Posters of the new, animated SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE hang from wires in the courtyard outside Sony Animation Studios, creating the illusion the web-slinging superhero is flying high above our heads. Inside the campus, we see artwork from various Sony films and busy artists working on current projects. There are multiple screening rooms, where the SPIDER-VERSE animators and directors are viewing rough cuts of the film and making changes in real time.

They’re coming to the end of a three-year process, to see the final product as audiences will. It’s an exciting and emotional moment AMC was grateful to be a part of. We sat down with two of the three directors and a few of the artists behind SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE to discuss the story, characters and groundbreaking style of animation.

The Story

More than one wears the mask in the dynamic Spider-Verse. The film introduces us to Brooklyn teen Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), who discovers a world of limitless possibilities and other spider men, women and even a Spider-Ham.

The filmmakers wanted to tell a new Spider-Man origin story, while honoring the philosophies and legacy of creator Stan Lee. “The message that I think Stan Lee often put into his comics is that there’s greatness within us,” production designer Justin Thompson said. “We have the ability to be great — you have to reach for it.” Hear more from Thompson and co-directors Bob Persichetti and Rodney Rothman in the clip below.

The Characters

Spider-Ham is just one of the unique new characters in SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE. Fans will also meet Penny Parker, an anime Spider-Woman, and Spider-Noir, a darker, 1930’s version of the superhero. Each character’s look and alternate universe was designed to capture their individual spirit, which creates an interesting contrast when they’re all together on screen.

Visual development artist Yashar Kassai, the initial creator of the mood and look of the film, said, “I had never worked on something in which I felt such a great emotional bond between characters, and that is ultimately, as we all know, the most important thing.” Hear more from Kassai and the other filmmakers.

The Style

Josh Beveridge, head of animation for film, led over 180 animators in LA and Vancouver to bring the film’s revolutionary design to life. His team combined 2-D and 3-D renderings to translate the look of comic books to the big screen. Rothman said, “Our hope is you feel the experiences this kid [Morales] is going through in a more vivid way.” Hear more about their visual approach.

Don’t miss the groundbreaking animation in theatres. Get your tickets to SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE at AMC today.