In 2018, the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse took the world by storm, introducing a new version of the beloved superhero to audiences. The movie not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved massive commercial success, grossing hundreds of millions of dollars and winning the prestigious Best Animated Feature Academy Award.
One of the standout aspects of the film was its soundtrack, which featured several hit singles. Among them, Post Malone and Swae Lee's 'Sunflower' emerged as a chart-topping sensation, reaching No. 1 on the Hot 100 and becoming one of the biggest hits of the decade. Recently, the song was certified double-diamond by the RIAA for surpassing 20 million equivalent units in the U.S., a remarkable achievement.
Following the success of the first film, a sequel titled Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was released in 2023. The sequel continued the visually stunning storytelling of its predecessor, earning accolades from both critics and audiences alike. The film featured a brand-new soundtrack curated by A-list hip-hop artists such as Lil Wayne, Offset, Future, and Lil Uzi Vert, with renowned producer Metro Boomin at the helm.
Despite the undeniable impact of the Spider-Man animated franchise on the music industry, it has not received the level of recognition it deserves. The series has spawned multiple chart-topping hits, including 'Sunflower,' which outsold iconic songs like Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You' and Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On.' However, the franchise has been notably absent from major award ceremonies like the Grammys and the Oscars.
Music supervisor Kier Lehman played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of both Spider-Man films, earning praise for his creative contributions. Lehman collaborated closely with filmmakers to develop unique soundscapes for the diverse universes depicted in the movies, blending elements of hip-hop and cultural influences to enhance the storytelling.
From crafting playlists for specific characters and locations to collaborating with A-list producers like Metro Boomin, Lehman's work as a sonic architect was instrumental in defining the musical identity of the Spider-Man franchise. Despite the challenges of creating futuristic soundscapes for imaginary worlds, Lehman's dedication to pushing creative boundaries and collaborating with top-tier talent has set a new standard for animated film soundtracks.
