“Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” the third entry in Sony’s animated web-slinging trilogy, has tapped Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson to direct.
They have been part of the franchise’s creative team since 2018’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” with Persichetti serving as part of the original film’s directorial trio and executive producing the 2023 sequel, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and Thompson working as the production designer on the first film and joining the directorial trio on the second installment with Joaquim Dos Santos and Kemp Powers.
“We have had the immense privilege of being part of Miles’ journey from the very beginning, and directing the conclusion to his story is beyond exciting,” the duo said in a statement. “The creativity and care poured into every minute of this project has been truly inspiring. We have crafted what we feel is a very satisfying ending, and we can’t wait for fans to experience it. We’re bringing everything we’ve got.”
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was one of the initial cinematic introductions to the multiverse (if you can believe it), familiarizing audiences with Miles Morales and the idea that “anyone can wear the mask.” The film grossed $384 million at the global box office and won the Oscar for best animated feature. The follow-up, “Across the Spider-Verse,” was an even bigger financial success, managing to surpass the entire run of its predecessor after just 12 days of release and ending its run with $690 million worldwide. “Beyond the Spider-Verse” was originally set for 2024 but has been delayed to an unknown date.
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Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who spearheaded the critically and commercially successful trilogy, are returning to co-write the screenplay. Lord and Miller will also produce with Amy Pascal, Avi Arad and Jinko Gotoh. Aditya Sood and Christina Steinberg are executive producing while Jessica Berri will serve as co-producer.
“Bob and Justin’s fingerprints are woven into the DNA of these films, and their passion for Miles’ journey shines through in every frame of his last adventure,” Lord and Miller said in a statement. “There is nothing more rewarding than collaborating with creative partners with bold vision and brilliant execution like Bob and Justin. We are thrilled to work with them once again to create a beautiful and satisfying conclusion to this story.”
Persichetti’s other film credits credits include co-writing 2016’s “The Little Prince,” serving as head of story for DreamWorks Animation’s “Puss in Boots” and working as a story artist on “Monsters vs. Aliens” and “Shrek 2.” Persichetti began his career in the film industry at Walt Disney Animation Studios, working on films such as “Tarzan,” “The Emperor’s New Groove” and “Treasure Planet.” Thompson has served as production designer on Sony Pictures Animation’s “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” and its sequel “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2.”
Deadline Hollywood first reported the news on the new “Spider-Verse” directors.