While we've seen several live-action incarnations of Spider-Man on the big screen, we're only just getting our first animated feature film. Originally, it was assumed that the film was going to be directed by The Lego Movie's Phil Lord and Chris Miller, however a new name has officially been announced as the head of the project. Meet Bob Persichetti, the new director of the animated Spider-Man film!
An official press release went out today, stating that the Sony Animation film would be directed by Persichetti, who served as the head of story on The Little Prince and Puss In Boots. As for Phil Lord and Chris Miller, they will remain on the project as producers, alongside Marvel stalwart Avi Arad, as well as former Sony chairman Amy Pascal. With the beginnings of a behind the scenes crew in place, the new animated effort looks to be off to a great start.
Bob Persichetti's experience as a head of story certainly helps with stepping up to the directing plate for the first time, especially with the new Spider-Man project. With both the action adventure aspects of Puss In Boots and the more story driven aspects of The Little Prince influencing Persichetti's tenure as the new director, a well-balanced Spider-Man film could be in the offing. However, this may also be the first indication as to what the tone of the as of yet untitled film will reflect.
With Phil Lord writing, as well as co-producing with his constant collaborator, Chris Miller, it's to be assumed that the animated Spider-Man will take on a more humorous tone, but still chock full of the action that a Spidey film would be expected to contain. Hiring Bob Persichietti as the project's director also enforces this hypothesis, as his previous credits trade in both sides of the equation, marrying the two into a potentially cohesive film. Which is a good thing too, because this film is going to need all of the help it can get to conquer its box office release frame.
Looking at the December 21, 2018 release date for the untitled Spider-Man film, it's alone on its day of release for now. However, looking at Christmas Day, Disney and Warner Bros have films dropping. While we don't know what the Warner Bros "event film" will be, we do know that Mary Poppins Returns will be Disney's offering, which more than likely will dominate the Christmas season. This is, of course, if Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas doesn't power through all of the competition between its November 9th release date that same year and the Christmas season it's intended for.
As soon as we have more information the animated Spider-Man film, such as whether or not Miles Morales will be the focus as previously rumored, you'll be the first to know. In the meantime, the untitled Spider-Man animated film is scheduled for December 21, 2018.
