Draft:Miguel O'Hara (Spider-Verse)

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Miguel O'Hara
Spider-Man
Spider-Verse character
First appearanceSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Based onMiguel O'Hara / Spider-Man 2099
by Peter David & Rick Leonardi
Voiced byOscar Isaac
In-universe information
Full nameMiguel O'Hara
Aliases
  • Spider-Man
  • Spider-Man 2099
SpeciesHuman mutate
Occupation
Affiliation
OriginNueva York, Earth-928
NationalityAmerican
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength, speed, durability, and agility
  • Use of interdimensional travel (via watch)

Miguel O'Hara, also known by his alias Spider-Man, and colloquially as Spider-Man 2099, is a fictional character appearing in the Spider-Verse film franchise, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name by Peter David and Rick Leonardi.

Appearances[edit]

Into the Spider-Verse[edit]

Across the Spider-Verse[edit]

Beyond the Spider-Verse[edit]

Development[edit]

Background as a comics character[edit]

Miguel is based on the character of the same name from Marvel Comics publications.[1] In 1992, Marvel Comics launched an imprint of titles labelled Marvel 2099, which were set in a future version of the main Marvel Universe, in the year 2099.[2] Spider-Man 2099 was one of the titles launched in 1992, with Miguel being created by Peter David and Rick Leonardi, depicting him as the Spider-Man of the year 2099, and a resident of Nueva York.[2]

In the comics, Miguel is depicted as a mixed Irish-Mexican geneticist working for the Alchemax mega-corporation, where he worked on a project to create super soldier.[2] To prevent him from quitting after questioning the ethics of the program, Miguel's boss gets him addicted to Rapture, a highly addictive drug that is distributed legally only by Alchemax, making Miguel dependent on the corporation.[2] In an attempt to restore his genome to its pre-Rapture state, Miguel uses the machine he created for the super-soldier experiment. However, due to a rival sabotaging the process, the machine rewrites Miguel's DNA to become 50% spider, inadvertedly giving him superpowers.[2][1]

Miguel was the most popular figure to emerge from the Marvel 2099 line, but after the cancellation of Spider-Man 2099 in 1998,

Writing[edit]

Regarding Miguel's inclusion in Into the Spider-Verse's post-credits scene, co-director Bob Persichetti stated that they were initially unsure of which character to use for the scene.[3] The decision to have Miguel as the star of the post-credits scene was due to the disappointment expressed by fans at the exclusion of the character from the main plot of Into the Spider-Verse.[3] Following the decision to include Miguel, they asked Oscar Isaac if he was interested in voicing the character, which he accepted.[3]

According to Across the Spider-Verse co-writer Christopher Miller, during the initial stages of the film, Miguel was "too big of an asshole".[4] As the crew wanted to ensure he didn't come of as one-dimensional, in order to avoid this they initially aimed to be "elegant about implying his backstory and his reasoning".[4] However, it was decided that rather than simply implying his background and motivations, the film would openly depict these elements; akin to the other Spider-People such as Gwen.[4] In doing so, Miller believes this helped make Miguel a "three-dimensional character".[4]

  1. https://discussingfilm.net/2024/02/27/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-director-justin-k-thompson-talks-last-minute-changes-and-making-miguel-ohara-hot-exclusive-interview/

Personality and morality[edit]

Miguel is a "brooding [and] no-nonsense" individual,[5] has a "cold and hard exterior",[6] and is also "humourless, threatening and unsympathetic";[7] his lack of humor setting him apart from most other Spider-People who tend to be funny.[7] A control freak, production designer Patrick O'Keefe argues that Miguel has "this underlying structure that is infallible, from his point of view" and a character that "needs to control the whole universe"; O'Keefe also describes Miguel as being "old guard".[8] Regarding his control freak tendencies, co-director Justin K. Thompson has stated that Miguel's "need to control every detail and outcome is reflective of [his] personal need to compartmentalize and avoid his own problems".[6] Isaac even described Miguel as having "this violence that's simmering underneath at all times".[7] Across the Spider-Verse co-director Kemp Powers has stated that despite his role as an antagonist, Miguel is "not a villain [but] a good guy".[9]

Miguel adheres to a utilitarian viewpoint,[10] believing that "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few",[11] and that one has to make personal sacrifices for "the greater good".[5] Concerning the character's moral and philosophical beliefs, it has been argued that Miguel's vehement belief of "canon events" and that Spider-People are destined to experience loss, shows a strong adherence to a fatalistic viewpoint.[10] Regarding Miguel's desire for control and belief in the greater good, even at the cost of one's loved ones and having to make personal sacrifices, Powers stated that although he has an antagonistic role in the film, "[Miguel's] goals are very understandable"; acknowledging that viewers may potentially side with either his perspective or Miles'.[9]

