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Nicolas Cage is stepping into his first leading television role as a 1930s-era superhero detective in Spider-Noir, a new live-action Marvel series set in an alternate Spider-Man universe. The show is based on the Spider-Man Noir comics and follows a hardboiled private eye who was once the city’s only masked vigilante. Set against the smoky, crime-ridden backdrop of 1930s New York, Spider-Noir blends classic film-noir detective storytelling with a fresh take on Spider-Man lore.

It’s one of 2026’s most anticipated superhero series – with a unique twist that viewers can watch it in either authentic black-and-white or a special color version. Below, we delve into everything you need to know about Spider-Noir, from its release schedule and trailers to cast, story, villains, and how Nicolas Cage is bringing this noir Spider-Man to life.

What is Spider-Noir? Nicolas Cage’s superhero detective series in 1930s New York

Spider-Noir is a live-action Marvel and Sony series set in 1933 New York City during the Great Depression. It stars Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly, a veteran private investigator who secretly operated as the superhero “The Spider” before a personal tragedy led him to retire. Inspired by the Spider-Man Noir comics, the show features a hardboiled detective aesthetic complete with trench coats, fedoras, and a jazz-club atmosphere. This standalone series marks Cage’s first lead role in a TV production and is separate from previous Spider-Man films, though Cage previously voiced a version of the character in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Spider-Noir release date: May 25 on MGM+ and May 27 on Prime Video

The series has a staggered premiere in spring 2026. It debuts in the U.S. on the MGM+ linear channel on May 25, 2026, coinciding with Memorial Day weekend. Two days later, on May 27, 2026, the entire season will be released globally on Amazon Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories. This release strategy uses MGM+ for a domestic TV event followed by a full-season binge-drop on Prime Video.

Where to watch Spider-Noir: MGM+ vs Prime Video (U.S. premiere vs global binge release)

U.S. viewers can watch the premiere on May 25 via MGM+, where episodes are expected to air weekly. For international audiences and U.S. subscribers who prefer streaming, all eight episodes will land on Prime Video on May 27. Prime Video will host the full season on-demand and offer viewers the choice between black-and-white and color versions of the series.

yelzkizi Nicolas Cage superhero detective in Spider-Noir: Release Date, Trailer, Cast, and Story (2026)

Spider-Noir trailer: Authentic Black & White teaser and True-Hue Full Color version

Amazon released two trailer versions to showcase the show’s visual style. The “Authentic Black & White” teaser uses a grayscale 1940s film aesthetic and features the tagline, “With no power comes no responsibility.” The “True-Hue Full Color” trailer uses a muted, “aged” Technicolor palette to maintain the period feel. The trailers provide glimpses of Ben Reilly, action sequences, and reimagined villains such as Sandman and Electro, as well as the character Cat Hardy.

Who does Nicolas Cage play in Spider-Noir? Ben Reilly and “The Spider” explained

Nicolas Cage plays Ben Reilly, a world-weary private eye who was formerly the vigilante known as “The Spider.” In this universe, Ben Reilly is the original Spider-Man figure rather than a clone. The name “The Spider” is a tribute to 1930s pulp magazines. Ben is portrayed as an aging, cynical character who struggles with his past and a “deeply personal tragedy” that previously forced him out of his heroic role.

Spider-Noir plot synopsis: aging private investigator forced back into superhero crimefighting

The plot follows an aging Ben Reilly as he is drawn out of retirement by a new case involving super-powered criminals in a corrupt, Depression-era New York. Ben must grapple with his past trauma while deciding whether to reclaim his mantle as The Spider. The series is rated TV-14, signaling a grittier tone that explores mature themes such as violence and psychological strain. Supporting characters include his secretary Janet, journalist Robbie Robertson, and the femme fatale Cat Hardy.

Ben Reilly vs Peter Parker in Spider-Noir: why the live-action series changes the identity

The creators changed the protagonist’s identity from Peter Parker to Ben Reilly to fit the show’s jaded, hardboiled tone. They felt Peter Parker was too synonymous with youthful optimism, whereas Ben Reilly could be portrayed as a “jaded veteran” who has already experienced his own “Chinatown disillusionment moment.” This change allows the series to explore a broken hero at the end of his journey and distinguishes it from other Spider-Man properties.

Spider-Noir cast list: Lamorne Morris, Li Jun Li, Karen Rodriguez, Brendan Gleeson, and more

The series features an ensemble cast led by Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly/The Spider, an aging 1930s detective. He is joined by Lamorne Morris as Robbie Robertson, a young journalist and Ben’s loyal friend. Li Jun Li plays “Cat” Hardy, a nightclub singer and classic femme fatale who is a reimagining of Black Cat. Karen Rodriguez portrays Janet, Ben’s scrappy and intelligent secretary. The villainous roster includes Brendan Gleeson as the crime boss Silvermane, Jack Huston as a powered-up Sandman, and Joe Massingill as Electro. British actor Abraham Popoola appears in an unconfirmed role speculated to be Hammerhead. The supporting cast also includes Lukas Haas, Cameron Britton, and several other veteran character actors appearing throughout the eight-episode season.

