Hold onto your webs, Spidey fans! The electrifying Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has dropped, and it’s a treasure trove of tantalizing Easter eggs, unexpected cameos, and vital story hints that could easily slip past even the sharpest of spider senses. As the hotly-anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning animated sensation, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this latest installment promises to soar to even greater heights, with numerous changes and twists since we last joined our favorite web-slinger on the big screen.
But wait, there’s more! The movie unveils a staggering array of Spider-Man variations, formidable new villains, and countless other captivating details that might elude the casual viewer. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the exhilarating world of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and uncover the hidden gems within!
J.K. Simmons Reprises His Role as J. Jonah Jameson
J.K. Simmons’ portrayal of J. Jonah Jameson is as inevitable as death and taxes. He is the quintessential voice of The Daily Bugle’s boss across multiple universes featuring Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), even in the LEGO version!
This is a carryover from Simmons’ previous role as Jameson in Tobey Maguire’s and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man movies. Indeed, no one else can demand Spider-Man pictures with such gusto.
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Receives a Mention from Miguel O’Hara
In Across the Spider-Verse, Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac) battles against a Renaissance-era Vulture (Jorma Taccone) while gripping the multiverse’s turmoil. “Don’t even get me started on Doctor Strange and that little nerd back on Earth-199999,” he exclaims.
Earth-199999 refers to the MCU, where Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Peter Parker (Tom Holland) tampered with the multiverse in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Even though he isn’t present in this film, Tom Holland’s Spider-Man still becomes the butt of a nerdy joke. Tough luck.
The Spot Encounters a Friend of Venom
During The Spot’s (Jason Schwartzman) first multiverse trip, he visits Earth-688, the home of Venom and Morbius. He stops by Mrs. Chen’s (Peggy Lu) convenience store and picks up a packet of mints, aptly named “Venomints,” establishing the crossover. Spot is surprised at Mrs. Chen’s nonchalant reaction to his appearance. Still, she’s used to Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and Venom’s antics, even playing host to Venom herself. A random villain doesn’t faze her.
While journeying through the multiverse, Spot also ends up in a LEGO Spider-Man universe — a nod to Spider-Man’s inclusion in the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes games and Spider-Verse producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s LEGO Movie.
It’s Morbin’ Time — But Make it Subtle
While Venom receives a more overt reference in Across the Spider-Verse, Sony’s Morbius gets a quick mention. Gwen informs Miles that Miguel O’Hara is a vampire Spider-Man but remains one of the good guys. Miles retorts, “A vampire good guy? I’d pay good money to see that.”
Sadly, not many people shared his sentiment. Sony’s attempt to portray Morbius as a ‘good guy vampire’ flopped at the box office in 2022. Sorry, Miles.
The Iconic Spider-Man Upside-down Kiss
Just before their departure to Mumbattan, Miles, and Gwen nearly replicate the famous upside-down kiss from Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, shared by Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) and MJ (Kirsten Dunst).
However, in a bittersweet Spider-Verse twist, Gwen looks through a hole in Spot’s damaged apartment towards Miles’s home, believing she won’t see him again. Unbeknownst to her, he’s hanging upside down right before her, completely invisible. Here’s hoping for a favorable outcome for these star-crossed youngsters.
A Collection of Spider-Verse Villains
Remember Donald Glover as Aaron Davis, the Prowler, or Miles’s uncle in Spider-Man: Homecoming? And remember how we never saw him as the Prowler again? Thankfully, we catch a glimpse of Glover’s Prowler in Across The Spider-Verse, as Gwen escorts Miles through a display of captured Spider-Man villains from various multiverses. Here, we see Glover in a live-action Prowler suit, offering a fun, albeit brief, reminder of his underutilized potential in the MCU. Hopefully, we’ll see him return in live-action, possibly alongside his nephew.
This sequence also includes other intriguing villains such as Kraven the Hunter, Typeface, and a few versions of Mysterio. There’s also a “boring rhino,” which is just an ordinary rhino instead of the villainous Rhino character. Let’s hope it finds its way home safely!
A Video Game Spider-Man
The scene introducing Glover’s Prowler also provides a glimpse of a Spider-Man from a video game. As Miguel’s holographic aide Lyla (Greta Lee), educates Miles about the various villains they’ve captured, including some “video game guys,” a confused Spider-Man appears amongst them.
