Nicolas Cage Steps into the Noir World as Spider-Man in New Prime Video Series
– Nicolas Cage is trading animation for live-action as he embodies a gritty, reimagined Spider-Man in the upcoming Prime Video series, Spider-Noir. The series, set in a 1930s New York City, presents a stark departure from the traditional superhero narrative, leaning heavily into the pulpy detective genre.
The show centers on Ben Reilly, a former vigilante known as “The Spider,” now working as a down-on-his-luck private investigator. According to Marvel, Cage’s portrayal of Reilly is a man grappling with a personal tragedy that led him to abandon his heroic identity. The series explores what might compel him to don the mask once more.
This isn’t Cage’s first foray into the world of Spider-Man Noir. He previously voiced the character in the critically acclaimed animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. However, producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller explained to Esquire that this live-action iteration will feature a different take on the character, a decision they’ve remained coy about explaining fully.
The plot thickens as Reilly investigates a potential assassination attempt on Silvermane, a gangland boss. The investigation quickly escalates when he discovers the arsonist behind an attack on Silvermane’s mansion possesses superhuman abilities – the power to create fire. He will find himself crossing paths with Flint Marko, a hired heavyweight, and teaming up with journalist Robbie Robertson, played by Lamorne Morris, and his assistant, Janet, portrayed by Karen Rodriguez.
Morris’s character, Robbie Robertson, is described as a dedicated journalist striving for success in 1930s New York, facing considerable obstacles. The series also features Li Jun Li as Cat Hardy, a nightclub singer and femme fatale, adding another layer of intrigue to the narrative.
Cage himself described his approach to the role as “70 percent Humphrey Bogart and 30 percent Bugs Bunny,” hinting at a performance that blends hardboiled detective sensibilities with a touch of the unpredictable.
Spider-Noir boasts a strong creative team behind the scenes. The series was developed with Lord, Miller, and Amy Pascal, the team responsible for the success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Emmy Award-winning director Harry Bradbeer, known for his work on Fleabag, directed and executive produced the first two episodes. Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot serve as co-showrunners and executive producers.
Viewers will have a choice in how they experience the series, with episodes available in both “Authentic Black & White” and “True-Hue Full Color,” allowing audiences to tailor their viewing experience. The series is a production of Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video.
Spider-Noir is set to premiere on on Prime Video, following a debut on MGM+’s linear channel in the U.S. It will then be available globally in over 240 countries and territories.
