Spider-Verse Sequel Locks June 18, 2027 Release, Setting Up a Massive Animated Showdown with Pixar’s Upcoming Film Gatto

Sony Shakes Up the Calendar

September 25, 2025: Sony Pictures Animation has confirmed a new release date for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse — now slated for June 18, 2027, coinciding with Father’s Day weekend. That move places it in direct box office competition with Pixar’s upcoming original film, Gatto, setting up what could be a high-stakes showdown between two major animated tentpoles.

Pixar’s Gatto Steps Into the Ring

Gatto is an original Pixar feature set in Venice, following a black cat named Nero as he questions whether he’s truly lived his nine lives to the fullest. Amid his existential journey, he finds himself tangled with a mob boss and meets a street artist named Maya, whose presence may become pivotal to his quest. With its imaginative premise, Gatto looks poised to be Pixar’s bold new entrant — but now faces a tough rival in the form of an established franchise.

Risks and Rewards of Collision

Father’s Day weekend has historically been a strong landing spot for family-friendly films, which likely influenced Sony’s decision. But going head-to-head with Pixar is no small gamble. While Spider-Verse films have shown strong box office potential, Pixar originals typically command audience loyalty. Whether Pixar shifts Gatto’s date or doubles down against Spider-Verse will be a key question in coming months.

What This Means for Beyond the Spider-Verse

Originally scheduled earlier, Beyond the Spider-Verse had its release date pushed around several times before landing on June 18, 2027. The film is expected to follow Miles Morales’ journey continuing from Across the Spider-Verse, exploring multiverse conflicts, deeper emotional stakes, and new visual experimentation. It will also be Sony’s first animated feature to aim for IMAX and premium large format (PLF) release in the franchise.

What to Watch

Will Pixar defend its position by moving Gatto’s release date?

Can Beyond the Spider-Verse maintain the visual and narrative innovation that defined its predecessors?

How will audiences respond to two major animated films clashing on the same weekend?

Can Beyond the Spider-Verse exceed the box office performance of Across the Spider-Verse?

This clash could reshape summer blockbuster expectations. As the battle lines are drawn, fans of animation have much to look forward to.