Preston Mutanga, a 14-year-old from Toronto, Canada, has made waves in the animation industry by landing a role as an animator on the highly anticipated film “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Mutanga caught the attention of the film’s producers, Chris Lord and Phil Miller, when he recreated the film’s trailer shot-for-shot using LEGO blocks.
Mutanga’s LEGO remake of the “Across the Spider-Verse” trailer was uploaded to Twitter, where Lord and Miller discovered it. Impressed by the young animator’s talent and the sophistication of his work, the directors reached out to Mutanga. Lord expressed his astonishment, stating, “It blew us all away, including some of the best animators in the world.”
Mutanga’s journey into animation began when his father introduced him to 3D software called Blender. He quickly became hooked on it and taught himself various techniques by watching YouTube videos. Despite his young age, Mutanga displayed remarkable skills and dedication to his craft.
Working remotely from Toronto, Mutanga spent several weeks animating a LEGO sequence for “Across the Spider-Verse.” He had regular video meetings with Miller, who provided feedback and guidance throughout the process. Mutanga expressed how valuable it was to learn about the iterative nature of animation and the significant changes that can occur from the beginning to the final product.
I recreated the entire Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse trailer in LEGO! @philiplord @chrizmillr @terry12539 @LEGO_Group @SpiderVerse #LEGO #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse #animation #Blender3d pic.twitter.com/kYY19go7Fc
— LegoMe_TheOG (@FG_Artist) January 3, 2023
Lord highlighted the significance of Mutanga’s involvement, stating that “The LEGO Movie” was inspired by people making films with LEGO bricks at home, and “Spider-Verse” conveys the idea that a hero can come from anywhere. Mutanga, a young and talented animator inspired by the movies that inspired him, represents this concept perfectly.
While still in high school, Mutanga’s experience on “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” brings him one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a full-time animator. Working with the creators of a film he adored was like a dream come true for Mutanga, and it has propelled him further towards his career aspirations.
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is currently playing in theaters and showcases Mutanga’s contribution to the film’s animation. His remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to young aspiring animators worldwide, reminding them that talent and dedication can lead to incredible opportunities.
Preston Mutanga’s success story has captured the attention of aspiring animators and film enthusiasts worldwide. His passion for animation and dedication to honing his skills at such a young age is truly remarkable. Mutanga’s involvement in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” serves as a testament to the power of talent and the opportunities that can arise from showcasing one’s work.
The recognition from Chris Lord and Phil Miller, renowned directors in the animation industry, is a testament to Mutanga’s exceptional abilities. Their decision to reach out to him and involve him in the film speaks volumes about his talent and the impact his LEGO recreation of the trailer had on them. Mutanga’s work not only caught the attention of industry professionals but also impressed some of the best animators in the world.
For Mutanga, the experience of working on “Across the Spider-Verse” was a dream come true. As a fan of the first movie, he was eagerly anticipating the sequel and getting the opportunity to collaborate with the creators of the masterpiece was beyond his wildest dreams. This experience has propelled him one step closer to his goal of becoming a full-time animator, setting a strong foundation for his future career.
The fact that Mutanga is still in high school demonstrates that talent knows no age limits. His achievement serves as an inspiration to young artists around the world, encouraging them to pursue their passions and showcase their work, regardless of their age or background. Mutanga’s story reminds us that with determination, dedication, and the right opportunities, extraordinary accomplishments are within reach.
As “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” continues to captivate audiences in theaters, viewers can appreciate the incredible talent and contributions of Preston Mutanga, a young animator who has made his mark in the industry. His story serves as a reminder that the world of animation is constantly evolving, and it is artists like Mutanga who push boundaries, bring fresh perspectives, and inspire future generations of animators.
As Mutanga’s career unfolds, there is no doubt that he will continue to make waves in the animation industry. His journey showcases the potential for young talent to thrive and make a significant impact in the world of filmmaking. Preston Mutanga’s name may have been relatively unknown before, but now, thanks to his exceptional work and the recognition he has received, he is on a path to becoming a prominent figure in the animation world.
