The release date for the ‘Spider-Verse‘ short film ‘The Spider Within‘ has been revealed. The story follows Miles Morales/Spider-Man as he experiences a panic attack that forces him to confront the manifestations of his anxiety.
Sony Pictures Animation and Imageworks have partnered with the Kevin Love Fund to digitally release the animated short film, which will be incorporated into a mental health-focused lesson plan. The short will premiere on Sony Pictures Animation’s YouTube channel at 6 a.m. PT on March 27, 2024.
‘The Spider Within’ is written by Khaila Amazan and produced by LENS program creators Michelle Raimo-Kouyate and David Schulenburg. Clara Chan served as the VFX supervisor, and Joe Darko served as the animation supervisor.
What is the Plot of ‘The Spider Within’?
Set in the world of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse‘ and follows Miles Morales/Spider-Man as he struggles to balance his responsibilities as a teenager, friend, student, and Spider-Man. In navigating those pressures, Miles experiences a panic attack that forces him to confront the manifestations of his anxiety and learn that reaching out for help can be just as brave an act as protecting his city from evil.
In a statement, Jarelle Dampier, director of ‘The Spider Within,’ said, “Miles represents so many of us doing the best we can in our day-to-day lives.” Dampier added, “We don’t often realize all that we’ve been through until our own body forces us to become aware of its experience. My intention is that ‘The Spider Within’ can motivate deeper conversations amongst friends and family about their own mental health journeys, and I hope it feels like a love letter to those who adore Miles Morales.”
KLF founder, professional basketball player, and mental health advocate Kevin Love said, “My hope for the short film would be for everyone, especially young people, to understand that your feelings are valid and that you are not alone in this.” Love added, “You see it with Spider-Man in the short film, where Miles has a trusted confidante. He is able to take a walk with his dad and express what he’s going through. We can all learn from that—how important it is to reach out to someone, express your true emotions, speak your truth, and not hold everything inside.”
‘The Spider Within’ premiered at Annecy in 2023. It was created through Sony Pictures Animation and Sony Pictures Imageworks’ LENS program, which provides leadership training to underrepresented groups in animation. As part of the program, participants produce an original short film set in the world of a Sony Pictures Animation feature.
Source: Variety
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