As June 2023 draws to a close, it is evident that “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” has dominated the summer box office, overshadowing other releases such as Paramount’s “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” Pixar’s “Elemental,” and Warner Bros.’ DCEU film “The Flash.” The sequel to the popular animated web-slinger film is set to release as “Beyond the Spider-Verse” in March 2024.
Despite a modest turnout for “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” it has not been able to sustain the audience interest and repeat success of “Across the Spider-Verse,” which reclaimed the No. 1 spot during the weekend of June 23. With the critical and commercial triumph of “Across the Spider-Verse,” surpassing the first film’s box office in just two weekends and amassing over $550 million globally, the next installment in the “Spider-Verse” franchise appears poised to capitalize on this momentum for an even more impressive theatrical run.
However, reports have surfaced regarding troubling working conditions during the production of “Across the Spider-Verse.” Several animators alleged unsustainable work environments, leading to the departure of approximately 100 team members prior to the film’s completion. The erratic management style of producer Phil Lord was primarily cited as a contributing factor.
Moreover, one animator claimed that the scheduled March 2024 release date for the sequel might need to be pushed back, an assertion neither confirmed nor denied by Sony Pictures. Long working hours and frequent changes to the visual style and animation sequences were cited as reasons for the grueling conditions, reminiscent of the constant crunch faced by video game developers, where delays are common for projects of similar scale to the “Spider-Verse” movies.
Following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, studios aimed to minimize calendar shifting caused by theater closures. However, the ongoing WGA strike has triggered substantial delays, potentially affecting Sony’s film slate. To maintain its annual box office performance, Sony will rely on “Beyond the Spider-Verse” staying on track for its early 2024 release, as it is expected to contribute significantly.
Should “Spider-Verse” miss its March 2024 window, it will highlight the challenges faced by cinemas, seeking films that can sustain interest beyond their opening weekends, particularly during quieter periods of the year.
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