It’s hard to pick just one breakout character from 2018 Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, when almost all of them became fan favorites. But between the obvious star power of Miles Morales, the millennial recognizability of Peter B. Parker, and the sheer madness of Spider-Man Noir or Spider-Ham, Gwen Stacy still stood out. And Gwen’s voice actress, Hailee Steinfeld, can attest to that.
“A highlight of playing this character is connecting with so many people of all ages, especially young women, through this one character,” Steinfeld tells Polygon. “I’ve had experiences through this movie and through this character that I’ve never had before in my life with anything else I’ve done, and that’s pretty special.”
While full reviews of About the Spider-Verse haven’t struck yet, critical reaction on social media has been (unsurprising, given the success of In the Spider-Verse) positive.
#AcrossTheSpiderVerse is yet another milestone for animation. Yes, it’s gorgeous and visually stunning, but this sequel trumps the first because it always puts Miles AND his family front and center.
Spider-Gwen also rightfully steps deeper into the spotlight and co-owns the film. pic.twitter.com/maYL97vAeg
— Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) May 25, 2023
Numerous comments have mentioned that Gwen plays a bigger role in the story, as compared to In the Spider-Verse, as Miles’ guide to the wider world of multiversal Spider-Persons seen in trailers. (Sony announced it was developing a Spider-Woman animated spin-off film in 2018, starring Spider-Woman’s Gwen Stacy, Jessica Drew, and Cindy Moon/Silk. But there hasn’t been much news on the project since then.)
When Polygon asked what it was like to sink her teeth into a bigger role, Steinfeld said that this time Gwen is “in a very interesting and complex part of her life. And she handles it gracefully, and as a Spider-Gwen would. I love that this time people are seeing her world and getting a little more insight into it.”
About the Spider-Verse hits theaters June 2.