Annecy 2022: Across the Spider-Verse – First Look
Fresh from the packed Bonlieu theatre here at Annecy, Sony Pictures Animation have just treated audiences to a plethora of reveals, surprises and mind boggling footage from their upcoming feature Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
After a video intro from Producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson took to the stage to share a behind the scenes look of the film.
The big reveals off the top were that six new worlds will be explored across the sequel and that over 240 brand new characters will be introduced between this and the next film (Beyond the Spider-Verse). The directors also promised a bigger and more visually stunning scope than the previous film and, in spite of the boosted cast list, these films will still focus on the story of Miles Morales.
Buoyed by the promise of a visual feast, the audience members were ready to see the first clip from the film which focused on Gwen Stacy and her dad.
Entering Gwen’s universe, we were greeted by a spectacular fuchsia palette and an incredible, moving watercolour world which reflects the emotions of the film; bright and breezy when it needs to be and foreboding and broody when it has to be.
We meet Gwen’s dad, unaware that his daughter is the Spider-Woman of his universe. The decorated and hard-working Captain Stacy is on a mission to capture the hero, who he believes is responsible for the murder of their universe’s Peter Parker.
Cut to the Guggenheim where the Vulture has appeared and is causing havoc. The building is surrounded when Gwen wraps the cops up in webbing before heading inside to confront the villain. To her surprise The Vulture is not one she is familiar with, coming from a universe with a Da Vinci twist. The menacing monster stands out in Gwen’s universe as the parchment and ink scratchy drawing and steampunk contraption wings, claws and bombs taunt Gwen and she webs her way around the building. When the Vulture has the upper hand and it looks like her time is up (as the most exciting comic books movies are known for doing) a portal opens and reveals a new Spider-Man; Miguel O’Hara – Spider-Man 2099, voiced by Oscar Isaac.
With laser webs, wings, a nano-tech suit and claws of his own, O’Hara adds into the fray in an awesome display of his abilities. As with all characters in these films, O’Hara has been uniquely designed with the help of original artist Rick Leonardi who joined the animation team to ensure that the original hand of the artist has been translated for the big screen. The dramatic and violent edge of the character caused him to be referred to by the animation team as ‘property damage Spider-Man’
With excitement reaching fever pitch, O’Hara calls for backup in the shape of Spider-Woman Jessica Drew (voiced by Issa Rae), a motor bike riding, heavily pregnant version of the character who helps Gwen and Miguel put an end to The Vultures schemes and who is promised to be a mentor of sorts to Gwen throughout the film.
With the exhausting battle against The Vulture taken care of, Gwen retires to a quiet spot where she is confronted by her father. After an emotional stand off she is faced with a dilemma – should she stay, or should she enter the multi-verse with Miguel and Jessica?
With hands raw from clapping we are reminded of the core of the story – Miles Morales. Older, wiser and a little taller than in the first film, the design team have updated his suit and model to reflect a 15-year-old version of the character who has to juggle home life, school, saving the city and keeping his superhero identity a secret.
Across the Spider-Verse (Sony Pictures Animation)
The second clip shared with the packed theatre showcased the comedic interaction between Miles and his parents, as a late Miles arrives after a frantic change to the office of guidance counselor Mrs Weber (who I get the impression might be more than she seems).
The final reveal of the film was the main villain of the movie, who is something of a deep cut for Spider-Man fans. The Spot (yes, The Spot) will be causing menacing mischief for our heroes in this film. As with every other aspect of this film the character’s design reflects their emotions and intent, and this is no different for The Spot, who progresses through the film from a comic foil to a staggering behemoth who threatens the existence of the multiverse.
The design team have done something special here, using the villain’s abilities to project through portals they create and their progression through the film to go from a rough drawing of blue pencil lines and a loose shadow ink wash through to a more completed, monstrous threat.
Across the Spider-Verse (Sony Pictures Animation)
Across the Spider-Verse will no doubt prove to be another success for Sony Pictures Animation when it arrives in 2023 and that is in no small part to the artistry we have seen on screen today. the techniques, designs and innovations that have been shared make a film as triumphant and lauded as The Mitchells Vs. the Machines look basic.
The auditorium at Annecy was thoroughly delighted by what they saw and no doubt audiences will be too when Across the Spider-Verse is released next year.