Design in Across the Spider-Verse[edit]

Physique[edit]

In Across the Spider-Verse, Miguel's physique and costume were redesigned, with the character also sporting a much larger build than he did in Into the Spider-Verse; Felipe Rangel of Screen Rant speculates this happened due to his larger role in the sequel, and to make him look more intimidating.[12] In the sequel, Miguel sports a muscular physique akin to a bodybuilder,[13] red eyes, and fangs that he can use to bite his enemies.[14]

According to concept artist Hethe Srodawa, early in the development of Across the Spider-Verse, Miguel was going to have the slimmer build he had in the original film, before the decision was made to redesign him.[12] Kris Anka worked as lead character and costume designer on Across the Spider-Verse,[15] and it took him 15 months to finalize Miguel's design.[12][16] Anka stated that very early while working on the film, he was "asked to do an entirely fresh take on [Miguel], making sure he felt aggressive and bold", and that he had a "different body build from the other spiders".[17] Regarding Miguel's large physique, Anka further clarified that this was also because the directors wanted the character to have a serious personality and actively choosing to be Spider-Man; rather than getting his powers by accident, such as Peter, who has a "naturalistic body and attitude".[16] Miguel's bigger build not only helped differentiate him from other Spider-People, but also show that he "takes this [being Spider-Man] way too seriously".[16] Anka went through different iterations regarding Miguel's build and seeing how large he could make the character.[17] Isaac acknowledges that Miguel "transforms visually and becomes more feral as things fall apart" during the course of the film.[7]

According to Across the Spider-Verse's directors, Miguel was intentionally designed to be a "thirst trap",[13] from early on in the film's production.[18] Thompson, jokingly referring to himself as being on "butt detail" during the film's production, stated that he wanted to ensure "[Miguel's] butt is as tight as possible", wanting closeups of it, and for the camera to display his backside during his introduction.[13] Regarding Miguel's sex appeal, Powers noted that female characters are often sexualized for the male gaze, and that they "gotta make up for [that]".[18]

Spider-Man outfit[edit]

Miguel's Spider-Man costume consists of a "red, black, and blue design".[16] In designing his costume, Anka stated that he went on a "deep dive into Mesoamerican patterns and tried to find ways to add culture to the suit".[16] Unlike the costumes worn by other Spider-People, which are fabric-based, Miguel wears a digital costume instead.[19] For the scene where Miles uses his electric powers to interfere with Miguel's digital suit, Anka also designed the effects of the suit's disintegration, taking inspiration from burned-out LED screens.[19] Miguel having "tech-based, glowing web shooters", rather than the organic webs he has in the comics, was inspired by the visual design of his universe being based on Syd Mead's neo-futuristic illustrations.[20]

How Miguel is drawn was based on concept art from the 1980s, which Miller notes was often drawn on boards that weren't purely white, and had "negative space under the drawing, but it hasn't been finished yet".[21] Miller highlights how in Miguel's design, the pencil lines are clearly visible, as if "unfinished".[21] Regarding this aspect of Miguel's design, Miller asserts that it's "kind of a cruel joke on Miguel, who's essentially asserting that the future is written, but the image is constantly undermining his argument and saying, in fact, the future is not completely fleshed out".[21]

Following the release on Across the Spider-Verse, Anka shared concept art of a "cybernetically enhanced", red and white suit, based on a similar outfit Miguel wears in the comics; the led to speculation that Miguel will don said suit in Beyond the Spider-Verse.[15]

Animation in Across the Spider-Verse[edit]

According to character lead Daniel Pozo, a lot of work went into Miguel's movements and expressions. While working on the film, the animators would often consider how Miguel should "perform, how restrained [they] should keep him", and "how much his face [should] emote", based on the designs that they were provided with.[22] To figure out Miguel's movement and expressions, the animators would often use either Isaac or other individuals with Indigenous features as inspiration.[22] Pozo stated that in order to develop Miguel's body, they used bodybuilders as reference.[22] While the crew wanted to make Miguel look intimidating, they also wanted to depict him as "hav[ing] a soft side to him".[22]

Concerning Miguel's movements in the film, head of character animation Alan Hawkins was inspired by Stringer Bell, portrayed by Idris Elba in The Wire.[16] Hawkins noted that Stringer Bell "looks like a tough guy, but there's a slouch to him[;] it feels like he's burdened by the weight of responsibility, but still seems like he's aggressive", which inspired Miguel's posture for much of Across the Spider-Verse.[16]

Reception[edit]

Rangel stated that Miguel's redesign in Across the Spider-Verse was positively received by fans.[12]

