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Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse is rapidly approaching its release date. With a new trailer released, fans are more excited than ever for the movie. The animated sequel is looking to expand its already impressive roster of characters with the powers of Spider-Man. There are already numerous characters confirmed, with countless more sure to be revealed in the film. Today, we will be looking at ten of the core Spider characters and where they originate from.
‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Part One’ Will Release in Theaters on June 2, 2023
10. Miles Morales
The main character of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is Miles Morales. Next to Peter Parker, Miles is the best-known web-slinger. Miles first appeared in 2011 in Ultimate Comics: Fallout #4, taking up the mantle of his hero after his death. Miles has managed to become his own character while still honoring the memory of the original Spidey. Miles is deservedly becoming more and more popular thanks to the Spider-Verse movies as well as his inclusion in Insomniac’s video game series. Morales is so much more than just another face in the mask. He is rapidly becoming one of the best characters in the comics. Miles will once again be portrayed by Shameik Moore, reprising his role from the previous movie.
9. Spider-Gwen
Another character that seems to be growing in popularity is Spider-Gwen. In universe, she is known as Spider-Woman or Ghost-Spider. Spider-Gwen debuted in 2014 in Edge of the Spider-Verse #2. Everybody knows the original version of Gwen Stacy died at the hands of the Green Goblin. This variant has a much different fate. In her universe, Peter never becomes Spider-Man. Instead, Gwen is bitten by the spider and she receives powers. As for Peter, he becomes this universe’s version of the Lizard and ultimately dies. Her appearance in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse cemented her as a fan-favorite character, and she will return in the next movie once again voiced by Hailee Steinfeld.
8. Peter B. Parker
In Miles’ universe, Peter Parker is the basic version of the character fan know and love. When he is killed in a battle with Kingpin, Miles takes up the mantle of his favorite superhero. when universes begin to collide, a variant of Peter shows up that is far from the version Miles knew. This version, known as Peter B. Parker, still has all the typical powers, but none of the drive. After losing Aunt May and divorcing Mary Jane, this Peter has become something of a lazy slob. He couldn’t even be bothered to fully suit up, instead opting to wear sweatpants. after meeting and reluctantly training Miles, Peter re-learned what it meant to be a hero. Peter will once again be voiced by Jake Johnson.
7. Spider-Man 2099
The character fans are most excited to see is Spider-Man 2099. After being teased in the credits of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this fan-favorite variant will be a major character in the sequel. The character’s real name is Miguel O’Hara and debuted in 1992. Marvel 2099 was a sub-series where various Marvel heroes are reimagined in the year 2099. Of them, the future’s web slinger has become the most famous, spinning off in his own successful series. Inspired by the original Spider-Man, Miguel looks to recreate the incident that turned Peter Parker into a hero. Things go wrong, and Miguel himself has his DNA altered. For some reason, this time-traveling hero has his sights on Miles and will be voiced by Oscar Issac.
6. Spider-Woman
Sharing a name with Spider-Gwen, this Spider-Woman is a completely different character. Jessica Drew is the secret identity of Spider-Woman, and she will be making her big-screen debut in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse; the character first appeared in 1977 in the pages of Marvel Spotlight #32. Jessica’s backstory sees her as a brainwashed HYDRA agent that eventually breaks free to become a hero. Jessica took part in the original Secret Invasion storyline. All that is known about her big screen debut is that she will be pregnant during the events of the film. Spider-Woman will be voiced by Issa Rae.
5. Scarlet Spider
Another character fans are excited to see debut on the big screen is Bill Riley aka Scarlet Spider. The character has been seen in various trailers for the film, but his involvement is being kept close to the chest. It is not clear how big a part he will play, but seeing how intentionally vague the filmmakers are regarding him, he may play a decent part. Debuting as an unnamed character in 1975, Ben is a clone of Peter Parker. When the character was given a name in the 90s, he chose to use his powers to become an alternate version of the web-slinging hero. It has been rumored that Andy Samberg will voice the character, but there is no official word as of writing.
4. Insomniac Spider-Man
While likely nothing more than a cameo, fans were overjoyed to catch a glimpse of the Spider-Man featured in the Insomniac games in a trailer. Insomniac produced a game featuring the wall-crawler in 2018. The game was a smash hit, with many claiming it is among the best stories to feature Spider-Man. The character’s origin is the same as any other version of Peter Parker. The game also featured a version of Miles who led his own spin-off game, although it is not clear if he will appear in the film.
Seeing the character in the film, even if it is just a cameo, hypes fans to see this beloved variant on the screen. The game is getting a sequel later this year, but it is unlikely to be tied into the film. The game sees Peter voiced by Yuri Lowenthal, but there is no official word on if he will reprise the role. That is assuming this version has any lines at all.
3. Bombastic Bag Man
One of the strangest versions of the character will make an appearance in Across the Spider-Verse. Hardly counting as a separate character, this costume was worn by Peter on one occasion. After originally getting the symbiote suit, Peter takes it to Reed Richards for analysis. Reed suggests Peter shouldn’t wear the suit, but he can’t swing out of the building without a costume. Human Torch comes up with a solution, give Peter a spare Fantastic Four suit. He also provides Peter with a bag with holes for eyes as a mask. Peter only wears this suit briefly, but it has become a running gag outside of the comics. It is even a suit players can wear in the Insomniac game. Odds are this will just be a throwaway joke in the film, but now you know the origins of this humorous suit.
2. Japanese Spider-Man
Another classic variant fans are happy to see get love is the Japanese version of the character. In 1978, a live-action Spider-Man series aired in Japan. The show has developed a cult following for a number of reasons. The similar-looking costume and the name are about all this version has in common with his comic counterpart. Takuya Yamashiro is a young motorcycle racer who witnesses a UFO crash on Earth. His father investigates the craft but is killed in the process. Takuya is then injected with the blood of someone from the Planet Spider, leading to him becoming a hero to avenge his father. This version of the character has essentially the same powers, but he can also control a giant robot for good measure. This cult favorite version is sure to put a smile on the faces of many fans in June.
1. Spider-Man Unlimited
It is fitting that this version of the character will appear in Across the Spider-Verse. The show was conceived as a futuristic follow-up to the 1994 animated series featuring Spider-Man 2099. The plan to feature the character was canceled, out of fear of being compared to Batman Beyond. With the upcoming Sam Raimi movie on the horizon, Marvel didn’t want Saban to use the classic suit. This forced them to create their own version of the character. This show ran for only one season and ended on a cliffhanger. The show is now seen as a cult classic, and fans are happy to see the character get some love from Marvel.
