Spider-Noir was introduced in 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Voiced by Nicolas Cage, the tonally dark character proved interesting to fans. A live-action spin-off series starring Cage releases on Prime Video and MGM+ in May. However, according to showrunner Oren Uziel, the new show will not be in continuity with the animated film.
In an interview with Empire, Uziel said, “Same character, different universe.”
A Standalone Story
The Spider-Verse is overseen by writers and producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who are also producers on Spider-Noir. But the TV-14 rated streaming series—a first for a Spider-Man series—will likely take an edgier approach to the character.
The Spider-Noir mask – Prime Video, YouTube
According to a press release from Prime Video, Spider-Noir “tells the story of Ben Reilly (Nicolas Cage), a seasoned, down on his luck private investigator in 1930s New York, who is forced to grapple with his past life, following a deeply personal tragedy, as the city’s one and only superhero.”
Comparing it to the Spider-Verse films, Uziel said, “It’s a different flavor of that character, even though it’s still Nick’s voice.” He added, “It’s not a continuation of Into The Spider-Verse. Once Phil and Chris introduced the idea of the multiverse, I think you’re allowed to take things and make them your own.”
This approach leverages the Spider-Verse multiverse, allowing multiple versions of Spider-Man without overlapping storylines.
A Darker Universe
Saying that Spider-Noir exists in his own continuity suggests that audiences won’t need to have seen the animated films to follow the story. The events of the show will have no impact on the third Spider-Verse movie, allowing the series to stand alone as a self-contained narrative. While Nicolas Cage reprises the character, this Spider-Noir is a distinct interpretation, with his own history, tone, and challenges.
Nicolas Cage in Spider-Noir – Prime Video, YouTube
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The first trailer highlighted the series’ dual nature—dark, atmospheric, and nightmarish moments coexist with Cage’s sometimes absurd, manic energy, giving the character both gravitas and unpredictable humor. Prime Video is emphasizing this stylistic experimentation by offering the series in both “Authentic Black & White” and “True-Hue Full Color,” letting viewers choose the visual lens through which to experience Spider-Noir’s gritty 1930s world.
Cage has said in interviews that his performance is “70 percent Humphrey Bogart and 30 percent Bugs Bunny. ”According to Uziel, he and the actor recently screened all eight episodes together. Cage reportedly “spoke his own lines back, with pleasure and glee.”
Inverting the Moral Code
How audiences respond to a mature, live-action Spider-Man variant remains to be seen, but Spider-Noir’s standalone continuity ensures it can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the animated films. By embracing the multiverse, the series has the freedom to explore darker, more complex storytelling.
Spider-Noir – Prime Video, YouTube
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The series’ tagline, “With no power comes no responsibility,” inverts the classic Spider-Man lesson, hinting that Spider-Noir might operate without Peter Parker’s usual moral constraints. But whether those darker, morally complex elements sit comfortably within a traditionally straightforward, good-vs-evil Spider-Man world remains a matter of debate.
The ratings and online reactions will tell the full story after all eight 45-minute episodes will drop over Memorial Day weekend.
How do you feel about Spider-Noir operating in his own continuity? Let us know in the comments!
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I get why anyone would be skeptical of this show. Lord knows Amazon and Marvel have both given us plenty of reasons to be so. The eyeroll and audible groan from fans that accompanies every new announcement has become almost Palovian at this point. That being said, Nic Cage in a Noir Detective show (even one with a Spider-Man skin) where he’s describing himself as 70% Bogey and 30% Bugs? Sign me up. I’ll at least give this one a chance to disappoint me. A chance I have not given to many Marvel and/or Amazon shows lately.
At least that’s a good thing. Distancing itself from that woke abomination The Spiderverse is a step in the right direction. Could still be garbage though.