Nicolas Cage is stepping into a darker corner of the Marvel universe as the first teaser for “Spider-Noir” drops — and fans are already buzzing about its striking black-and-white aesthetic.
The series marks Cage’s first major streaming lead and serves as a live-action expansion of the Spider-Verse mythology. Cage previously voiced the brooding superhero in the animated Spider-Verse films, but this time he dons the trench coat for real in a moody, Depression-era reimagining of Spider-Man.
A different Spider-Man story
Unlike the traditional Peter Parker narrative, “Spider-Noir” follows Ben Reilly, a weary private investigator navigating 1930s New York. Set during the Great Depression, the show presents a morally complex hero grappling with personal tragedy and a shadowy past.
According to the official logline, the story centres on a down-on-his-luck detective forced to confront his former life as the city’s lone masked vigilante. The tone leans heavily into noir influences — smoky skylines, trench coats, and a brooding anti-hero who operates in shades of grey rather than clear-cut morality.
The cast also includes Lamorne Morris, known for New Girl, and Li Jun Li, who appeared in the Oscar-nominated film Sinners.
In a bold stylistic move, the teaser was released in both classic black-and-white and full-colour versions. Viewers will also have the option to watch the series in either format, adding to the show’s distinctive visual identity.
Fans react with excitement
Online reactions have been largely enthusiastic. Many praised the atmospheric visuals, particularly the swinging sequences against a 1920s Manhattan skyline. Some fans joked that Cage is “collecting superheroes like Infinity Stones,” referencing his past roles as Ghost Rider and his once-planned portrayal of Superman.
Others applauded the rare casting continuity, noting that it is uncommon for a voice actor to reprise their animated role in live action. The noir styling — especially Cage’s fedora staying firmly in place during action scenes — also became a fan-favourite detail.
“Spider-Noir” is set to premiere globally on Amazon Prime Video on May 27.
