Sony's Creator to Creator: Inside 'Marvel's Spider-Man 2' and 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse'

Today’s Spider-Man creators grew up adoring Marvel’s web-slinging Super Heroes. Beyond this shared love for Peter Parker and Miles Morales, these creative minds approach their craft in surprisingly similar and divergent ways. Exploring how creators of different mediums approach crafting unique stories featuring shared characters is endlessly fascinating.

That’s why we’re excited to reveal a new entry in Sony’s Creator to Creator series, featuring some key people responsible for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. This two-part series includes:

• Bryan Intihar, Senior Creative Director, Insomniac Games
• Jacinda Chew, Senior Art Director, Insomniac Games
• Robert “Bobby” Coddington, Senior Animation Director, Insomniac Games
• Bill Rosemann, Marvel Games Vice President & Creative Director
• Joaquim Dos Santos, Director, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
• Kemp Powers, Director, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
• Justin K Thompson, Director, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Part one of the Creator to Creator series dives into everything from authentically portraying Marvel Super Heroes in film and games to the parallel bonds between the Spider-Men and the creative teams that bring them to life.

In part one, Coddington reflects on foundational lessons from Marvel artists and how to pose the Heroes dynamically. Thompson explains how technology has evolved so far that it’s no longer the main hurdle for telling visually complex stories, like those of the Spider-Verse. Chew reveals her excitement and sense of duty around creating convincing Symbiote tentacles in the game. Finally, Intihar discusses how the bond between Peter and Miles reminds him of growing alongside his fellow Insomniac developers.

We also had the opportunity to check in with the Insomniac Games team that participated in the Creator to Creator series, asking them to share what they learned and think will stick with them from these conversations:

“It was inspiring to talk to another creative team working in the Spider-Man universe and discovering that we were all dealing with similar problems and challenges regardless of medium.” (Jacinda Chew, Senior Art Director, Insomniac Games)

“That's our great responsibility… to make a place where someone young and insecure and doesn't see a future for themselves say, ‘that's mine.’” (Robert “Bobby” Coddington, Senior Animation Director, Insomniac Games)

“I’m a better Insomniac and better creative director because of [Bobby and Jacinda]. For me, the game represents what it feels like to be part of this team.” (Bryan Intihar, Senior Creative Director, Insomniac Games)

Update: Part two of Sony's Creator to Creator series featuring Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is available today. Spoiler warning ahead for those who haven’t seen or played these sequels yet!

In this spoiler-filled follow-up, the panel of game developers and film directors dive deeper into their creative collaborations and shared history with Spider-Man. Intihar discusses adding mysterious, multi-dimensional Spider-Bot collectibles in the game and working with the Spider-Verse creators on this nod to the film. Powers talks about the significance of Miles as a character of color, who is as powerful as other Spider-Men but uniquely cool. Coddington and Rosemann also connect on borrowing strength from Spider-Man as a relatable Hero during challenging times growing up.

Thanks for playing, watching, and diving in deep with the creators of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse!