The next installment in the Spider-Man gaming universe may already be in development, according to a new and unexpected hint. Ben Jordan, the face model for Peter Parker in Insomniac Games' Spider-Man titles for the PlayStation 5, may have unintentionally teased the project. Jordan recently posted a behind-the-scenes photo on Instagram, which showed him equipped with a facial capture rig and striking Spider-Man's iconic web-shooting hand gesture. Accompanied by a cryptic caption that included a spider emoji and the phrase “If you know, you know,” the post strongly suggested his involvement in Spider-Man-related performance capture work. However, the photo was quickly deleted, raising suspicions that the post revealed information not yet ready to go public.

Could It Be Spider-Man 3?

While no official confirmation has been made by Insomniac Games or Sony, the prospect of a new Spider-Man game would not be surprising. The highly successful Spider-Man 2 launched to critical acclaim in October 2023, solidifying Insomniac Games’ reputation for delivering top-tier superhero experiences. Historically, major franchises from Insomniac have been spaced only a few years apart, so the beginning stages of a Spider-Man 3—if that's what this is—may align with the studio's pacing.

There is also the possibility that this teased project might not be a full sequel but rather a side story similar to Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which bridged the gap between the original Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2. Speculation about a Venom-centric project has been swirling ever since Spider-Man 2's release, where the character played a pivotal role. A smaller-scale game focusing on Venom or another character in the Spider-Man universe could enter development as a way to maintain fan engagement while building toward a larger mainline sequel.

Development Details and Timeline

Insomniac Games has a packed release calendar, with their Wolverine game scheduled for release on September 18, 2026, exclusively for the PS5. This means that another Spider-Man game could still be a few years away from completion, though the beginning of performance capture hints that early development is solidly underway. Past leaks from a 2024 hack suggested ongoing efforts to extend the Spider-Man universe, but as with all leaked information, it was uncertain whether these plans would see the light of day.

Jordan’s demure social media presence following the deleted Instagram post underscores the sensitivity of the project’s timeline. Studios are notoriously secretive when it comes to major titles, particularly those underpinned by billion-dollar franchises like Spider-Man. Still, this slip-up will keep fans buzzing about what’s to come.

Wolverine First, Then More Spider-Man?

Insomniac’s Wolverine title has been highly anticipated ever since its reveal. With its September release fast approaching, the game has understandably taken precedence in the studio’s marketing efforts. Wolverine represents a new IP within the Marvel video game landscape for Insomniac but could potentially borrow technical or design systems that Spider-Man helped to perfect. Until Wolverine hits shelves, any official updates about Spider-Man 3—or a possible side story—may be on hold.

Longtime fans of the Spider-Man franchise might view Wolverine as an indication of Insomniac’s evolving approach to superhero stories. Building unique gameplay mechanics and narratives for Wolverine could provide a roadmap for how Peter Parker’s next chapter evolves, whether in Spider-Man 3 or another narrative-driven spinoff.

The Context of Spider-Man in Gaming

Spider-Man titles have cemented themselves among the top tier of console exclusives. Spider-Man (2018) and Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) redefined how superhero themes could merge with open-world gameplay, while Spider-Man 2 raised the bar even higher with dual-protagonist mechanics and cinematic storytelling. Any return to this universe will face immense fan pressure to push those boundaries even further.

This addition to Insomniac’s Spider-Man saga would likely involve further exploration of Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they grapple with their shared responsibility as the web-slingers of New York. Additionally, given Venom’s expanded role in Spider-Man 2, another installment could provide a deeper dive into anti-hero or villain-centric gameplay.

What Comes Next?

For now, Insomniac fans will fix their sights on Wolverine. However, the excitement stirred by a fleeting hint from Ben Jordan’s Instagram points to how ravenous the fan base is for Spider-Man’s return. If history is any indicator, official Spider-Man reveals tend to come with lavish trailers, in-depth gameplay showcases, and a clear focus on what makes each title distinct within the franchise. Fans will be on the lookout for these clues as Sony and Insomniac march toward announcing whatever it is Jordan’s post hinted at.

In the meantime, rumors, speculation, and perhaps even more accidental leaks will keep the hype alive until Peter Parker, Miles Morales, or even Venom finally swings onto the screen once again. With Insomniac’s consistent track record, the ultimate reveal will be worth the wait.