Amazon's Spider-Noir: A New Take on the Spider-Man Franchise

Amazon has announced details regarding its upcoming live-action series, *Spider-Noir*, which is based on the Marvel comic *Spider-Man Noir*. The series will feature Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly, an aging private investigator in 1930s New York who must confront his past as a superhero. This marks the first official confirmation that Cage will portray Ben Reilly rather than the more widely recognized Peter Parker. Ben Reilly, also known as Scarlet Spider, is a clone of Peter Parker and has a complex history within the Marvel universe, initially introduced in *The Amazing Spider-Man #149* in October 1975.

IGN EntertainmentSpider-Man Noir was "designed" to be filmed in black and white, but it's also getting a "period-inspired" color version

Producer Christopher Miller has clarified that *Spider-Noir* will be presented in two formats: a primary black-and-white version and a color version designed to reflect the story's historical context. Miller emphasized that both versions are integral to the series, stating, “It was shot and designed to be in black and white – and there will also be a color version that has been designed in an exciting and unique period-inspired way.” This approach aims to pay homage to the aesthetics of 1930s cinema while providing a modern twist.

Spider-Man Noir was "designed" to be filmed in black and white, but it's also getting a "period-inspired" color version

The cast of *Spider-Noir* includes Lamorne Morris, Li Jun Li, Karen Rodriguez, Abraham Popoola, Jack Huston, and Brendan Gleeson, with guest appearances from actors such as Lukas Haas and Cameron Britton. The series is directed by Harry Bradbeer, known for his work on *Fleabag* and *Killing Eve*, with Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot serving as co-showrunners. The creative team behind the series also includes Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal, who were instrumental in the success of *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*.

IGN Entertainment

*Spider-Noir* is expected to premiere in 2026, debuting on MGM+ in the United States before becoming available on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories the following day. This strategic release plan aims to maximize the show's audience reach.

IGN Entertainment

While the series has generated excitement among fans, some critics have expressed skepticism regarding the necessity of another Spider-Man adaptation, particularly one that diverges from the traditional portrayal of Peter Parker. Concerns have been raised about the potential for oversaturation of the Spider-Man franchise in media.

IGN Entertainment

Amazon has not released extensive commentary beyond the initial announcements. However, the production team has expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the unique storytelling opportunities presented by the noir genre and the historical setting.

Spider-Man Noir was "designed" to be filmed in black and white, but it's also getting a "period-inspired" color version

As anticipation builds for *Spider-Noir*, fans are also looking forward to the next installment in the Spider-Verse animated series, *Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse*, which is currently scheduled for release on June 18, 2027. The interconnected nature of these projects suggests a continued exploration of the Spider-Man mythos across various formats.

IGN Entertainment

• “It was shot and designed to be in black and white – and there will also be a color version that has been designed in an exciting and unique period-inspired way. So there is no” — Christopher Miller, Producer

Spider-Man Noir was "designed" to be filmed in black and white, but it's also getting a "period-inspired" color version

• “When we filmed it, the monitors were all black and white, so you got this feeling and it looked very, very authentic.” — Lukas Haas, Actor

Spider-Man Noir was "designed" to be filmed in black and white, but it's also getting a "period-inspired" color version