Summary
While theSpider-Verseis still on hiatus, the shortSpider-Manfilm titledThe Spider Withinreceived an official synopsis ahead of its upcoming screening at a preeminent film festival and undisclosed commercial release date.
Based around the Miles Morales version of the popularSpider-Mancharacter from Marvel Comics, theSpider-Versefilms serve as an origin story for the hero but also use the overarching inter-reality plot line to thrust Miles and the fans watching into the massive pool of alternate Spider-People that have populated the pages of Marvel’s comic books for decades. The franchise has released two films,Into the Spider-VerseandAcross the Spider-Verse, with the lattersetting upSpider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, a third film in the planned trilogy. The release window of the second film also saw the screening of a Miles-focused short film titledThe Spider WIthinat France’s Annecy International Film Festival.
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While it has been revealed thatSpider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Versemight be delayed beyond the strikes, there is some good news for fans of the film’s protagonist. There is now an official synopsis forThe Spider Withinbefore its debut at theAnimation Is FilmFestival, set for October 21st. “Miles Morales struggles to balance his responsibilities as a teenager, fiend, and student while acting as Brooklyn’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. After a particularly challenging day living with these pressures, Miles experiences a panic attack that forces him to confront the manifestations of his anxiety and learn that reaching out for help can be just as brave an act as protecting his city from evil,” the description on the event website reads.
WhileSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Versehad different versions,The Spider Withinis a self-contained episode of Miles' life that might help fans better understand his struggles. “The Spider Within is the inaugural short of Sony Pictures Animation and Sony Pictures Imageworks’s new LENS (Leading and Empowering New Storytellers) program," Animation is Film added elsewhere. “The program connects up-and-coming filmmakers from underrepresented groups with creative and executive leadership to produce a short film utilizing an existing pipeline from an upcoming feature film.”
It has always been made clear thatthe Spider-Verse differs from the MCU Multiverse, leaving it open to explore other styles of storytelling, characterization, and even projects that the mainline Marvel films and shows might not be as receptive to.The Spider Within,with its format and the long wait for general release, is the perfect example of this disconnect. While there are no indicators of a public release for the short film yet, fans can be sure that it won’t be business as usual when they go to see it, especially as it is set to show Miles in a position likely more vulnerable than any they might’ve seen yet.
While fan anticipation for the film will only be deepened by the potential for a brief return to Miles' world, there should be some consideration paid to the fact thatSpider-Man: Across The Spider-Versewas reportedly chaotic behind the scenes, raising questions about the cost of the spectacular content showcasing Miles' story to the world. While the ongoing strike halting most production seems likely to wind down shortly, these concerns should be treated seriously.
The Spider Withinhas not received a release date for general audiences.
