Seven things you need to know before you swing into some spider action

Sony Pictures' highly acclaimed and Oscar-winning animated film "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," returns with its latest sequel - "Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse," which will premiere in local theaters on June 1. The film features the work of over 700 animators and more than 1,000 staffers, producing over 170 million frames of animation to give audiences stunning visuals. Before swinging into some spider action, you better read this guide before entering the Spider-Verse!

1. This sequel is divided into two parts

"Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse" will be part one, while the second part, "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse," is scheduled to be released in late March 2024.

2. You can understand the storyline even without watching the previous chapter

The first animated Spider-Man film, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," introduces the story of Miles, an ordinary young man living in Brooklyn who becomes Spider-Man, while this chapter tells the story of Miles officially entering the Spider-Verse. Therefore, even if you haven't seen the first chapter, you can still understand the storyline. Of course, it is still recommended to go over the first chapter to be familiar with the main characters!

In "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," Miles discovers his unusual powers and, in his confusion, is suddenly visited by the supposedly-dead Spider-Man, Peter B. Parker, who inspired him to become the protector of the city as Spider-Man. Miles soon realizes that there is not just one Spider-Man in this universe, and throughout the story, he meets Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man Noir, Peni Parker, and Spider-Ham from other dimensions who also possess extraordinary powers. Meanwhile, the villainous Kingpin continues to wreak havoc, and Miles decides to join forces with his new friends to save the Spider-Verse.

During Mile’s journey, he transforms from an "intern Spider-Man" to a hero who can save other variants of Spider-Man and send them back to their own worlds. He gradually adapts to this new hero life and enjoys it (though he still misses Gwen).

However, while fighting against the most powerful enemy, The Spot, Miles reunites with Gwen Stacy and is drawn by mysterious forces into a multiverse filled with different variants of "Spider-Man." When the "Spider-Men" plan to join forces against the enemy, Miles finds himself pitted against the other variants. He must reconsider what it means to be a hero to protect the people he loves.

3. The biggest enemy of this chapter is The Spot

The Spot, introduced as a brilliant research scientist named Dr. Johnathon Ohnn who works for Kingpin, first debuted in Marvel Comics in 1984 as Dr. Ohnn. He attempts to replicate teleportation powers, but winds up accessing a different dimension associated with the Darkforce. Gaining the ability to travel by way of portals, he becomes the Super Villain in this chapter of the Spider-Verse saga.

4. The Spider-Verse contains multiple parallel universes

In addition to the timelines of Miles and Gwen, this chapter will introduce several new universes, including the one where Spider-Punk is from. with each universe having its own charm. The "Spider-Society" - a group of different versions of Spider-People, is based in the futuristic New York City.

5. Different variants of Spider-Man can travel freely through different universes

In the first chapter, Miles’ friends were accidentally pulled into Miles's universe and could not travel freely within the multiverse. Eventually, Miles sent them back to their own worlds. In this chapter, the newly formed "Spider-Society" has many advanced technologies, with each member having their own watch to assist them in traveling through different universes. These watches will play a significant role in the story.

6. Spider-Man can take on various forms!

In the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man can take on different forms, including the most common human form. Several animal Spider-Men will debut in this chapter, such as Spider-Cat, Spider-Rex, Widow - a literal horse with a spider mask, and Spider-Monkey, among others. Audiences must pay close attention to each frame to identify all 240 variants of Spider-Man!

7. Uncle Aaron will make his comeback.

In the first chapter, Miles' uncle Aaron, who worked for Kingpin, died tragically, leaving Miles deeply saddened. After a period of mourning, Miles becomes the hero Spider-Man, protecting the citizens. In this chapter, Uncle Aaron will make his comeback, causing Miles to become confused as he encounters an unexpected, unfamiliar "ally."

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse debuts in theaters today (June 1, 2023).

Directed by: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
Screenplay by: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller and David Callaham
Dubbing Cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Greta Lee, Rachel Dratch, Jorma Taccone, Shea Whigham, Oscar Isaac     
Genre: Animation
Language: Cantonese Dubbed Version / English Original Version
Running Time: 140 minutes
Rating: IIA
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing International