The creators of the groundbreaking Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse franchise, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, have opened up about an unexpected similarity between their Spider-Man movies and the hit Apple TV+ show, The Afterparty. In an exclusive interview, Lord and Miller shed light on their creative process and how they recycle ideas while still finding innovative ways to tell stories.
The Unexpected Similarity: Recycling Ideas
Lord and Miller candidly admit that they don’t have an infinite supply of ideas and often find themselves recycling concepts. However, they emphasize that recycling ideas doesn’t mean repeating the same story. It’s about exploring different perspectives and finding new ways to engage the audience. The Afterparty, with its murder-mystery premise, aligns with this approach by allowing different characters to recount their version of events.
Telling Stories in Different Ways
The duo is fascinated by the various ways stories can be told. Depending on who tells the story and how it’s told, the audience can experience a different emotional connection. The Afterparty leverages this narrative technique, enabling viewers to understand what happened from multiple perspectives. By getting closer to the characters and their relationships, the show immerses audiences subjectively and fosters empathy.
Miller believes that subjectivity is crucial for engaging viewers in film and television. When a story is presented objectively, it can feel distant and detached. However, seeing events through someone else’s eyes allows the audience to care deeply and empathize with the characters. Lord and Miller prioritize this approach in their work, aiming to bring audiences closer to the characters and foster a better understanding of their world.
Lord & Miller: The Ultimate Genre-Benders
Lord and Miller have become renowned for their ability to bend genres, transcending traditional storytelling boundaries. Their career took off with Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, where they blended humor with emotional depth. They further honed their skills with franchises like 21 Jump Street and The LEGO Movie, which broke the fourth wall while maintaining sincerity in character development and storytelling.
Lord and Miller’s journey to success hasn’t always been smooth. They faced early setbacks with the critically panned Extreme Movie and the short-lived animated series Clone High. However, they persevered and made a name for themselves with their unique storytelling style. Their ability to balance humor, heart, and innovation has garnered them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Lord and Miller’s work showcases their mastery of blending humor and emotional storytelling. Their movies strike a delicate balance between lightheartedness and depth, making audiences laugh while also touching their hearts. This skill is evident in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which combined a coming-of-age story with a multiverse adventure, and the sequel, Across the Spider-Verse, which continues to explore complex themes such as identity, uncertainty, and the power of choice.
The Genre-Defying World of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse broke new ground by reimagining the superhero genre. The film introduced audiences to Miles Morales, a fresh and diverse Spider-Man, and delved into the concept of a multiverse, where multiple versions of Spider-Man exist. This genre-bending approach captivated viewers and showcased Lord and Miller’s ability to push boundaries while delivering a heartfelt and thrilling cinematic experience.
Across the Spider-Verse Expanding the Boundaries
The upcoming sequel, Across the Spider-Verse, promises to continue defying genre conventions. It explores Gwen Stacy’s struggles with identity, raising intriguing questions about her character and the possibility of her being trans. The film also delves into Miles Morales’ uncertainty about the future and the ongoing debate of fate versus choice. Lord and Miller’s willingness to tackle complex themes ensures that audiences can expect a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant continuation of the Spider-Verse saga.
The Afterparty: A Genre-Bending Mystery
The Afterparty, an Apple TV+ show created by Lord and Miller, shares similarities with their Spider-Man movies in terms of genre-bending storytelling. Each episode of the show features a murder mystery, and by borrowing narrative ideas and twisting Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon formula, Lord and Miller keep audiences hooked on the overarching mystery. The show’s structure allows for different genres per episode, adding an exciting and unpredictable element to the storytelling.
Lord and Miller’s creative approach involves borrowing ideas and formulas from their previous work and applying them in new and innovative ways. This recycling of concepts allows them to maintain a fresh approach while building upon their storytelling foundation. The Afterparty season 2 trailer teases even more wild genres, including Elizabethan drama and noir thrillers, promising an exciting and eclectic mix of storytelling styles.
The Afterparty has achieved creative heights similar to the Spider-Verse movies. By pushing the boundaries of genre and employing unique narrative techniques, Lord and Miller deliver a captivating and intriguing viewing experience. Each episode presents a fresh take on the murder mystery formula, keeping audiences guessing and engaged until the final reveal of the true culprit. The Afterparty is a testament to Lord and Miller’s ability to continually innovate and surprise.
Season 2: Promising New Genres
The Afterparty season 2 builds on the success of its first season and promises even more thrilling genres. From Elizabethan drama to noir thrillers, Lord and Miller are eager to explore new storytelling territories. The show’s ability to seamlessly transition between genres ensures that audiences will be kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next twist and turn.
Final Thoughts
Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the creative minds behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, have discovered an unexpected similarity between their Spider-Man movies and The Afterparty. By recycling ideas while telling stories in different ways, Lord and Miller engage audiences and bring them closer to the characters. Their genre-bending approach and ability to push boundaries have cemented their status as visionary storytellers. As they continue to captivate audiences with their work, viewers can eagerly anticipate the genre-defying world of Across the Spider-Verse and the thrilling mysteries of The Afterparty.