It’s only natural for fans to immediately finish “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and ask when the next film is being released. The most recent ‘Spider-Man’ animated film ends with a massive cliffhanger and fans are desperate to know what happens to Miles and his crew in the next film. Well, we already know that Sony has delayed the third film, and according to Phil Lord, ‘Beyond the Spider-Verse’ isn’t being rushed. It’ll be ready when it’s ready.
In an interview with Digital Spy, ‘Spider-Verse’ producer, Phil Lord, talked about the recent announcement that the third film, “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” had been pulled from its March 2024 release date and completely taken off of Sony’s release schedule.
The short answer, according to Lord, is that ‘Beyond the Spider-Verse’ will be released “when it is ready.”
“Those conversations are thankfully above our paygrade, but I can tell you we’re already hard at work on it, and we’ll take the time it takes to make it great,” Lord said. “What we’re trying to accomplish with the film is have it be the most satisfying conclusion to the story than it can be, and take it to places that you haven’t been before. And make you laugh and cry, and cheer and think.”
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This comment comes on the heels of a bit of controversy surrounding the production of the latest animated ‘Spider-Man’ film, ‘Across the Spider-Verse.’ While the film has been nearly universally acclaimed (many believe its a lock for another Best Animated Feature Oscar trophy) and has been a massive box office hit, there were published reports from anonymous animators working on the film about how Lord and other filmmakers were working their staff too hard and asking too much of the folks behind-the-scenes. In those same reports, there was speculation that a release date delay for ‘Beyond’ was coming because very little of the film had already been worked on.
Obviously, we can’t really confirm that bit of speculation, but judging by Lord’s actual words, it’s clear that the folks involved with the ‘Spider-Verse’ franchise are going to “make it great” and take the time necessary for that to happen. Hopefully, that time includes answering any and all issues with animators complaining about working conditions.
As for when the general audience will be graced by “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” that’s unclear. Judging by Sony completely removing the film from its release schedule, it feels safe to assume the film won’t be arriving in 2024. So, honestly, it feels like a 2025 release seems more reasonable. Animation takes time, folks.
