On Friday, June 2, 2023, the highly-anticipated sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse arrived in theaters. Featuring even more multiversal adventures, the movie has captivated audiences everywhere. But given that this is only the second movie in the trilogy, it’s no surprise that questions remain when the credits of Across the Spider-Verse roll.
The trilogy’s third movie, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, is scheduled to arrive in theaters on March 29, 2024. In the meantime, here are six theories about what the threequel may hold for Miles Morales (Shameik Moore). But please be aware that this article includes plenty of spoilers for Across the Spider-Verse.
More Live-Action Crossover
One of the evolutions of Across the Spider-Verse was the inclusion of live-action elements alongside the animation. This included a cameo from Donald Glover as a variant of Aaron Davis, aka The Prowler. Glover appeared as a younger version of Davis in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming. However, because he appeared in neither Spider-Man: Far From Home nor Spider-Man: No Way Home, this is the first time we’ve seen him in his full supervillain regalia.
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Across the Spider-Verse also included reused live-action footage from 2002’s Spider-Man and 2012’s Amazing Spider-Man. However, appearances by Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire did not occur. Meanwhile, Tom Holland was mentioned only in dialogue. However, this could be teeing up appearances by the live-action Peter Parkers in the climatic third film.
Marvel Vampires
Image credits: Sony Pictures Animation.
In Across the Spider-Verse, Miguel O’Hara, aka Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac), is first presented as a heroic figure. However, as the movie unfolds, it becomes clear something more sinister is happening behind Spider-Man 2099’s mask. During one scene in Across the Universe, it is revealed that Spider-Man 2099 may have some more vampiric characteristics.
In the original “Spider-Verse” storyline in the panels of Marvel Comics, the antagonists were Morlun and his family of vampires. These bloodsuckers planned to consume the “Spider totems” from all dimensions. If Spider-Man 2099 is indeed a vampire, he could actually be planning to turn on his fellow Spider-Heroes.
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Miles Powers Galore
While Miles shares many abilities with the archetypical Spider-Man, he has some skills that are a little more unique. These include the ability to turn invisible and generate an electric shock. Both powers were necessary in key scenes in Across the Spider-Verse.
However, Across the Spider-Verse also taught us that Miles isn’t unique in having abilities distinct from Spidey’s more standard abilities. In Beyond the Spider-Verse, we theorize that we’ll see not only new powers from certain Spider-Heroes but also other variants with capabilities similar to those of Miles.
Spider-Woman Resists
Twhip!
Given the events of Across the Spider-Verse, it seems likely that Spider-Man 2099 will be a bigger villain than expected. However, that also allows another character to play a more heroic role than she has been.
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Enter Jessica Drew, aka Spider-Woman (Issa Rae). This motorcycle-riding Spidey variant is pregnant in Across the Spider-Verse. While she immediately becomes a mother figure for Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld), Drew later sides with Spider-Man 2099 during a key scene. However, this gives her a chance for redemption in Beyond the Spider-Verse, especially if Spider-Man 2099 does indeed go “mask off.” Plus, with the movie coming out roughly nine months after Beyond, there may be another Spider-Baby among the ranks when Drew returns in the third movie.
Hobie’s Encore
Every hero in the Spider-Verse is someone’s favorite. However, after his scene-stealing turn in Across the Spider-Verse, we suspect more than a few people will cite Hobie Brown, aka Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya), as their number one.
While Spider-Punk played only a supporting role in Across the Spider-Verse, he left a lasting impression. Not only is he the variant responsible for capturing Glover’s Prowler, but he also helps catalyze Miles’s escape from Spider-Man 2099.
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The Return of Liv
What if he brings company next time?
One of the most popular characters from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was barely referenced in Across the Spider-Verse. While a variant of Doctor Octopus named Oliva “Liv” Octavius (Kathryn Hahn) stole the show in the trilogy’s first movie, she only appeared in the background of Beyond the Spider-Verse. However, that background appearance suggests Liv will return in Beyond the Spider-Verse.
When we last saw Liv at the conclusion of Into the Spider-Verse, she was knocked to an unknown location during the dimension-splicing climax. This suggests she could be in any dimension. In Across the Spider-Verse, a picture in a frame suggested Liv had a relationship with the primary villain of the second movie, The Spot (Jason Schwartzman).
During the movie, The Spot developed the ability to travel between dimensions. At the sequel’s conclusion, The Spot had been set up as the third movie’s major antagonist. However, given his pre-existing relationship with Liv and the fact that he can now travel between dimensions, it seems likely that both villains will appear for a team-up against the Spideys in Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is in theaters now. Be sure to let us know your theories for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse in the comments below!
This article was originally published on 6/9/23.
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