Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse isn't due to arrive for another year but toys and merchandise for the highly anticipated movie have already started to hit store shelves. The sequel to Sony's computer-animated Spidey hit Into the Spider-Verse is sure to be a big one as it will introduce even more Spider-Man variants into the picture, including Miguel O'Hara/Spider-Man 2099, Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman, and Takuya Yamashiro/Spider-Man Japan, among others.
But there's one variant that hasn't been announced but seemingly been confirmed via the film's merchandise: Spider-Punk. Images of Across the Spider-Verse toys at a Target store suggest Spider-Punk will be shredding his way into the film.
As you can see, the toys consist of Spider-Punk's iconic horned mask as well as his signature guitar. They are both clearly labeled for the character.
Spider-Punk, who is an alternate version of Hobie Brown, first appeared in the 2015's issue of The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 3 #10. After the homeless teenager was bitten by a spider that was irradiated as part of President Norman Osborn's toxic waste dumping, Spider-Punk becomes a beacon of freedom and hope for the lower class as he fights against Osborn's regime.
The character was created by Dan Slott and Olivier Coipel and possesses all the typical Spidey powers, including superhuman strength, speed and reflexes, accelerated healing, etc. In addition to his web-shooters, Spider-Punk also wields a guitar which he's used to bash in the heads of his enemies.
Spider-Punk had previously been rumored to appear in the film, but these toys seem to confirm it. As Sony hasn't officially revealed the character we don't know who will be voicing Spider-Punk. However, the hope is that they'd enlist an actual punk rockstar to help bring him to life.
Although this would be his big-screen debut, Spider-Punk has previously appeared on television, making a cameo appearance in the Ultimate Spider-Man vs The Sinister 6 animated series. This version was voiced by Drake Bell and speaks with a Cockney accent.
The character has also been featured in various video games. He was a playable character in Spider-Man Unlimited as well as the hit mobile game Marvel Strike Force. You can also obtain the suit in the PlayStation-exclusive Marvel's Spider-Man.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is slated to arrive in theaters on June 2, 2023. It's the second film in a planned trilogy which includes the already announced Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, set to hit theaters in March 2024.