Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) is a film that follows Miles Morales, a New York biracial teen, as he becomes his universe’s Spider-Man after being bitten by a radioactive spider and witnesses Peter Parker’s death. In his final moments, Parker instructs Miles to stop the antagonist, Kingpin, from destroying the city with his Super-Collider, a machine that opens portals to other universes and pulls different versions of Spider-Man into Miles’s universe, with a key. The film is a prime example of political and representation growth that can be made through film adaptations and the significance of biracial portrayal on screen.

Miles Morales looking at the original Spider-Man's suit from his universe

Miles finally feels confident as Spider-Man

Film Significance

Each Spider-Person represents a different culture, such as Miles Morales, who is Afro-Latino, Peni Parker, who is Japanese, and Spider-Man Noir, who is from the 1930s. The movie showcases how each character’s individual cultural background influences their perspectives, abilities, and interactions with others. Culture is also emphasized through the protagonist, Miles Morales, who is bilingual and has his mother’s Puerto Rican last name. Through displaying these diverse Spider-People, and veering away from the traditional white, male role of the trademark hero, the film emphasizes that not only can anyone be a hero, but that everyone’s culture is valuable and contributes to the greater good. It is also significant that this film makes subtle political statements, such as depicting Brooklyn as a safe and cheerful city as well as the portrayal of Miles in a hoodie for the first time as Spider-Man.

Discussion Questions

(1) Based on the trailer, how do you think animation contributes to the overall storytelling and impact of the film?

(2) Based on the trailer, in what ways does this Spider-Man film differ from the other Spider-Man film in the past? How does it differ from traditional superhero stereotypes?

Comments

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