The original Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse script has been unveiled, showcasing notable differences from the final on-screen version, particularly in terms of explicit language. The script has just been revealed to include four instances of the word 'f-ck,' a departure from the film's PG rating.
Deadline shared the original Across the Spider-Verse script and it features some eye-raising changes. One standout moment in the script occurs during Hobie Brown's (Daniel Kaluuya) departure from the Spider Society following a disagreement with Miguel O'Hara (Oscar Isaac). After Miguel forbids Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) from intervening in a crucial event, Hobie quits, declaring, "Just for the record, I quit." He then throws his watch and "f-cks off through a portal."
Another notable instance of strong language is when Miles leaps into the Spider-Verse. "Miles turns. 3… 2… F-ck it. He LEAPS into the [Spider-Verse]," it reads.
Why did Across the Spider-Verse remove NSFW language?
While these moments bring added intensity and character expression, the film's theatrical release aimed for a more family-friendly approach with a PG rating, accommodating audiences as young as eight years old. Although the rating lessened NSFW language and violence, it didn't deter Across the Spider-Verse from becoming an instant blockbuster.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse reunited Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) for a multiversal adventure. They encounter the Spider Society, led by the formidable Miguel O'Hara, aka Spider-Man 2099. Alongside Kaluuya's Hobie Brown, other characters like Jessica Drew, aka Spider-Woman (Issa Rae), Pavitr Prabhakar, aka Spider-Man India (Karan Soni), and the villainous Spot, voiced by Jason Schwartzman, join the narrative. Despite the script's inclusion of explicit language, the film maintained its broad appeal by adhering to a PG rating.
The third film is titled Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse which was originally set to premiere on March 29, 2024. However, the sequel has since been delayed due to conflict with the artists working on the project as well as the SAG-AFTRA strikes. Following the conclusion of the strike in November 2023, it was reported that the voice recording for the film would resume. For now, Beyond the Spider-Verse does not have an official release date.
