Spider-Man Swings Summer 2026 Into the Record Books (Ep. 373)

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with a packed round of animation news, beginning with a fascinating follow-up to their Tim Curry tribute and the real story behind his brief run as the Joker on "Batman: The Animated Series." They break down a record-setting summer at the box office, from "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "The Odyssey" to the theatrical comeback of "Coyote vs. Acme," "Cars," and "Akira." Plus, Jim and Drew look ahead to new projects from Matt Braly and Dana Terrace, the return of "Spirited Away: Live on Stage," and the upcoming opening of the revamped Magic of Disney Animation at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

NEWS
• Why Tim Curry's frightening Joker ultimately gave way to Mark Hamill on "Batman: The Animated Series."
• "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" helps push the Summer 2026 domestic box office to a record $4.7 billion.
• "Coyote vs. Acme," the 20th anniversary re-release of "Cars," and a 4K IMAX restoration of "Akira" find audiences in theaters.
• Matt Braly's "Clara and the Below," Dana Terrace's "Knights of Guinevere," and "The Owl House" graphic novel "The Long Lived King" move forward.
• "Spirited Away: Live on Stage" heads to theaters as Disney's Hollywood Studios prepares to open the new Magic of Disney Animation.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor - X/Twitter: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
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SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

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