He’s labeled as “Insomniac Spider-Man,” which isn’t a nod to a sleep-deprived Spidey but a tribute to video game developer Insomniac Games, creators of Marvel’s Spider-Man.
Too Many Spider-Men to Count
Miles’s stay in Nueva York is one enormous Easter egg as he meets a seemingly endless array of Spider-People. This includes Web-Slinger, a cowboy Spider-Man from the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series; Peter Parkedcar, an intelligent Spider-Mobile from the Amazing Spider-Man comics; and Sun-Spider, a Spidey with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which uses mobility aids like crutches and a wheelchair.
Sun-Spider is a Spidersona created by Dayn Broder, later appearing in the Spider-Verse comics. These are just a few examples of the many characters populating the “Spidey Society,” so watch for more!
Appearance by Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man
The crossovers from live-action films persist with Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man appearing. Garfield surfaces when Miguel elucidates the importance of canon events – the incidents that link every Spider-Man narrative.
One of these events is the demise of a police captain close to Spider-Man, illustrated by a scene from The Amazing Spider-Man where Peter weeps over Chief Stacy’s (Denis Leary) body.
Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man
Spider-Man: No Way Home is not the only movie featuring Garfield and Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Men. Maguire’s version also appears when explaining canon events, showing mourning his Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson).
Like Garfield’s cameo, this moment repurposes footage from an earlier Spider-Man film. In the canon event related to Spider-Man and MJ’s romance, you can also spot an image of Maguire’s Spider-Man infamous upside-down kiss with MJ.
We Also Get a Cameo from a Guest
As Miles grapples with the upcoming canon event of his father, Jeff’s (Brian Tyree Henry) death, another familiar Spider-Man arrives to guide him through the process. This is Peter Parker from the animated series Spectacular Spider-Man, voiced by the original actor, Josh Keaton, in Across the Spider-Verse.
There are glimpses of various animated Spider-Men during the canon events segment and as part of the backdrop in Nueva York. Still, this particular moment stands out as a clear homage to the show.
Keep Your Ears Open for this Auditory Cameo
In a tense sequence, Miles is pursued by his Spider-Men counterparts. During this chase, he passes by the incarcerated Doc Ock, who delivers an eerily recognizable line: “Hello, Peter.” This moment is so distinctive because it’s not just any voice uttering these words. This voice belongs to Alfred Molina, who memorably portrayed Doc Ock. This brief snippet is a clever nod to Molina’s performance in Spider-Man 2, and notably, it is the same line that sent shockwaves through audiences when it premiered in the Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer.
This subtle incorporation of Molina’s voice brings a sense of nostalgia for longtime Spider-Man fans. It underlines the interconnectedness of the Spider-Man multiverse. This surprising auditory cameo serves as an Easter egg, reinforcing the sprawling multiverse concept encompassing the entire Spider-Man franchise. It also reminds us of the rich history and shared experiences that link these disparate Spider-Men narratives, adding a deeper layer of intrigue and engagement for the audience.
Some Familiar Spider-friends Pop By at the End
Across the Spider-Verse concludes with a monumental cliffhanger: Miles finds himself in a foreign universe, caught in the grips of the Prowler, with Miguel on a determined pursuit. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the multiverse, Gwen rallies a team to rescue Miles, composed of Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson), Pavitr Prabhakar (Karan Soni), and Hobie “Spider-Punk” Brown (Daniel Kaluuya).
This team also includes some beloved characters from Into The Spider-Verse, such as Spider-Ham (John Mulaney), Spider-Man Noir (Nicolas Cage), and Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn), who briefly pops up earlier in the film. Despite their limited roles in Across The Spider-Verse, it’s delightful to see them return — and we can hopefully anticipate a significant resurgence of these characters in the upcoming film, Beyond The Spider-Verse.
Arachnid Crusader: No Way Back
Initiating our discourse with the unmistakably explicit mention, Arachnid Crusader 2099 (Oscar Isaac) alludes to the events of Arachnid Crusader: No Way Back, particularly the involvement of “Doctor Strange and the diminutive geek on Earth-19999.”
In this Marvel Cinematic Universe production, Benedict Cumberbatch’s mystical virtuoso and Spidey inadvertently instigate an influx of individuals acquainted with Arachnid Crusader’s persona into Marvel Studios’ cosmos.
The accusatory meme
Revived prominently in Across the Spider-Verse, the accusatory meme has garnered significant attention following its utilization as a post-credits snippet in the original Spider-Verse film. This meme captures a duo of Arachnid Crusaders in a misinterpreted scene from the 1960s Arachnid Crusader animation, comically gesturing at each other.