  1. https://www.cbr.com/best-spider-man-2099-costumes-movies-comics-ranked/#spider-man-2099-rsquo-s-original-costume
  2. https://bleedingcool.com/collectibles/unleash-the-future-with-spider-man-2099-with-hot-toys-latest-release/

Writing for ABC News, Mawunyo Gbogbo acknowledged that Miguel was a "much-loved character in [Across the Spider-Verse]".[22]

Sex appeal[edit]

  1. https://www.themarysue.com/across-the-spider-verses-miguel-ohara-is-our-new-internet-boyfriend/
  2. https://collider.com/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-miguel-ohara-dads-hot/
  3. https://www.buzzfeed.com/ishabassi/miguel-spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-thirst-reactions
  4. https://www.cbr.com/across-the-spider-verse-animator-encourages-thirst-tweets/
  5. https://screenrant.com/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-spider-man-2099-fan-art/#spider-man-2099-on-a-mission
  6. https://www.cinemablend.com/superheroes/spider-man/oscar-isaacs-spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-character-is-making-the-internet-thirsty-because-of-course
  7. https://comicbook.com/movies/news/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-spider-man-2099-oscar-isaac-thirst/#1

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Mendez II, Moises (June 2, 2023). "What to Know About Miguel O'Hara a.k.a. Spider-Man 2099 in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse". Time. Meredith Corporation. Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e Rivera, Joshua (June 4, 2023). "What is Spider-Man 2099's problem?". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Robinson, Joanna (December 13, 2018). "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: The End of Credits Scene, Explained". Vanity Fair. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Hiatt, Brian (June 6, 2023). "Secrets of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Revealed". Rolling Stone. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Dutta, Debopriyaa (June 3, 2023). "Across The Spider-Verse's Spider-Man 2099 Is A Great Antagonist Because He Has A Point". /Film. Static Media. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Baranda, Danielle (July 3, 2023). "Inside the Spider-Verse: Looking at Spider-Man's various worlds in the animated multiverse". PopVerse. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d Ford, Lucy (June 2, 2023). "Oscar Isaac on wanting to drag Pedro Pascal into the Spider-Verse". GQ. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  8. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (June 10, 2023). "How Across the Spider-Verse Pays Homage to The Sex Pistols, Graphic Artist Syd Mead and Canadian Hockey". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on June 12, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Shepher, Jack (May 10, 2023). "Across The Spider-Verse director says Spider-Man 2099 isn't actually the villain". GamesRadar+. Future plc. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Nicastro, Jonathan (June 7, 2023). "Across the Spider-Verse: Free Will over Fatalism". National Review. Archived from the original on June 28, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  11. ^ John, Matt (June 7, 2023). "Oscar Isaac Reveals What It Was Like To Play Miguel O'Hara In Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse". GameRant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on June 28, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  12. ^ a b c d Rangel, Felipe (August 25, 2023). "Spider-Man Fans Discover How Much Spider-Man 2099 Changed Between Spider-Verse Movies (& They're Impressed)". Screen Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c Weintraub, Steve; Jones, Tamera (February 24, 2024). "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Directors Reveal Miguel O'Hara Was Designed To Be a Thirst Trap". Collider. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on February 25, 2007. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  14. ^ Oddo, Marco Vito (December 9, 2023). "Who Is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse's Broody Spider-Man 2099?". Collider. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Cimaglio, Zachary (July 10, 2023). "Beyond the Spider-Verse: New Art Reveals Possible Miguel O'Hara Suit Upgrade". Comic Book Resources. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on July 28, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g James, Daron (June 13, 2023). "How the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Visual Team Created a Mesmerizing Multiverse". Motion Picture Association. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Butkovic, Leanne (June 8, 2023). "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: Artists, Animators Share How Their Stunning Scenes Came Together". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  18. ^ a b El-Mahmoud, Sarah (February 24, 2024). "'I Was On Butt Detail The Whole Movie': Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Filmmakers Explain Why They Wanted Miguel O'Hara To Be A 'Thirst Trap'". CinemaBlend. Future plc. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  19. ^ a b Young, Kai (July 7, 2023). "The Surprising Truth Of Spider-Man 2099's Costume Makes 1 Spider-Verse Scene Really Awkward". Screen Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  20. ^ Leite, Marcelo (June 3, 2023). "6 Different Animation Styles In Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Explained". Screen Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on July 29, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  21. ^ a b c Desowitz, Bill (May 25, 2023). "Why Phil Lord and Chris Miller Call Across the Spider-Verse Spidey's Empire Strikes Back". IndieWire. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c d e Gbogbo, Mawunyo (June 9, 2023). "Spider-Man animator shares tricks of the trade, shedding light on the character everyone is talking about". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
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