WhileSpider-Man: Across The Spider-Versehas been the subject of discussions this summer, with many even considering it the bestSpider-Manmovie, it seems that another Spidey adventure is set to release this year with the newly unveiledSpider-Man: Lotus. While fan projects typically don’t receive as much attention asSpider-Man: Lotushas garnered, its trailer has amassed over 2.5 million views. There are multiple reasons behind this heightened attention. The film initially captured the spotlight in 2021 when a short sequence was released, showcasing astounding VFX swinging shots that were on par with those in official projects. While fans were initially excited about the movie, their enthusiasm quickly turned into disappointment due to a leaked text conversation involving the lead actor, Warden Wayne.
The movie was initially set for a 2022 release but was later canceled due to the controversy surrounding the lead actor playing Spider-Man. Fast forward to 2023, and the lead actor confirmed that, despite the backlash, the movie was still scheduled for release. This came as a surprise to many. However, why wasSpider-Man Lotuseven controversial in the first place? What is the movie about, and where can it be watched?
Related:Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Changed Gwen Stacy Scene On Digital Release
What Is Spider-Man Lotus About?
Spider-Man Lotusis a fan-made Spider-Man movie intended to be a non-profit production driven solely by the fans' passion for the character. The film follows Peter Parker’s journey of grief and anguish following the tragic death of his girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. This particular storyline has yet to be explored within the Marvel TV or comic universe.Spider-Man Lotuspresents a narrative that aligns with what thethird installment of theAmazing Spider-Manmovie series could have felt like, considering that Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Spider-Man also experiences the loss of Gwen Stacy.
After Gwen Stacy’s demise, Peter decides to enter into a new relationship, all the while forming a connection with a terminally-ill child who happens to be a devoted Spider-Man fan. The film draws heavy inspiration from theAmazing Spider-Manseries, evident not only in its narrative but also in its similar color grading. Impressively, the movie managed to secure over $100k through crowdfunding when early clips were released, showcasing its promising potential. Notably, the film boasts a well-crafted Spider-Man suit, which received acclaim for its quality despite being part of a fan-made project. This suit was so well-received that fans even created a modification for it, incorporating itintoMarvel’s Spider-Mangame.
Why Is Spider-Man Lotus So Controversial?
What could have transpired with a fan-made movie that initially held such promise, garnering approval and admiration even from Andrew Garfield and MCU Filmmaker Jon Watts, only to later face disdain and backlash? As it turns out, there isn’t just one reason, but rather several factors at play.In a Twitter thread, it was revealed that the lead actor, Warden Wayne, who portrays Spider-Man and Peter Parker, as well as Gavin J. Konop, the writer, and director ofSpider-Man Lotus, engaged in offensive and highly inappropriate language during a leaked conversation.
In response, Warden Wayne shared anextensive apology letter on Twitter, acknowledging his wrongdoings and admitting to his mistakes. He explained that the text messages in question were from years ago, attributing his behavior to the conservative social environment in Arkansas. He further stated that he had adopted such language due to the influence of friends who used it, in order to avoid feeling excluded. Wayne emphasized that he now comprehends the gravity of his past actions, recognizing the insensitivity of his words. He extended a sincere apology to all those his words had targeted. However, his apology was met with disappointment from the audience, who found it hard to reconcile Wayne’s past remarks with their perception of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Another set of allegations has emerged, this time targeting the writer and director of the film, Gavin J. Konop. Although the Twitter post that initially exposed these allegations has since been deleted, it had displayed instances of Konop using both homophobic and racist slurs. In response to these accusations, Konop took to YouTube to upload anextensive video offering an apology. In the video, he explained that the messages in question date back to his high school years, during which he participated in online communities where he was exposed to and regrettably adopted these offensive behaviors. Furthermore, he contended that certain screenshots were potentially falsified, appearing only after the initial Twitter post with the apparent intention of further damaging his reputation.
If that weren’t sufficient, the movie faced another setback when the entireVFX team resigned, citing a highly toxic work environment. One of the VFX artists who had contributed to the film posted a YouTube video, expressing shock at witnessing the behaviors of Wayne and Konop while on set. According to the artist, the film took an unexpected direction that contradicted the principles Spider-Man typically embodies. It veered sharply away from the essence of what a fan-made film is meant to represent. This outcome was truly disheartening, especially considering the immense effort invested by the VFX team, evident in the remarkable swinging scenes highlighted in the trailer.
Where To Stream Spider-Man Lotus
Considering all the surrounding controversy, should viewers still opt to proceed and explore the fan project,Spider-Man Lotuswill be accessible for streaming at no cost. The complete film is now available for viewing on YouTube, hosted on the channel of the show’s director, Gavin J. Konop. Nonetheless, the film’s performance remains uncertain, though one certainty is that the movie has managed to gain significant attention, regardless of whether it’s been for positive or negative reasons.
Remarkably,Spider-Man Lotuseven held a red-carpet premiere prior to its release, a surprising occurrence for a fan-driven project. Given the recent controversy and heightened visibility, there’s a possibility that Disney, the owner of theSpider-Mancharacter, might consider taking legal action againstSpider-Man Lotusto safeguard their character’s image. However, this outcome is yet to be determined, as the film is presently available for streaming.