Spider-Noir villains and rogues’ gallery: Silvermane, Sandman, Electro, and Black Cat

The show features classic Spider-Man adversaries adapted for a 1930s noir setting. Silvermane, played by Brendan Gleeson, is the central antagonist and kingpin of New York’s criminal underworld. Jack Huston’s Sandman and Joe Massingill’s Electro introduce supernatural elements, with their designs and origins updated to fit the Depression-era milieu. Cat Hardy (Black Cat) serves as a morally ambiguous antiheroine and potential ally or traitor to Ben Reilly. Additionally, the mobster Hammerhead is expected to appear as a brutal rival or lieutenant. These villains are grounded in the era’s aesthetics, utilizing period-accurate clothing and motivations tied to organized crime rather than global domination.

Spider-Noir black-and-white vs color: which version should you watch first?

Spider-Noir offers viewers the choice between two visual formats: “Authentic Black & White” and “True-Hue Full Color.” The black-and-white version is the creators’ intended format, designed to emulate the stark shadows and high contrast of classic 1940s film noir. The color version uses a muted, “period-inspired” palette reminiscent of early Technicolor or vintage pulp covers. While both versions provide the same story and action, creators suggest starting with the black-and-white format for maximum atmospheric immersion, potentially using the color version for subsequent viewings to appreciate specific costume and set details.

How many episodes is Spider-Noir? Season 1 episode count and release format

The first season consists of eight episodes, each expected to run between 45 and 60 minutes. The series employs a hybrid release strategy: it debuts in the U.S. on the MGM+ linear channel on May 25, 2026, likely following a weekly airing schedule. However, on May 27, 2026, all eight episodes will be released simultaneously for global audiences on Amazon Prime Video. Directed in part by Harry Bradbeer and overseen by showrunners Steve Lightfoot and Oren Uziel, the eight-episode structure is designed to tell a tight, serialized mystery that reconciles Ben Reilly’s past with a new rising threat.

Spider-Noir creators and producers: Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Amy Pascal, Oren Uziel, Steve Lightfoot

The series is produced by the creative team behind the Spider-Verse films, including Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal. Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot serve as co-showrunners and executive producers, combining Uziel’s genre-bending writing with Lightfoot’s experience in gritty Marvel dramas like The Punisher. Harry Bradbeer directed the first two episodes and serves as an executive producer. Other executive producers include Nicolas Cage, Aditya Sood, Dan Shear, and Pavlina Hatoupis. This collaborative team was assembled to balance the show’s unique 1930s detective aesthetic with modern superhero action and psychological depth.

Nicolas Cage’s Spider-Noir performance: Bogart vibes, Bugs Bunny energy, and “spider pretending to be a person”

Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Ben Reilly/The Spider is a unique blend of “70 percent Bogart and 30 percent Bugs Bunny.” The “Bogart” influence channels Humphrey Bogart’s iconic film noir persona—a world-weary, cynical, and suave detective with a gravelly voice. The “Bugs Bunny” side introduces an element of irreverent, zany humor and unpredictable energy, preventing the character from becoming overly dour. Furthermore, Cage plays the character as a “spider pretending to be a person,” suggesting that Reilly feels more like a creature than a human and must consciously study human behavior to blend in. This performance aims to balance gritty gravitas with eccentric, cartoonish charm and a predatory, spider-like physicality.

Is Spider-Noir connected to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse or Sony’s Spider-Man Universe?

Spider-Noir is a standalone project set in its own pocket universe. Although Nicolas Cage voiced a version of Spider-Man Noir in the animated Into the Spider-Verse, this live-action series is a fresh take featuring Ben Reilly rather than Peter Parker. It is not a direct continuation of the animated films, and it is not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While it is described as being “within Sony’s Spider-Man Universe,” it exists in an alternate timeline separate from the continuity of films like Venom or Morbius. The series utilizes the multiverse concept to exist independently, focusing on its 1930s setting without requiring viewers to have seen previous Spider-Man films.

