Amazon Prime Video will begin streaming the new live-action series Spider-Noir on May 27, with all eight episodes also debuting on MGM Plus two days earlier on May 25. The show stars Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly, a brooding vigilante known to New Yorkers as "The Spider," who transitions from crime-fighting to private investigation after personal tragedy.
According to a review published by The Verge, the series draws loose connections to the Spider-Verse films while serving as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to classic hard-boiled crime dramas from Hollywood's Golden Age. Viewers can watch in black and white or opt for a colorized version, with the monochrome presentation highlighted for its aesthetic charm.
The story follows Reilly five years after leaving his hero life behind, now working with secretary Janet, played by Karen Rodriguez. A new case involving nightclub singer Cat Hardy, portrayed by Li Jun Li, draws him back into contact with mob boss Silvermane, played by Brendan Gleeson, and superpowered figures such as Flint Marko, enacted by Jack Huston.
Additional cast members include Lamorne Morris, Abraham Popoola, Lukas Haas, Andrew Lewis Caldwell, and Jack Mikesell. The production marks Sony's latest effort to expand its Spider-Man properties independently of Marvel Studios.
The Verge noted that "Spider-Verse aside, it feels like Sony is just throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks." The review praised the visual style but criticized the narrative for lacking substance and relying on familiar Spider-Man tropes about power and responsibility.
Cage's performance shifts between an aging quipster, a smooth-talking Bogart type, and a more contemplative figure, though the review observed that some moments feel like an iffy James Cagney impression. The character shares few direct ties to the 2009 Spider-Man: Noir comics or Cage's animated Spider-Verse role beyond the monochromatic concept.
Supporting players round out a world that includes dim-witted mob goons and unexpected superpowered encounters. The series leans into humor that the review described as occasionally cringey, preventing it from fully embracing a straight dramatic tone.
Background on the project traces back to the success of the animated Spider-Verse movies, which introduced audiences to characters like Spider-Gwen and Spider-Ham. Sony has since pursued live-action extensions with mixed results, including projects centered on Venom and Madame Web.
The Verge stated that Cage's portrayal works better in the cartoon context due to its atonal energy contrasting with surrounding whimsy. In the new series, Reilly comes across as a pastiche of half-baked ideas rather than a fully realized character, according to the review.
Despite the visual appeal and Cage's evident enjoyment of the role, the outlet concluded that the show does not rise to the level of Sony's strongest Spider-Man efforts. All episodes arrive simultaneously on the respective platforms next month.
Industry observers have noted Sony's strategy of testing multiple concepts in the Spider-Man universe following the animated films' acclaim. The live-action series represents another attempt to capitalize on lesser-known variants without direct Marvel involvement.
Early reactions from the provided review suggest the production excels in period aesthetics but struggles with emotional depth and originality. Officials at Amazon and MGM Plus have scheduled the rollout for late May without additional confirmation on future seasons at this time.