Across The Spider-Verse’s Original Plan Would’ve Fixed A Huge Trilogy Complaint

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has elicited one common complaint, but the original plan for this sequel could have avoided the problem. The follow-up to Into the Spider-Verse received near-universal acclaim and performed well at the box office. However, its ending proved more divisive than the rest of the Marvel character’s film. The Across the Spider-Verse ending sees Miles Morales end up in an alternate universe where there is no Spider-Man. Additionally, his variant has become this universe’s version of the Prowler and comes face-to-face with the main Miles before the movie cuts to credits.

While it sets up Beyond the Spider-Verse flawlessly, some were frustrated that the story ended with no resolution. It cuts to a “To be continued…” and viewers will now have to wait until the concluding third chapter. This is particularly irritating as Beyond the Spider-Verse has been removed from the release schedule and currently has no set release date. However, this frustration could have been avoided if the creative minds behind the film stuck with the original plan.

Across & Beyond The Spider-Verse Were Almost 1 Movie

In an interview with producers Chris Miller and Phil Lord and director Joaquim Dos Santos for Empire Magazine (via The Direct), the team shared the original concept for the film. According to Dos Santos, the alternate Miles was in the movie for a much longer time, and Across the Spider-Verse would have had a “‘Prince and the Pauper’ take.” Miller confirmed Santos’ comments by saying that “the very, very end of the movie was the bulk of the original concept.”

Dos Santos then revealed that the storyline with the alternate Miles became the second half of the movie, but they eventually decided to make it the plot for the third movie. The director teased what fans can expect from Beyond the Spider-Verse, suggesting it will be a Parent Trap-like story. Based on Dos Santos’ comments, it seems like the third chapter will see the two Miles switching places, with the alternate Miles possibly learning what it’s like to be a hero. It would have been fascinating to see how a villainous version of Miles interacted with the other world, but it’s better that it’s being saved for another film.

Why The Spider-Verse Is Still Best As A Trilogy

Despite the ending of Across the Spider-Verse leaving some viewers underwhelmed, it’s for the best to keep this series as a trilogy. Across the Spider-Verse is already a busy movie, and throwing in the alternate Miles storyline into the mix would make this film a mess. Not only is Miles already dealing with Spot, but he is also dealing with the Spider Society and trying to stop his canon event by saving his father. The alternate Miles narrative will lead to many exciting encounters and surprises, but it’s better to save it for the third film as it allows the overall narrative to flow better.

Unfortunately, viewers will have to wait longer than expected for Beyond the Spider-Verse to debut as Sony has delayed it indefinitely. However, with the smashing success that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse proved to be both critically and commercially, there’s little doubt the movie is simply getting the time it needs to deliver the best possible story. Moreover, being the end of the Spider-Verse trilogy, the next movie will almost assuredly not end on a cliffhanger.