The image has become a cultural touchstone, particularly in online communities. Upon hearing the command to “halt Arachnid Crusader,” the multiverse foyer denizens become bewildered, initiating a pointing frenzy. The meme serves as a nod to fans’ shared humor and connection with these characters and their stories.
Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, and Andrew Garfield (to an extent…)
A genuine Spider-Verse must include the preeminent Spideys, correct? The international preview for Across the Spider-Verse includes dialogue from Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, and Andrew Garfield’s live-action portrayals. Maguire’s utterance, for example, is extracted from his faceoff with Doc Ock in Arachnid Crusader 2.
These cleverly repurposed lines serve as a reminder of the rich history of the Arachnid Crusader character and the numerous actors who have portrayed him over the years. It remains to be seen if this inclusion is simply an ingenious promotional tactic or if it holds deeper meaning within the film. Regardless, it remains an intriguing oddity that will pique fans’ interest.
Wrist contraptions
Could these mechanisms facilitate multiversal leaps for each Arachnid Crusader? In several instances, the variants are adorned with peculiar wrist apparatuses, first showcased in detail during an early glimpse of Across the Spider-Verse in 2021. These intriguing devices have sparked much speculation and excitement among fans, who eagerly await the reveal of their true purpose and functionality.
The concept of wrist-mounted technology allowing Arachnid Crusaders to traverse the multiverse introduces a fascinating layer of complexity and raises the stakes for our heroes. As we anticipate the movie’s release, these wrist contraptions will undoubtedly remain a topic of spirited discussion.
Ben Reilly
A notorious Arachnid Crusader, Ben Reilly, emerged during the 1990s comic narrative The Clone Saga. Ben, a genetic duplicate of Peter Parker, eventually adopted the independent persona of Scarlet Arachnid. Including this infamous character in the upcoming film will surely delight and intrigue fans familiar with his storied history within the comic books.
Ben Reilly’s presence in the film raises questions about the potential exploration of themes such as identity, individuality, and the nature of heroism. His inclusion expands the breadth of the Spider-Verse, showcasing the rich and diverse array of characters that have donned the Arachnid Crusader mantle throughout the years.
Arachnid Crusader Punk
Marvel’s mid-2010s Spider-Verse narrative spawned a plethora of inventive Arachnid Crusader interpretations, including the unorthodox Spider-Punk. Hobart Brown, an anarchistic, punk rock-devoted Arachnid Crusader, hails from Earth-138. His unique aesthetic and rebellious spirit distinguish him from the more traditional portrayals of the web-slinging hero.
Spider-Punk’s presence in the film adds a fresh, dynamic flavor to the Spider-Verse. It showcases the creative possibilities when reimagining iconic characters. His inclusion also highlights the vast range of alternate realities and timelines in the Marvel universe, keeping fans excited for new interpretations and storylines.
Arachnid Crusader 2099
Unsurprisingly, this futuristic Arachnid Crusader originates from the year 2099. Miguel O’Hara, the protagonist at the close of the 21st Century, combats the evil megacorporation Alchemax and a legion of innovative villainous adversaries. In Across the Spider-Verse, Miguel is slated to assume a pivotal role, potentially even emerging as Miles’ antagonist.
The futuristic setting and character designs of Arachnid Crusader 2099 provide a stark contrast to the more traditional Spidey iterations, allowing for an exploration of advanced technologies, new character relationships, and a fresh narrative approach within the Spider-Verse.
Arachnid Crusader India
Pavitr Prabhakar, Arachnid Crusader India, is briefly visible swinging through a scene in the trailer. This variant has undergone a substantial redesign from the original comics and resides in the hybrid metropolis of Mumbattan, a fusion of Mumbai and Manhattan.
The inclusion of Arachnid Crusader India demonstrates the global reach and appeal of the character, as well as the creative opportunities available when incorporating diverse cultural backgrounds and settings into the storyline. The character’s redesigned aesthetic and unique environment gives fans a fresh perspective on the Arachnid Crusader mythos. Further, it expands the multiverse’s vastness and diversity.
