You’ve probably seen the edits. The ones where Miles and Gwen are staring longingly at each other in a neon-soaked NYC, backed by a slowed-down Metro Boomin track. It’s easy to get swept up in it. But for the actors behind those masks, Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld, the reality of their relationship is a bit more complicated—and way more awkward—than the "canon event" fans hoped for.
Honestly, the internet has a habit of projecting. We want the lead actors to be dating in real life because their chemistry on screen is just that good. But while Shameik and Hailee have spent years building the foundation of the Spider-Verse trilogy, their off-screen dynamic has sparked everything from "shipping" frenzy to some pretty intense second-hand embarrassment.
The "Booth" Dynamics: Why They Barely Met at First
Most people assume that because Miles and Gwen have this deep, soulful connection, Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld were in a recording studio together for months. They weren't. In fact, during the production of Into the Spider-Verse (2018), they didn't even meet.
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Voice acting is a lonely business. You’re usually in a padded room in Burbank while your co-star is in New York or London. Hailee has openly mentioned that during the first film, she was mostly reading her lines with the directors or producers—guys like Phil Lord and Chris Miller. It’s hard to build a romantic spark when you’re responding to a middle-aged producer’s voice in your headphones.
Everything changed for the sequel, Across the Spider-Verse. This time, Shameik and Hailee actually got into the booth together. Shameik told Sherri that having Hailee in the room made a world of difference. He said it was "easier to be Miles flirting with Gwen when I’m looking at Hailee." It shows. The banter in the sequel feels lived-in. It feels real.
The Engagement Drama and "Fish in the Sea"
The real tension, though, didn't happen in the movie. It happened on social media. In late 2024, Hailee Steinfeld announced her engagement to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. It was a massive moment for her, and most of Hollywood was busy hitting the heart button on Instagram.
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Then came Shameik.
Literally hours after the news broke, Shameik Moore tweeted something about there being "more fish in the sea" and reflecting on his own goals. The timing was... questionable. Fans immediately pounced, accusing him of being "salty" about Hailee’s engagement. Moore later tried to clear the air, claiming he had no idea she was even engaged and was just doing his usual late-night "pseudo-intellectual" posting.
He deleted the tweet, but the damage was done. It solidified this image of him as the "awkward high schooler" who has a crush on the popular girl who already has a boyfriend.
Why the Internet Is Obsessed with Their "Connection"
It’s not just the tweet. During the press tour for the second film, several interview clips went viral for being deeply uncomfortable. In some, Shameik is visibly "shooting his shot," being extremely complimentary toward Hailee, while she maintains a polite, professional, and somewhat distant energy.
- The Flirting Allegations: Many TikTok creators have compiled clips of Shameik being "effusive" about working with Hailee.
- The Rebound Post: There was even a weird moment where he posted a video with another co-star set to romantic music right after the Hailee engagement news, which the other actress later called him out for, calling him a "weirdo" in a TikTok.
- The Recast Rumors: At one point, people were actually calling for him to be replaced for Beyond the Spider-Verse because they felt his behavior made the working environment weird for Hailee.
Let's be clear: there’s no evidence that their working relationship is actually broken. In late 2025, Hailee confirmed that she was back in the booth for the third film, Beyond the Spider-Verse. She even joked about how many times the directors have made her say Miles' name.
What’s Next for Miles and Gwen?
As of early 2026, the status of the third film is finally looking solid. After years of delays and concerns about the animation team being overworked, Sony has pinned a release date for June 18, 2027.
Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld have a lot of work ahead of them. The third film is expected to pick up immediately after the Earth-42 cliffhanger. Hailee has described the recording sessions as "dynamic and creative," which is a fancy way of saying they are still experimenting with the story even as they record.
Despite the social media noise, both actors seem committed to sticking the landing. Hailee is busy with the MCU as Kate Bishop and her music career, while Shameik is focusing on his own music and acting projects outside of the suit.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Spider-Verse saga, keep an eye on these specific milestones over the next few months:
- Watch for the "Beyond" Teaser: Initial production leaks suggest we might get a first look at Beyond the Spider-Verse during the summer convention circuit.
- Separate the Art from the Actor: While the social media drama is spicy, it doesn't seem to have impacted the quality of the voice performances.
- Check Hailee's Schedule: With her engagement and potential Young Avengers projects, her availability is the biggest factor in how quickly the animation can be finished.
The "Miles and Gwen" energy is likely going to remain strictly on the big screen. Hailee is moving toward a wedding, and Shameik is, by all accounts, just trying to "live, learn, and apply."