While it might be October yet, it’s safe to say that excitement for Halloween has already begun. Case in point, Marvel’s animated preschool megahit series Spidey and his Amazing Friends is debuting a Halloween special tomorrow that sees Team Spidey face off against the magical mischief of Hallow’s Eve and Jack O’Lantern. Ahead of the premiere of Marvel’s Spidey and the Avengers: Halloween Team-Up! special tomorrow, The Beat had the opportunity to chat with executive producer Chris Moreno not only about the episode but what’s to come for Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends which was recently greenlit for a historic seventh season on Disney Jr. and Disney+
Taimur Dar: The villain in this Spidey and his Amazing Friends Halloween special is none other than Hallow’s Eve. She debuted fairly recently in the comics. Obviously, for the preschool audience of the show you had to change some things. What went into adapting Hallow’s Eve for the show?
Chris Moreno: A lot of what we do comes down to how closely we work with our partners at Marvel. We find out a lot about what’s important and the core of the characters and what things we have to adjust for a preschool audience. In the case of Hallow’s Eve, it was thinking about the things she invokes not just her name but her look. It’s more Halloween magic. That’s what we were leaning into. We weren’t so behold to her origin in the comics. We really leaned more into Halloween magic and mischief. Those are the kinds of things an audience will respond to.
Taimur Dar: In the comics, Hallow’s Eve has a really clever gimmick with masks. As much fun as that would be, I’m sure animation does have its limits. Was using her mask derived powers gimmick considered or was that a no-go?
Chris Moreno: It’s funny, I wasn’t in those particular conversations. It’s interesting though because the idea of wearing costumes and masks was something we explored with our heroes in the story. That element is in there, it’s just not so much in the Hallow’s Eve character. Like you said, it’s a lot to unpack. When we’re looking to adapting Spidey stories for our preschool audience, a lot of that is thinking how much time you have in the story to explain to the audience who the characters are. I think that was part of the streamlining process.
Taimur Dar: I think most people are aware that musician Patrick Stump is the composer for this Spidey and his Amazing Friends animated series. I’ve only in recent years come to understand just how big a comics fan he is. So it’s not surprising that he voices Jack O’Lantern in this special. Do you remember how that casting idea happened?
Chris Moreno: I don’t know exactly where the idea came from. But I do remember once we heard it amongst the crew we were very excited. We love working with Patrick anyway in terms of composing. He has voiced some characters on our show a couple of times. He didn’t disappoint. Jack O’Lantern steals a lot of the scenes that he’s in and has such a great rapport and friendship with Hallow’s Eve who’s voiced by Este Haim in our special. They have that fun duet in our special. It was excitement all the way around.
Taimur Dar: Hulk plays a prominent role in this special. You’re no stranger to the Jade Giant having drawn the World War Hulk: Frontline miniseries. Is the Hulk a character you’re particularly fond of?
Chris Moreno: When we have these stories with a lot of characters, I think everyone tries to focus on an arc to build a story around. Our writer had keyed in on this little arc for Hulk. Everything on our show starts with something kid relatable. Kids love Halloween but also keying on fears and how friends can help you get over your fears. All of that seemed fun to do with a character like Huilk. Yeah, I have a soft spot for the character because I’m such a big Marvel fan. But it’s just a weird coincidence I drew World War Hulk: Frontline and we happen to have him on our show. Our version of Hulk is so fun and silly at times. I’m probably not the only one who has an affection for the character on our show.
Taimur Dar: Finally, you’re currently on the fifth season. You already introduced breakout character Symbie. Anything you can tease for what’s coming up?
Chris Moreno: I can’t tease too much. Audiences, if you’re loving characters like Symbie just know that there is going to be more of him coming around. We’re really excited about all our characters in Season 5. Silk is one we’ve grown to love. I’d tell audiences to stay tuned!
Marvel’s Spidey and the Avengers: Halloween Team-Up! special premieres Sept. 24 on Disney Jr. and next day on Disney+.
