Over the years, Spider-Man has come to life in many forms. Whether it was Tobey Maguire saving New York between 2002 and 2007, Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland uniting in Spider-Man: No Way Home, or Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introducing audiences to entirely new versions of Spider-Man beyond Peter Parker, each interpretation brought something fresh and unique to the Spider-Man universe.
However, the latest reincarnation swings in a completely different direction. This time, Nicolas Cage (who reprises his Spider-Verse role, but not in the same character) takes on the role of New York’s finest superhero, but not in the way you would expect. Goodbye, bright red suit and hello, black mask, trench coat and fedora. While this series is rated TV-14 (roughly the television equivalent of PG-13 films), it certainly does thread the fine line between a family-friendly Spider-Man and a rock ‘n roll edgy vibe. The intense violence, the profanity and the darker themes are much more present than expected, while any reference to Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy has been left out.
So if this sounds right up your street and you want to be prepared for Spider-Noir, then continue to read on as we break down what to expect from this gritty, moody series.
Enter the World of Spider-Noir
After losing his beloved wife, Ben Reilly (Cage), once known as the Spider who protected New York, has become a hard-boiled detective navigating postwar America. Despite needing money to pay his strained secretary and fellow detective, Janet (Karen Rodriguez), and keep his business afloat, he continues to turn down case after case, as his cynicism gets in the way each time. However, when Reilly is hired to investigate the blaze at the mansion of Irish mobster Silvermane (Brendan Gleeson), he is drawn into a web of intrigue, danger, and a classic noir femme fatale, Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li).
Shortly after beginning his investigation, Reilly discovers that the arsonist possesses superpowers, immediately raising the stakes of the case. What begins as a routine assignment quickly turns into a dark case that forces him to confront memories he’d rather forget, while also leading him to other superheroes. At the same time, his greatest challenge is to stop Silvermane from assembling an army of supervillains that could destroy his beloved city.
Meet the faces behind Spider-Noir
This series, based on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man Noir, was developed by Oren Uziel (22 Jump Street). Alongside Uziel, Steve Lightfoot (The Punisher) serves as co-showrunner and executive producer of the series, which has been in development since February 2023.
Spider-Noir marks Cage’s first leading role in a television series, and Geek Vibes Nation’s M.N. Miller describes his “heightened performance” as “distracting at times” but also as “always engaging and consistently entertaining.” Cage gets the support from an incredible ensemble cast, with Rodriguez, Lamorne Morris and Gleeson being the standouts. Rodriguez delivers a scene-stealing performance as the secretary who’s not only overworked and at her wits’ end, but also incredibly headstrong. Her boldness clashes more than once with Reilly’s cynicism and stubbornness, resulting in on-screen fireworks.
Lamorne Morris, on the other hand, excels as Robbie Robertson, Reilly’s best friend and sly reporter. Despite having to deal with racism, bullying cops and unruly editors, he still stands strong and proves that he’s the best reporter in town. It’s Robertson who brings the arson case to Reilly, starting an immense fire that will impact many lives, including Silvermane’s.
Speaking of Silvermane, he looks very different from his comic book version. No Italian mafia background, stoic appearance or over-the-top hand gestures. Gleeson keeps it much more subdued but equally effective and magnetic. He rules the screen with his soft-spoken intensity and a quiet sense of danger, making him a formidable foe for the broken Spider.
The dark, moody series also stars Abraham Popoola as World War I veteran Lonnie Lincoln/Tombstone; Jack Huston as Flint Marko, a bodyguard who must come to terms with his life-threatening powers as Sandman; Lukas Haas as a loyal follower of Silvermane; Andrew Lewis Caldwell as Dirk Leydon/Megawatt; and Jack Mikesell as James “Jimmy” Addison, a man with pyrokinesis.
When and where to watch Spider-Noir?
Spider-Noir is out on Prime Video from May 27. The best part? You can decide whether to watch the series in authentic black and white or in true-hue full colour, as the streaming service offers both options.
Freelancer by day. Film journalist by night.
