Even the animation industry wasn’t completely immune from the coronavirus-related shutdowns. But in the case of one highly-anticipated animated film, the clouds appear to be parting. Sony Imageworks Lead Animator Nick Kondo has revealed that today marks the start of production on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2. You can check out his announcement below.
First day on the job! pic.twitter.com/qfqcCAi9wF
— Nick Kondo 近藤 (@NickTyson) June 8, 2020
Currently, there isn’t much that can be said about the sequel’s plot, other than that it may develop the romance between Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld). The filmmakers originally intended to couple these characters in the original film, but this subplot didn’t make it into the final cut. It’s also unclear if any of the other heroes from the first film (including Jake Johnson’s Peter B. Parker and Nicolas Cage’s Spider-Man Noir) will return as well. Regardless, Sony definitely has big plans for its animated Spider-Verse. The studio is also planning a female-centric spinoff that will feature Gwen leading her own team of Spider-Women. Additionally, there are rumors that an animated TV series is in the works.
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Joaquim Dos Santos is directing Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2 from a script penned by Dave Callaham. Dos Santos is replacing the original movie’s team of Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman. Phil Lord and Chris Miller are also sticking with the franchise as executive producers.
Sony was originally planning to release Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2 on April 8, 2022. However, the COVID-19 pandemic recently caused the studio to delay the film to October 7, 2022.
Are you excited to hear that the sequel has begun production? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Spider-Man Noir: The Complete Collection