Sony Pictures Animation is developing a new spin-off film centered on Spider-Punk, with Daniel Kaluuya not only returning to voice the character but also stepping behind the scenes as a co-writer. This announcement further expands the Spider-Verse franchise, following the critical and commercial success of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and its emphasis on alternate versions of the iconic superhero.
Daniel Kaluuya Expands Creative Role
Daniel Kaluuya, who brought the anarchic Hobie Brown, aka Spider-Punk, to life in the 2023 animated hit, will add writing duties to his involvement with the new project. Kaluuya’s performance as Spider-Punk quickly became a fan favorite, noted for its dynamic visual style and the character’s rebellious charisma. The upcoming film marks Kaluuya’s first credited writing role in a major animated feature.
About Spider-Punk
Spider-Punk, known by his real name Hobart “Hobie” Brown, is a striking superhero from Marvel Comics, set apart by his rebellious punk rock aesthetic and anti-establishment attitude. Originating from Earth-138 within the Marvel multiverse, this character reimagines the familiar Spider-Man mythos through a distinctly political and cultural lens, blending the spirit of punk with the classic power-and-responsibility narrative.
Hobie Brown begins his journey as a homeless youth and squatter in a dystopian version of New York City, which is controlled by a fascist regime led by President Norman Osborn. Brown’s transformation into Spider-Punk comes after he acquires spider-like abilities from a radioactive spider mutated by hazardous waste dumped by Osborn’s corporation, Oscorp.
Rather than donning the traditional, bright Spider-Man costume, Hobie embodies the punk style: mohawks, denim vests festooned with patches, and a signature electric guitar that doubles as a weapon. Embracing both the music and the messaging of punk, Spider-Punk becomes the leader of a makeshift Spider-Army, rallying the city’s marginalized citizens to stand up against Osborn’s oppressive regime.
Like other spider-heroes, Spider-Punk possesses superhuman strength, agility, wall-crawling abilities, and a keen spider-sense that alerts him to imminent danger. Unique to Hobie’s incarnation, however, is his use of sound as a weapon—specifically, the sound waves from his electric guitar, which can disrupt enemy technology, including the intimidating V.E.N.O.M. symbiote suits used by Osborn’s Thunderbolt police force.
Spider-Punk made his first appearance in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #10, published in 2014 as part of the expansive “Spider-Verse” storyline. Created by writer Dan Slott and artist Olivier Coipel, Spider-Punk gained rapid popularity among fans for his bold look and overtly anti-authoritarian themes.
The Spider-Verse Universe Grows
Sony’s Spider-Verse animated films have introduced multiple Spider-variants, each with distinct personalities and aesthetics, serving both narrative depth and a visual spectacle. The spin-off will focus exclusively on Spider-Punk, drawing from recent comic storylines where Hobie Brown fights for justice in a dystopian London, wielding not just web-shooters but an electric guitar. While plot details remain under wraps, the creative team promises a story that remains true to Spider-Punk’s anti-authoritarian roots.
