The Spider-Man fan film, Spider-Man: Lotus is directed by filmmaker Gavin J. Konop and produced as a non-profit project with no participation from Sony Pictures or Marvel Studios. The first teaser trailer for the film was released in October 2021. The Spider-Man: Lotus film was inspired by stories like Spider-Man: Blue, The Death of Gwen Stacy, and The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man. Being inspired by “The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man”, the film drew praise from comic readers. The comic was originally printed in Amazing Spider-Man #248. It is broadly considered one of the best Spider-Man stories. The film also got a boost from director Jon Watts and actor Andrew Garfield.
On July 8, director Gavin Konop announced that Spider-Man: Lotus would be released on Thursday, August 10. However, it has been delayed by a day and now it will be available for free on Konop’s YouTube channel tomorrow. The controversy began in June 2022 when private messages between actor Warden Wayne and director Gavin Konop using racial slurs got leaked. Due to this, fan support has shifted over the year. However, Konop has completed the project. Spider-Man: Lotus will be available to watch online for free on Thursday, August 10.
The Controversy of Spider-Man: Lotus Explained
The controversy started focusing on co-writer and lead actor Warden Wayne. In June 2022, X (formerly known as Twitter) user @Thnnnder shared a few screenshots showing a series of racist remarks made by the actor on social media. While images can be fabricated, the actor admitted that the comments were his. Wayne talked about his conservative dwelling, saying racist attitudes were “pushed onto me”. He said he was “embarrassed and sad” about who he was and was trying to be a better person. Filmmaker Gavin J. Konop expressed his repugnance with Wayne’s comments. While disappointed in his lead actor, he was content with the apology.
Shortly after this Twitter fiasco, Konop faced accusations of racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks. X tipster, @Berkmanboom posted screenshots justifying the accusation. Even though the original post was deleted, the damage was done. He addressed the issue through YouTube, admitting some of the comments were true but other images were fictitious. The fabricated images included one where he allegedly insulted Jon Watts. His apology was futile, and many who had crowdfunded Spider-Man: Lotus demanded a refund.
In reaction to these controversies, the entire VFX team for Spider-Man: Lotus walked off the project. Artist Max Aurnhammer addressed the issue through YouTube. He noted that they regretted leaving the project but that it was “no longer aligned with what Spider-Man represents as a character.”
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