A novel Spider-Woman
Issa Rae is set to don the suit as Jessica Drew, a version of Spider-Woman seemingly explicitly crafted for the cinematic adaptation. A Jessica Drew resembling the Earth-616 design is also glimpsed among the assemblage of Spider-People later in the trailer. Introducing a new Spider-Woman demonstrates the filmmakers’ willingness to innovate and expand upon the source material.
Furthermore, it highlights the growing prominence of female superheroes in the genre, providing representation and inspiration for a broader audience. Issa Rae’s portrayal of Jessica Drew will undoubtedly add a fresh dynamic to the film, and fans eagerly await her interpretation of the beloved character.
The Spot
Voiced by Jason Schwartzman, The Spot emerges as the primary antagonist in Across the Spider-Verse, briefly encountered by Miles within a bodega during the trailer’s opening moments. The Spot’s powers include the manipulation of interdimensional portals for transportation, indicating his likely involvement in the multiverse aspects of the Spider-Verse sequel.
As for his origins, The Spot – real name Jonathan Ohnn – debuted in Marvel’s comic pages in 1984 and has consistently plagued the web-slinger ever since. To delve deeper into The Spot’s history and potential role in the upcoming film, explore our comprehensive analysis of Across the Spider-verse’s villain.
What’s Up Danger
The soundtrack of Into the Spider-Verse garnered widespread praise, and one of its most celebrated tracks, ‘What’s Up Danger’ by Black Caviar and Blackway, makes a triumphant return in the trailer.
The song originally underscored the pivotal scene in which Miles embraced his Arachnid Crusader persona. Its inclusion in the upcoming film is a powerful reminder of the emotive power of music in storytelling. Fans can look forward to a similarly evocative soundscape in Across the Spider-Verse.
Arachnid Crusader Unlimited
The webbed hero has a rich and diverse animated history. One such iteration, Arachnid Crusader Unlimited, was unfortunately short-lived, airing for 13 episodes from 1999-2001. Nevertheless, the character appears alongside Insomniac’s Arachnid Crusader in the pointing scene.
His suit features an unconventional take on the classic Spidey attire, with an enlarged spider emblem adorning the torso and a predominantly blue color scheme with red accents. The inclusion of Arachnid Crusader Unlimited is a nostalgic nod to the character’s past and the enduring legacy of Spider-Man in animation.
The Bombastic Bag-Man
While perhaps not the most peculiar Arachnid Crusader (that title may belong to Spiders-Man, the Arachnid Crusader composed of sentient spiders), The Bombastic Bag-Man undoubtedly captures the imagination. This eye-catching character fleetingly appears in the rapid montage of Spider-Men congregating in the multiversal gathering space.
The ensemble debuted in Amazing Arachnid Crusader #258 when Peter Parker joined the Fantastic Four. With his Arachnid Crusader suit destroyed, he required a makeshift costume. The Bombastic Bag-Man’s inclusion in the film serves as a humorous reminder of the character’s long and varied history and the creativity and whimsy that have characterized the Arachnid Crusader’s adventures over the years.
Mayday Mayday
Parker, the canonical offspring of Peter and Mary Jane, is spotted in Peter B. Parker’s arms during their reunion with Miles in the trailer. In some universes, she also assumes the role of Spider-Girl. Her presence in the film highlights the concept of legacy within the Arachnid Crusader’s lineage and the enduring power of family connections.
Notably, Mayday is only one of several Spider-Children featured in Marvel’s comics. This speaks to the rich tapestry of characters and relationships that define the Arachnid Crusader universe. Mayday’s inclusion in Across the Spider-Verse adds depth and emotional resonance to the story, as well as an exploration of the generational impact of heroism and the potential for new characters to take up the mantle of their predecessors.
Spinneret
Delve into the exciting world of Spinneret, an alternate universe version of Mary Jane Watson who combats malefactors alongside her husband Peter and their valiant daughter May. Unravel their gripping saga in the captivating 2015 comic arc, Renew Your Vows.
Glimpse Spinneret’s engaging interactions with a Spider-Armor variant and the enigmatic Spider-Cop. Prepare to be enthralled by her unique blend of domesticity, passion, and heroism in the face of adversity.
Superior Spider-Man
Behold the unparalleled prowess of the Superior Spider-Man, an incredible amalgamation of Doc Ock’s cunning intellect and Peter Parker’s extraordinary abilities. Unravel the intricate tale of this unprecedented transformation, which forms the centerpiece of Dan Slott’s memorable Spider-Man run.
