-Verse.