A Prince George theater employee's charmingly crude Spider-Man: Brand New Day artwork went viral, drawing praise before a corporate mandate ordered its removal.
A hand-drawn Spider-Man: Brand New Day poster, created by a Canadian theater employee, quickly became an internet sensation before a directive from head office led to its removal. The unique artwork captured global attention with its charmingly unpolished style, sparking widespread admiration among fans.
The story began early in August when Drake Landon, an employee at Famous Players 6 in Prince George, found his theater lacking official promotional materials for the Spider-Man film, which holds the title of the longest in the franchise's history. Rather than leaving the display empty, Landon took the initiative, crafting a unique piece of fan art.
His impromptu creation rapidly gained viral status, even earning commendation from Cineplex executives. Despite the overwhelming positive reception, the beloved poster was ordered to be taken down shortly after its rise to fame, according to reporting by Dexerto - Esports & Gaming.
Drake Landon's 'Spooder-Man' Inspiration
Drake Landon embarked on his artistic endeavor with a marker, drawing inspiration from the nostalgic “Spooder-Man meme” prevalent in the early 2010s. The resulting piece was a delightfully crude sketch of the web-slinger, depicted flashing a peace sign. Accompanying the drawing was a handwritten apology for the absence of official movie posters, adding to its unique appeal.
The poster’s imperfections, including clear misspellings, only enhanced its charm, evoking a sense of nostalgia for an internet era defined by quirky, shared inside jokes. Landon captured a selfie with his creation, his hand resting on the frame, further cementing the organic, grassroots feel of the viral moment.
Why the Hand-Drawn Spider-Man Poster Was Removed
Landon shared his experience on Reddit, initially choosing to remain anonymous due to concerns of being labeled a fraud. He later revealed that his boss informed him the “head office called and asked for it to be taken down” to prevent any potential displeasure from the film studio.
The removal sparked a wave of reactions from Reddit users, with many praising Landon’s ingenuity and clamoring for prints. Others expressed disappointment, lamenting that corporate decisions often stifle harmless, community-building moments. Cineplex VP Michelle Saba commented that the team “did have a little fun” while anticipating the official promotional materials, acknowledging the brief, joyful period the poster created.
Future Plans for the Viral Spider-Man Art
Following the poster’s widespread popularity and eventual removal, Landon retrieved his original artwork. He now intends to produce limited copies or redrawn duplicates for the numerous fans who have expressed a desire to own a piece of the viral sensation. This move offers a chance for the unique art to live on beyond the theater display.
The incident adds another peculiar chapter to the film's promotional journey. Spider-Man: Brand New Day has already faced unusual occurrences, including a screening evacuated due to an audience member’s “Hulk-sized fart” and a clip sparking “AI slop” controversy. These events suggest that the film's run continues to be anything but ordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the viral Spider-Man: Brand New Day poster?
The viral hand-drawn poster for Spider-Man: Brand New Day was created by Drake Landon, an employee at Famous Players 6 theater in Prince George, Canada.
Why was the hand-drawn Spider-Man poster removed?
The poster was removed after the theater’s head office requested it, citing a need to avoid potentially upsetting the film studio, despite the artwork's viral success and executive praise.
What inspired the style of Drake Landon's Spider-Man art?
Drake Landon's artwork was inspired by the "Spooder-Man meme" from the early 2010s, resulting in a distinctively crude yet charming portrayal of the web-slinger.
Will prints of the viral Spider-Man poster be available?
Yes, Drake Landon has announced plans to produce limited copies or redrawn duplicates of his viral Spider-Man poster for fans who wish to purchase them.