$17 million in previews – Miscellaneous

Sony

What’s up, danger? After nearly five years, it’s time to return to the Spider-Verse, as Sony’s sequel, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” grossed a whopping $17.35 million in Thursday previews at the box office.

The animated sequel is expected to open at $80 million this weekend, with some projections rising to $90 million or more. It’s a huge swing ahead of the original film, 2018’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” which opened with $35.4 million and grossed $3.5 million in Thursday previews.

Thursday’s total also gives “Across the Spider-Verse” the second-highest preview gross for an animated film, behind “The Incredibles 2” with $18.5 million, and the second-highest previews for any “Spider-Man” movie, after “Spider-Man: No.” Way Home” worth $50 million.

Many of the cast members from the first film return, including Shameik Moore as Miles Morales, Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy and Jake Johnson as Peter P. Parker. After obtaining his spider powers in “Into the Spider-Verse” and becoming acquainted with an alternate version of the web-slinger hero, Miles has grown to his responsibilities as Spider-Man. In the sequel, he meets more Spider-People, including Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac), Jessica Drew (Issa Rae), Spider-Man India (Karan Soni), and Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya).

The reviews were overwhelmingly positive, which is notable since “Into the Spider-Verse” was highly regarded by critics and fans alike. In his review of diverseThey did,” wrote Chief Film Critic Owen Gleiberman. “Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verse” not only expands the story of Miles Morales. The film introduces that story into fantastic new worlds that make it a true spiritual companion piece to the first film. This one turns our heads and then some. This one spins our heads even more (and would fans, myself included, get it any other way?)”

There’s already a third movie, “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” scheduled for release March 29, 2024, and two spin-offs — including a Miles Morales live-action movie and an animated “Spider-Woman” movie — are in the works, according to the producers.