In an exclusive clip obtained by The Root, Miles Morales wars with his father’s disapproval of Spider-Man, and questions his life in Brooklyn in an emotionally wrought scene from the upcoming animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse.
After a radioactive spider bites him in the subway, Morales comes into his own as Spider-Man. He meets Peter Parker and learns he’s not alone in his special powers. He then uses his skills to battle the madman known as Kingpin, who has the ability to erect other universes to pull different Spider-Man versions into this world.
First appearing in Ultimate Fallout #4, Morales’ debut as an Afro-Latino teenaged version of one of Marvel’s most popular superheroes served as a remarkable step toward inclusion. Now, with this new film adaptation, Morales’ face will be firmly placed amongst Spider-Man film lore from here to eternity. The film is already getting critical buzz and recently secured a 2019 Golden Globes Best Motion Picture - Animation nom.
“Dad... do you really hate Spider-Man?” Morales asks, slumped over on his bed in the shadows, under the weight of his own vulnerability.
His father, Jefferson Davis (voiced by the wonderful talent known as Brian Tyree Henry) utters the word “vigilante” before the teen’s mother, Rio Morales (Luna Lauren Velez) chastises him.
“Baby, you know I feel about Spider-Man, come on,” says Jefferson in the blackest father voice ever. Again, props to Henry.
The animation here is crisp and something to look forward to on the big screen. The uncertain emotion in Morales’ face is palpable, and the intimate moment shared with his mother is aww-inducing. In this moment, he knows he can’t run; he can’t give up. That’s not what the Morales clan is about.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse is directed by Bob Perischetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman. Shameik Moore (Dope) voices Morales, and the film features other notable voices such as Mahershala Ali (Uncle Aaron), Zoë Kravitz (Mary Jane), and Brian Tyree Henry (Jefferson Davis).
Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse releases in theaters Friday, December 14.