Spider-Noir first look images and costume details: fedora, trench coat, and noir Spider suit

Promotional images confirm a faithful 1930s pulp aesthetic for the Spider-Noir costume. The ensemble features a dark charcoal or black fedora and a heavy, weathered trench coat that provides a dramatic silhouette. Beneath the coat, the Spider wears a utilitarian, militaristic suit made of dark, textured material, resembling WWII-era gear with straps and holsters. The mask is a black cloth cowl paired with round, white aviator-style goggles. Despite the era, the character is confirmed to use web-shooters. The design was specifically optimized for high contrast in black-and-white, while the color version maintains a muted, period-accurate palette. Supporting characters also sport authentic 1930s attire, such as Robbie Robertson’s suspenders and Cat Hardy’s glamorous satin gowns.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

When is the Spider-Noir release date, and how will it air?
Spider-Noir debuts in the U.S. on May 25, 2026, on the MGM+ linear channel. It launches globally on Amazon Prime Video on May 27, 2026. While MGM+ offers a two-day early premiere in the U.S., the entire 8-episode season will be available for worldwide streaming as a binge-release on Prime Video starting May 27.
Where can I watch Spider-Noir – is it on Netflix, Disney+, etc.?
The series is an Amazon original in partnership with Sony, making it exclusive to MGM+ and Amazon Prime Video. It will not be available on Netflix or Disney+.
Who does Nicolas Cage play in Spider-Noir? Is it Peter Parker?
Nicolas Cage plays Ben Reilly, also known as “The Spider.” In this 1930s New York setting, Reilly is the original Spider-Man figure of his universe rather than a clone. He is an older, jaded private investigator who retired from superheroics following a personal tragedy.
What is the plot or story of Spider-Noir?
Set in 1933 New York, the story follows a down-on-his-luck Ben Reilly who is forced out of retirement to investigate a case involving powerful criminals and superpowered villains. The narrative blends noir detective tropes with superhero action as Ben confronts his past and resumes his role as The Spider.
Is Spider-Noir connected to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse or the Marvel movies?
The show is a standalone project set in its own pocket universe. While Cage previously voiced a Peter Parker version of the character in the animated Spider-Verse, this live-action series features a different identity (Ben Reilly) and a separate continuity. It is part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) but has no direct ties to the MCU or Tom Holland’s films.
How many episodes are in Spider-Noir Season 1, and will it release weekly or all at once?
Season 1 consists of 8 episodes. Globally, all episodes will drop simultaneously on Prime Video on May 27, 2026. In the U.S., MGM+ will air the premiere on May 25 and is expected to follow a weekly broadcast schedule.
What’s with the black-and-white vs color versions of Spider-Noir?
Viewers can choose between an “Authentic Black & White” version, designed to capture a true film-noir aesthetic, and a “True-Hue Full Color” version, which uses a muted, vintage-inspired palette. Both formats contain the same content and will be available at launch.
Who are the main cast members in Spider-Noir, besides Nicolas Cage?
The ensemble includes Lamorne Morris as journalist Robbie Robertson, Li Jun Li as singer/femme fatale Cat Hardy, Karen Rodriguez as Ben’s secretary Janet, Brendan Gleeson as mob boss Silvermane, Jack Huston as Sandman, and Joe Massingill as Electro. Abraham Popoola is also cast in a mysterious role speculated to be Hammerhead.
What villains will appear in Spider-Noir?
The series reimagines classic rogues for the 1930s, featuring Silvermane as a primary crime lord, a powered-up Sandman, and Electro. Cat Hardy (Black Cat) serves as an antiheroine, and Hammerhead is expected to appear as a gangster antagonist.
What is unique about Nicolas Cage’s performance as Spider-Noir?
Cage describes his performance as “70% Bogart and 30% Bugs Bunny,” mixing Humphrey Bogart’s hardboiled grit with eccentric, unpredictable wit. He also portrays the character as a “spider pretending to be a person,” suggesting a predatory stillness and social detachment.

Conclusion

Spider-Noir is an innovative Marvel adaptation that merges the superhero and film-noir genres in 1930s New York. Starring Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly, the series promises a performance that balances brooding gravitas with quirky, spider-like nuances. The show’s release strategy is unique, utilizing a two-platform rollout on MGM+ and Prime Video and offering viewers the choice between black-and-white and color formats. This dual-format approach highlights the production’s commitment to noir artistry and genre-bending storytelling.

The series features a robust plot focused on redemption and criminal conspiracy, supported by a talented cast including Brendan Gleeson, Lamorne Morris, and Li Jun Li. By reimagining classic Spider-Man villains like Silvermane and Sandman within a Depression-era setting, the show offers a fresh perspective for both long-time fans and newcomers.

As a standalone project produced by the “Spider-Verse” creative team, including Lord, Miller, and Pascal, Spider-Noir avoids the complexities of broader cinematic crossovers to focus on its own distinctive identity. This artistic independence, combined with its high-quality production and Cage’s star power, positions the series as a significant marquee event for May 2026. Whether viewed as a moody noir drama or a high-stakes superhero mystery, Spider-Noir aims to deliver an original and emotionally resonant entry in the Spider-Man pantheon.