Black Panther Star Breaks Silence on Joining Spider-Verse 2

By Aeron Mer Eclarinal Posted:
Daniel Kaluuya Spider-Verse 2 Miles Morales

As Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse prepares to introduce Daniel Kaluuya's new animated Spider-Man hero, the Black Panther actor revealed what to expect in the highly-anticipated sequel.

Black Panther's Daniel Kaluuya joined the stellar voice cast of Spider-Verse 2 as Hobie Brown aka Spider-Punk, who is a homeless teenager that becomes a hero to the oppressed citizens of New York in his universe.

It is unknown how Spider-Punk will factor in Spider-Verse 2's Multiverse mission, but producer Amy Pascal confirmed that a love triangle between Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy, and Hobie Brown would be pushed to the forefront since the latter two have history. 

Daniel Kaluuya Opens up About Spider-Verse 2 Role

In an interview with Empire Magazine, Black Panther actor Daniel Kaluuya talked about his experience in voicing Spider-Punk for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

In the sequel, Kaluuya's Spider-Punk is a British, plaid-clad mohawked Spider-Man variant from Camden. Interestingly, the MCU actor is a Camden native which makes him the perfect choice for the role. 

Spider-Punk
Marvel

Kaluuya admitted that he was "gassed" upon learning that he's joining the Marvel sequel, noting his excitement in voicing "a wicked character that sounds exactly like [him]:"

“I was gassed. I turned to Lord, Miller and Kemp and said, ‘Thank you for letting me be a part of it, because this is cool as fuck.’ I’m a voice in Spider-Verse with a wicked character that sounds exactly like me, from where I’m from. Come on! You go to the younger people in your family and flex: ’I’m getting on, but don’t forget!’”

The Nope and Get Out actor also shared that lending his voice to Spider-Punk was a chance for him to channel himself due to his Camden roots:  

“I’m Camden born and bred, and this character is from Camden which is very much associated with the punk movement, so I think they wanted to lean into what they have for free with me.” 

Kaluuya then shared his approach to how he voiced the character: 

“They were like, ‘What do they speak like?’ and I said, ‘Like me!’ I think it gives it that authenticity, like me saying, ‘Man like Pav! [Indian Spider-Man Pavitr Prabhakar] Big steppa!’ I felt really respected.” 

Alongside the confirmation that Spider-Punk is from Camden in the movie, official merchandise of the sequel reinforced that idea by describing the character as being British

What Is Spider-Punk’s Role in Spider-Verse 2?

Daniel Kaluuya's excitement about finally unveiling Spider-Punk to the world in Spider-Verse 2 is fitting. 

In fact, the Black Panther actor's Camden roots combined with his enthusiasm to lend his voice to the Spider-Man variant allows the character to stand out amid its stacked cast. 

Aside from the love triangle plot point in the sequel, Spider-Punk appears to be part of the Spider Society that Oscar Isaac's Miguel O'Hara assembled to protect the Multiverse.

It's possible that he's a key member of the group and Miguel trusts him better than Miles Morales. As a result, a riff between Miles and Hobie Brown could also be highlighted, presenting more challenges for the sequel's titular protagonist. 

Fans can catch Daniel Kaluuya's performance as Spider-Punk when Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse premieres in theaters on June 2.

Release Date
June 02, 2023
Platform
Theaters
- About The Author: Aeron Mer Eclarinal
Aeron is a news/features writer and Content Lead for The Direct who has been working for the site since March 2020. From writing about the inter-connectivity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to having an extended knowledge about DC TV's Arrowverse, Aeron's expertise has since expanded into the realm of reality TV, K-drama, animated, and live-action shows from Netflix,  Disney+, Prime Video, MGM+, Peacock, Paramount+, and Max. When he isn't writing and watching all things MCU, Aeron is heavily invested with the NBA (go Celtics!) and occasionally watches thrilling matches in the WWE.