Daniel Kaluuya reveals Spider-Punk project and reflects on Warner Bros.-Netflix deal

Daniel Kaluuya discusses Spider-Punk film development and shares thoughts on Hollywood studio consolidation

Daniel Kaluuya, known for Get Out and Black Panther, revealed new details about a Spider-Punk animated feature during Deadline’s Red Sea Studio event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The actor, who voiced Spider-Punk in 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, confirmed that he and co-writer Ajon Singh are in the “finishing stages” of the first draft.

Kaluuya emphasized that the intense fan response to Spider-Punk inspired the standalone project. The character, an alternate version of Hobie Brown and Spider-Man, will also appear in the upcoming Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. When asked about potential plot details or crossover with other Spider-Verse characters, Kaluuya remained noncommittal, stating, “TBD.”

The actor credited filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller for their guidance and inspiration, highlighting their focus on storytelling and relationships in animation. “Those Spider-Verse films, they speak to me. I was so inspired by them,” Kaluuya said, noting the filmmakers’ ability to convey joy through cinema and animation.

Kaluuya also addressed concerns about Hollywood consolidation following the $82.7 billion Warner Bros. Discovery-Netflix deal. He described the trend as a technological progression but stated he refuses to let it hinder his creative goals. “I’m not prescribing to this anxiety. You’ve just got to make something undeniable that speaks to the audience,” he said.

The actor expressed his commitment to filmmaking, community experiences in theaters, and encouraging others in the industry to pursue their ideas without fear. “Whatever it is, I’m here to tell my truth and execute that truth and bring the idea out,” Kaluuya added.