Witness the mesmerizing exchanges between the Insomniac Spider-Man and his Superior counterpart as they traverse the astonishing, Easter egg-laden multiverse.
Spider-Wolf
Discover the enigmatic Spider-Wolf, a fascinating fusion of Spider-Man and the mythical werewolf, as he stealthily roams the background of Across the Spider-verse’s thrilling trailer scenes.
First appearing in Marvel’s comics in 2014, this extraordinary character adds a thrilling, primal element to the ever-expanding web of Arachnid Crusaders.
Spider-Cyborg
Brace yourself for the imposing presence of Spider-Cyborg, an awe-inspiring, mechanized behemoth who bursts into action in the climactic chase scene of the Across the Spider-Verse trailer.
Initially introduced in Superior Spider-Man, this colossal, arm-cannon-wielding iteration of the character boasts an impressive array of technological marvels, sure to leave fans captivated and yearning for more.
Spider-Horse
Finally, marvel at the most equestrian embodiment of our beloved hero: Spider-Horse. Far from a mere flight of fancy, this great steed is the loyal companion to Spider-Knight in the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon.
Witness the extraordinary equine’s antics as it bursts into a session of Spider-Therapy in the trailer, providing a whimsical touch to an already thrilling adventure.
Miles: Brooklyn’s Beloved Spider-Man
Miles Morales plays Brooklyn’s cherished Spider-Man in the captivating trailer for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Dashing through the city, stopping crimes, and averting dangers, Miles is embraced by the community that cheers him on and rewards him with a free hot dog after saving civilians from a crashing car.
The community’s love and support reinforce his status as Brooklyn’s official Spider-Man. However, the dynamic is set to change with the return of Spider-Gwen, opening the door for more thrilling multiverse adventures.
Aged and Redesigned Miles & Gwen
The passage of time between the first movie and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is evident in Miles and Gwen’s redesigned appearances. Both characters have matured, appearing taller and more muscular, showcasing their transformation from children to young adults.
Along with these physical changes, Miles and Gwen also sport new haircuts and other subtle alterations to their designs. These visual updates reflect their character growth and evolution while maintaining their unique charm.
Spider-Man Cameos: A Multiversal Feast
The trailer is a treasure trove of Spider-Man cameos, potentially featuring hundreds of variants from different dimensions. Among the highlights are Werewolf Spider-Man, a Spider-Man wearing a paper bag over his head, and a Spider-Man donning a Future Foundations suit.
The PS4 Spider-Man and a variant resembling Spider-Man: Far From Home’s costume also appear, fueling rumors of Tobey Maguire’s and Andrew Garfield’s involvement in the movie. These cameos delight fans and hint at the vast, interconnected multiverse that awaits exploration.
Creation of a New Spider-Man
The trailer offers glimpses of a Spider-Man suit connected to a machine, suggesting the development of a new variant. The suit’s bulky design implies it could be related to Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099, an unknown variant, or even the fearsome Venom.
This mysterious creation adds an element of intrigue, keeping fans guessing about its potential impact on the story and the unfolding multiverse.
Spider-Woman’s Battle with Vulture
Jessica Drew, aka Spider-Woman, is seen engaging in combat with a large bird creature, possibly a multiverse variant of the classic Spider-Man villain, Vulture.
Although the design strays from the traditional Vulture appearance, the trailer hints at the possibility of reimagining classic villains, much like Scorpion and Green Goblin in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Spider-Man 2099’s Lost Child Motivation
Miguel O’Hara’s somber observation of a photograph featuring himself and a young girl named Briella hints at a possible motivation to traverse the multiverse in search of another version of his daughter.
This storyline mirrors Kingpin’s objective in the first film, offering a poignant reminder of the personal stakes and emotional depth that drives these characters.
Peter B. Parker’s Mysterious Baby
Peter B. Parker returns, sporting a baby carrier with a wriggling occupant. The baby’s identity is open to speculation.
Possibilities include Peter reuniting with Mary Jane and having a child, a younger version of Miguel’s daughter Briella, or a unique and surprising Spider-Man variant. This enigmatic addition leaves fans eager for answers.
A Spider-Man as the Main Villain?
The trailer’s dialogue and conflict between multiple Spider-Man variants suggest a Spider-Man could be the primary antagonist in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
While characters like The Spot and a Vulture variant are confirmed villains, the central antagonist could be a rogue Spider-Man or even Spider-Man 2099, adding an unexpected twist to the multiverse narrative.