The Spider-Verse has added a new web-slinger to its roster: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Issa Rae will voice Jessica Drew A.K.A. Spider-Woman in the upcoming animated sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This will mark the first time both the actress and the character will appear in a superhero film. Rae and Spider-Woman’s reputations both make their combined debut an exciting prospect.
Spider-Woman’s origins are about as tangled as a web itself. Originally, she was an actual spider that evolved into a human. Thankfully, that storyline was ditched in favor of a relatively normal superhero origin story: After Jessica Drew becomes sick due to exposure to uranium, her dad injects her with an experimental serum and puts her into a genetic accelerator. When she finally emerges from the tube, she has a bunch of amazing abilities. In addition to the standard Spider-person powers (like clinging to walls and super strength), Drew can release venom blasts, has heightened senses, and is immune to radiation. Although the character has had ups and downs over the years, she’s undeniably a force to be reckoned with.
Issa Rae rose to fame after her YouTube series, Awkward Black Girl, became extremely popular. It wasn’t long before she created and starred in the award-winning Insecure (pictured above). Throughout her career, Rae’s pushed to put underrepresented voices in the spotlight with a combination of dramatic and hilarious projects. Since the first Spider-Verse film was a great blend of comedy and heartbreaking moments, the actress is perfectly suited to join the cast. And having her portray an iconic heroine in their first foray on screen seems like the ideal role for someone who’s pushed for representation for years.
Rae’s Spider-Woman will join Shameik Moore’s Miles Morales and Hailee Steinfeld’s Spider-Gwen in the upcoming 2022 animated sequel. We’ll see what other Spider-people swing by the film in the upcoming months.
