Nicolas Cage is heading back into the Spider-Verse, but this time, things are looking a little darker as we head toward the Spider-Noir series dropping in May 2026.
The upcoming Spider-Noir sees Cage take centre stage as Ben Reilly, a weary private investigator in 1930s New York who also happens to be the city’s masked vigilante, known as The Spider. However, anyone expecting a straightforward live-action version of Peter Parker’s black-and-white alter ego may be in for a surprise.
In Marvel Comics, Spider-Man Noir is traditionally a version of Peter Parker from a Depression-era alternate universe. In the new series, though, the man under the mask is Ben Reilly: a name with a very different, and famously complicated, history in Spider-Man lore.
As for who exactly Ben Reilly is and what his connections to Peter Parker and Spider Noir are altogether, here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Ben Reilly in Spider-Noir?
In Spider-Noir, Ben Reilly is played by Nicolas Cage and is described as a seasoned private investigator in 1930s New York.
Unlike the bright-eyed, quip-happy Spider-Man audiences often associate with Peter Parker, this version of Ben appears to be a bruised, world-weary figure with a painful past. He once operated as the city’s only costumed hero, The Spider, but has since stepped away from vigilantism after a tragedy that still haunts him.
The series appears to follow Ben as he is pulled back into action, with lounge singer Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li) drawing him into a dangerous case involving mob bosses, super-powered criminals, and secrets from his own life.
In other words, this is not the usual friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man story. This is Spidey filtered through private-eye drama and noir angst, similar to what you’d expect from stories based in that era.
Is Ben Reilly Peter Parker?
In a complicated “comics vs the new lore” sort of way, yes, and no; the original comic book Ben Reilly is a clone of Peter Parker, created by Miles Warren, also known as the Jackal. After believing himself to be separate from Peter’s life, the clone eventually adopted the name Ben Reilly: “Ben” in honour of Uncle Ben, and “Reilly” from Aunt May’s maiden name.
Ben went on to become a hero in his own right, most famously as the Scarlet Spider, and at one point even took over as Spider-Man while Peter stepped away from the role.
However, the Spider-Noir TV version does not appear to be adapting that clone storyline directly. Instead, the show seems to be using the Ben Reilly name as a way to make clear that this is not Peter Parker.
This is, along with the fact that this Spider-Man is older, stranger, and even more damaged than the character fans might usually expect.
How does Nicolas Cage fit into Spider-Noir?
Cage previously voiced Spider-Man Noir in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, where the character became an instant fan favourite thanks to his melodramatic delivery, unique style and mannerisms, including his obsession with solving a Rubik’s Cube.
While this live-action series is not a continuation of that particular Nic Cage Spider-Man, this show is building on the foundation that character left: having Cage return as a theatrically over-the-top, black-clad Spider-hero who seems born for pulp-noir drama.
What’s more, this version appears more grounded and emotionally bruised than the animated character. Plus, Cage’s casting suggests the show will still lean into the weirdness of a man who is part detective, part superhero, and part creature of the night.
Who else is in Spider-Noir?
In addition to Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly/The Spider, Spider-Noir will feature Robbie Robertson, played by Lamorne Morris (New Girl, Fargo), who appears as an investigative journalist and ally figure. Cat Hardy, played by Li Jun Li (Sinners), is a lounge singer who becomes tangled in Ben’s latest case. Meanwhile, Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin) plays crime boss Silvermane, one of the major figures in the show’s underworld.
The series also features reworked versions of Spider-Man villains, including Flint Marko/Sandman, Tombstone, and Megawatt, suggesting that Spider-Noir will build its own 1930s-flavoured rogues’ gallery.
It’s a good year to be a Spidey fan, with Spider-Noir being a nice little appetiser before the release of the long-awaited Spider-Man: Brand New Day on 31 July.
Spider-Noir will be available to stream on Prime Video from 27 May.
Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
