Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse introduces a lot of great new characters, but there are a few fan-favourite Spider-Heroes who are definitely missed.
Spider-Gwen is given a leading role and we're given the chance to spend a little more time with Peter B. Parker. However, aside from a brief cameo from Peni Parker, Into the Spider-Verse's lead characters - specifically Spider-Man Noir and Spider-Ham - are M.I.A.
In the sequel's closing moments, Gwen Stacy has assembled a team consisting of Peter B., Mayday, Peni, Spider-Man India, Spider-Punk, Spider-Byte, Spider-Man Noir, and Spider-Ham. Needless to say, fans are now hoping John Mulaney and Nic Cage will reprise their respective roles in Beyond the Spider-Verse.
During a Q&A with Collider (via Toonado.com), co-director Joaquim Dos Santos was asked specifically about Spider-Ham's absence.
"That was some stuff that was cut pretty early on, just for time," the filmmaker admitted. "We knew part of the joy of Gwen getting the band back together was the promise that you'll see them more in the next one."
To be fair, that tease was amazing, so if sidelining them for this movie makes their return in the threequel even more triumphant, we'd say that's a smart move on the animated franchise's part.
Prior to Across the Spider-Verse's release, Cage said he hadn't been asked to return, so we're hoping the actor was just playing coy rather than there being any sort of risk he won't reprise this role.
As for the team Miguel O'Hara plans to put together, we're guessing that too will feature some familiar faces...along with at least a few surprises as well, no doubt.
"A contender for the best Spider-Man film yet and easily the greatest animated movie ever made," we said in our review of the sequel, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a jaw-dropping spectacle, a feast for the senses, and an instant Marvel classic."
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse will be released in theaters on March 29, 2024.