Introduction
My film, I Just Wanna Be a Superhero, is a feature documentary that celebrates the ten-year anniversary of my viral fan film, Spider-Man Lost Cause. It tells the unlikely story of how a zero-budget passion project, created without formal training or resources, reached more than 63 million viewers worldwide and inspired a generation of indie creators.
Inspiration
The idea for I Just Wanna Be a Superhero came from looking back at the journey of Spider-Man Lost Cause, a film I made in 2014 with nothing but determination, a few friends, and a love for storytelling. What started as a fun fan project that my friends and I did after uni became the most-watched fan film in the world, and I wanted to capture not only the behind-the-scenes process but also the lessons we learned along the way. This documentary is not just about Spider-Man; it is about creativity, resilience, and the power of believing in something impossible.
The Process
Filming took place throughout 2024 as I revisited old footage, spoke with collaborators, and reflected on what the past decade has meant. One of the biggest challenges was confronting the reality of how far we have come. Rewatching old clips reminded me of our growing pains, but also how much heart went into every frame. Unlike the chaos of shooting Lost Cause on borrowed gear and long nights, this documentary gave me the space to tell the story with clarity and honesty. A highlight was interviewing people who had been part of the original project and hearing how it shaped their own creative paths. That blend of nostalgia and growth is what gives the film its soul.
What It Means to Be a Finalist
Being selected as a finalist at Worcester Film Festival is both humbling and exciting. To have this personal story, about starting small and daring to dream big, recognised by a festival audience means the world to me. It is a reminder that your crazy ideas that you make with friends can make a lasting impact, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward with new projects under my company, Imoria Pictures.
Where to Watch and Follow
You can watch I Just Wanna Be a Superhero now on YouTube, and follow my journey on Instagram @joeythedirector and my YouTube @joeylever for behind the scenes content, updates on my films, and future projects with Imoria Pictures.
Watch I Just Wanna Be a Superhero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJEev7xzoa8&ab_channel=JoeyLever
Watch Spider-Man: Lost Cause: youtube.com/watch?v=g4QlQo_FVl0