Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse sees Miles Morales reunited with Gwen Stacy as they once again team up with Spider-Heroes from across the Multiverse. After Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse told the story of Miles Morales' origin as Spider-Man, the upcoming installment in the animated franchise will continue putting Miles to the test as he comes into conflict with the other heroes of the Spider-Verse. However, Miles isn't the only one being put through the wringer in the Spider-Verse sequel, with the latest trailer teasing Gwen Stacy reliving her most tragic moment.
When Spider-Gwen -- who actually goes by Spider-Woman in-universe -- made her first costumed appearance in Into the Spider-Verse, she shared her origin story with Miles and Peter in the same flashy montage style utilized by each of the film's Spider-Men, -Women and -Hams. It was revealed that, like her comic book counterpart, she lost her friend Peter Parker early on in her crime-fighting career. In the comics, and in what is glimpsed of her Peter's death in the film's flashback, Peter Parker became the Lizard in Spider-Gwen's universe and died after reverting to his human form. But now, Gwen may be losing another Peter.
Gwen Stacy Mourns Peter Parker's Death in Across the Spider-Verse
The second trailer for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse reveals more of Miles Morales' conflict with Miguel O'Hara. Played by Oscar Isaac, O'Hara is better known as Spider-Man 2099 and is the leader of the amassed Spider forces of the Multiverse. While it's not yet clear what pits Miles against Miguel and the other Spideys, it looks like the battle's fallout is going to be devastating for heroes across the Spider-Verse. One particular moment in the trailer has been raising fans' eyebrows, apparently showing Gwen relive the most devastating moment from her origin story.
The moment in question sees Spider-Gwen crouching beside a Peter Parker, who appears to be dying. Gwen is shown cradling this Peter in the next shot. The neon pink backdrop, with its distinctively streaked lighting, suggests this scene takes place on Spider-Gwen's world, Earth-65. However, this is not another flashback to the death of Earth-65's Peter. Into the Spider-Verse depicted that Peter as shirtless and still bearing some of the scales of his Lizard form when he died. This Peter is wearing a Spidey suit with sweatpants, much like Peter B. Parker's outfit in Into the Spider-Verse.
Which Peter Parker Meets Their Doom in Across the Spider-Verse?
While this Peter's outfit looks similar to the one donned by Peter B. Parker of Earth-616 in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, there's enough distinction to safely say this probably isn't the same Peter. For one thing, this Peter seems a little younger and slimmer than the out-of-shape, middle-aged Peter who trained Miles as Spider-Man. It also looks like, although this Peter is also rocking a Spidey suit/sweatpants combo, his costume is of a slightly different design to the classic look worn by Peter B. Parker. The most likely explanation, then, is that this is a Peter Parker audiences have yet to meet from another corner of the Spider-Verse.
If this is a new Peter, though, this opens a host of additional questions. Why does this version of Peter appear to be on Spider-Gwen's Earth? Is he of particular importance to Gwen or the other Spiders? It's possible that, much like Spider-Man: No Way Home's trailer editing out Tobey Maguire's and Andrew Garfield's Spider-Men, this shot has been altered for the Across the Spider-Verse trailer to conceal the identity of the dying Spider-Man. In any case, having to relive a loss that originally had a devastating impact on her will surely be a painful moment for Gwen Stacy and one that is going to put her resolve to the test.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse swings into theaters on June 2, 2023.