While ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (in theaters now) focuses on Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), the “Ultimate” Spider-Man, the movie teams him with an entire group of Spider-Friends from different dimensions: a weary, older Peter Parker (Jake Johnson); Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld), the Gwen Stacy from a world where she gained powers instead of Peter Parker; Spider-Noir (Nicolas Cage), also referred to as Spider-Man Noir; Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn), a wiz kid who creates a Spider-mecha called Sp//der; and of course, Spider-Ham (John Mulaney), a.k.a. Peter Porker– ‘Nuff Said.
Writer/producer Phil Lord was actually tempted to add as many as 10 different Spider-heroes, after reading Marvel’s ‘Spider-Verse’ comic book, but scaled back after realizing that this film was mainly supposed to function as Miles’ origin story.
Not only has Sony already set a ‘Spider-Verse’ sequel in motion, but have announced that Spider-Gwen (alternately known as Ghost-Spider) will headline a movie called ‘Spider-Women‘ which will introduce animated film versions of Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) and Silk (Cindy Moon). But there could be even more!
It turns out that all of the arachnid-themed guest stars are being eyed as potential stars of their own features. According to a profile in Vanity Fair, there are ideas for new, alternative films featuring these characters in an effort to broaden “the franchise across age, gender, and global brackets.” An anime movie starring Peni Parker and a gritty black and white flick showcasing Spider-Noir, were specifically mentioned.
But there is one costar that the producers seem the most excited to revisit– Spider-Ham!
As Amy Pascal, Sony’s Chairperson over Motion Pictures exclaimed:
“Of course! You can imagine how much the kids love that character!”
Longtime Spider-Man franchise producer Avi Arad added:
“Yeah! We want piggy.”
But there may be an even wonkier supporting character to get their own film. Are you ready for a film starring… Aunt May?!
Lord stated that it’s not out of the question, after Lily Tomlin’s very modern take on the character.
Lord: “Yeah, no kidding. Once you open up your mind to alternate universes…”
Producer Christopher Miller: “…and it doesn’t have to be canon, then you’re a little more forgiving to try thought experiments that could be fun or interesting. Lily Tomlin did an amazing job—the idea was that she would be the Q to Spider-Man’s Bond in this universe.”
This idea has one major supporter, Dan Slott, who wrote the ‘Amazing Spider-Man’ comic book for years, declared, “Lily Tomlin’s voice is now my Aunt May in my head.”
Have you seen ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ yet? Which supporting characters would you like to see in their own movies?
