Amazon’s recent decision to shelve the Silk: Spider-Society TV series has raised concerns about representation and the handling of the Spider-Man franchise. Despite the project’s creative overhauls, the show was ultimately canceled, leaving fans wondering what went wrong.
The Silk: Spider-Society series had a tumultuous development history, with multiple creative teams and changes in direction. Initially, Lauren Moon was hired to develop the project in 2019, followed by Tom Spezialy and Angela Kang as showrunners. However, the show was repeatedly delayed due to the Writers’ Guild of America strike and a sudden request to reconfigure the series to focus less on Silk.
The cancellation points to a larger issue with Sony’s handling of the Spider-Man franchise. Ever since Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, Sony has struggled to keep the franchise viable. Attempts to launch a cinematic universe, including the Amazing Spider-Man films and Venom, have been met with mixed results. In contrast, the Spider-Verse animated films have been warmly received, showcasing a desire for more Spider-Man stories in the franchise.
Silk Spider-Society (Via IMDB)
Silk, a Korean-American superheroine, is a significant addition to the Spider-Man mythos. Her origin story, which involves a radioactive spider bite and a connection to Ezekiel Sims, offers a compelling narrative. The “Spider Society” subplot, introduced in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, provides an opportunity for Silk to connect with other Spider-Men and explore her struggles with family and connection.
The timing of the cancellation is particularly egregious, as it occurred during Asian-American/Pacific Islander Appreciation Month. The rumors surrounding the cancellation, including the desire for a more “male-skewing” project, only add to the disappointment. Despite the setback, there is still hope for Silk: Spider-Society, as the series is being shopped around to potential buyers. The character’s appearance in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and the upcoming Spider-Society comic book series offer further opportunities for Silk stories.
