Spider-Man's origin story is already widely known: Lab created radioactive spider, it bites Peter Parker, and that's how he became acquired his powers. That's why the introduction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man (played by Tom Holland) six months into his superhero career was such a refreshing change. The formula of the past was fully skipped - there's no spider bite scene, no weird manifestation of abilities, no showing up the high school bully. Just a superhero determined to avenge. Now, it looks like we're getting an origin story, but instead of an entry into a series of live-action films, it will be a prequel animated series coming to Disney+.
During Disney+ Day 2021 on November 12, 2021, it was announced that an animated Spider-Man TV series titled Spider-Man: Freshman Year was in development for Disney+ with Jeff Trammell attached to executive produce and write. On July 14, 2023, it was announced that the series will be produced by the Japanese animation studio Polygon Pictures, and that the anime would be animated using CGI.
Here's everything we know so far about Spider-Man: Freshman Year.
Spider-Man: Freshman Year Potential Release Date
Spider-Man: Freshman Year is currently scheduled to premiere on Disney+ in 2024. This release window was announced on July 22, 2022 at San Diego Comic-Con 2022. During this event, it was also announced that a sequel series Spider-Man: Sophomore Year was in development.
Jeff Trammel, executive producer and head writer of Spider-Man: Freshman Year, took to X (formerly Twitter) to reassure that the show was still coming to Disney+.
“Nothing that I can share yet, just that I'm eager for everyone to see the show. Our crew worked (and is still working) hard to make 'Freshman Year' feel special, fun and unique and I'm excited for the world to see it!”
Disney+ hasn't announced an exact release date for Spider-Man: Freshman Year but we will update this article once they officially announce it.
Spider-Man: Freshman Year Plot
Spider-Man: Freshman Year follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a journey unlike anything we've ever seen and a style that celebrates the superhero's early comic book roots.
Before he joined the Avengers and became an alien-battling superhero, he was the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man who kept his small area of the world safe from criminals. He fights dangerous villains, but mostly battles on the gritty streets of New York City.
However, don't expect the web-slinger to just fight petty criminals in the animated series. Spider-Man is expected to go up against members of the Sinister Six, including Doctor Octopus, Kraven the Hunter, Electro, Mysterio, Sandman, the Vulture, and the others.
Showrunner Jeff Trammell, who describes himself as a lifelong Spider-Man superfan, had this to say about the the anime:
“It’s so cool to be doing this show and being one of the people they trust to go forward. Giving someone Spider-Man and saying ‘Go’ is not like a small task. So there’s a lot of trust that was put in me and I definitely want to make sure I honor that trust and I take the character to new heights in a way that Marvel is going to get behind and be excited about.”
Spider-Man: Freshman Year Cast
The voice actor for Peter Parker/Spider-Man for Spider-Man: Freshman Year hasn't been announced yet. Of course, many Marvel fans would agree that Tom Holland would be fantastic choice for the sake of quality and continuity, but nothing is officially confirmed yet.
Only two voice actors have been confirmed for the Spider-Man anime. Charlie Cox will voice the animated version of Matt Murdock/Daredevil, and Paul F. Thompkins will play Bentley Whitman. Expect more casting announcements in a few months. It would be interesting to find out who will play May Parker and the villains expected to appear in the series.
Spider-Man: Freshman Year Concept Art
Marvel Studios, Disney+, and Polygon Pictures haven't revealed much about the upcoming Spider-Man animated series yet, so fans hoping for a teaser trailer and official previews will have to wait. For now, you can check out the concept art revealed for the Disney+ anime:
Based on the concept art revealed so far, it looks like Daredevil and Doctor Strange will appear in the animated series.
Epicflix will update you with more information about Spider-Man: Freshman Year once more details are revealed, so stay tuned!
