In the upcoming film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, fans will be treated to a diverse array of Spider-Man variants from different dimensions. However, new concept art has revealed one particularly horrifying Spider-Man variant that didn’t make it into the final cut of the movie.
The unused concept art, shared by Character and Costume Designer Kris Anka, showcases the Man-Spider, a twisted version of Spider-Man with a monstrous appearance. This iteration of the web-slinger features eight eyes, fangs, and multiple arms, resembling a terrifying hybrid of man and spider. Interestingly, Anka jokingly suggests that the Man-Spider would have made a great cafeteria cook for the Spider Society due to his many arms.
While the Man-Spider has a history in the original comics, notably as a temporary mutation suffered by Peter Parker in the Savage Land, he gained significant recognition through his appearance in the 1990s animated Spider-Man series. In the show, Parker fought desperately to prevent his original spider-bite mutation from transforming him into a monstrous creature.
Although the Man-Spider didn’t make it into Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, there is still hope for his return in the upcoming sequel, Beyond the Spider-Verse. Set to release in 2024, the sequel is expected to introduce even more Spider variants, expanding the Spider Society and its roster of diverse characters. With luck, fans might see the redemption of the Man-Spider, perhaps serving lunch to his less terrifying fellow variants.
At the end of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, protagonist Miles Morales finds himself in a different universe, facing a dark version of himself known as the Prowler. As two teams of Spider-Variants search for Miles, it’s likely that the sequel will delve deeper into the Spider Society and introduce additional variants. While the Man-Spider didn’t make the cut in the current film, he could still make a memorable appearance in Beyond the Spider-Verse and surprise audiences with his unique take on the iconic superhero.
