The latest live-action Marvel series introduces a darker, older Spider-Man with key differences from the animated films and comic books.
Nicolas Cage steps into the role of Ben Reilly in the new series Spider-Noir, which released all eight episodes on Prime Video on May 27, 2026. This version of the webslinger is not the same character fans saw in the Spider-Verse movies. The show offers a fresh take on the Spider-Man legacy, moving away from the typical teenage Peter Parker story.
Why the Series Uses Ben Reilly Instead of Peter Parker
The creative team made a deliberate choice to focus on Ben Reilly rather than the traditional Peter Parker. Showrunner Oren Uziel wanted to tell a story about an older, more experienced hero.
“When I first came on, the first thing I asked is if I could age him up. Because it’s a story that I would be more comfortable telling. I’m not a high school kid anymore.” – Oren Uziel, Showrunner
Uziel explained that jumping forward in time allowed the team to explore how living a long life as The Spider changes a person. This decision also made it possible to cast Nicolas Cage in the lead role.
Differences From the Animated Spider-Verse Version
Many viewers first met a version of Spider-Man Noir in 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, voiced by Nicolas Cage. However, the live-action series is not a continuation of that character’s story.
“Same character, different universe,” co-showrunner Oren Uziel told Empire magazine. “It’s a different flavor of that character, even though it’s still Nick’s voice. It’s not a continuation of Into The Spider-Verse.”
The animated version was a supporting character in a larger ensemble film. The new Prime Video series places Ben Reilly as the main focus, exploring his personal life and tragic past in detail.
A Grittier, Older Hero
The biggest difference is Ben Reilly’s age and personality. Unlike Peter Parker, who is usually shown as a teenager or young adult, this version is a hardened private investigator in 1930s New York.
The series shows a hero who has already retired from crime-fighting. He is dealing with deep personal loss after a tragedy involving someone named Ruby. The show is not an origin story. Instead, it follows a broken man forced to put the mask again.
A Different Take on Powers and Horror
The live-action Ben Reilly also differs in how he handles his abilities. His powers are presented almost like a curse or a medical condition. Producer Uziel noted that Cage pushed the team to explore what physically happened to him when he became a spider.
“We really pushed and pushed and got to a place where this guy is really more spider than man at this point. He’s almost cosplaying as a human.” – Oren Uziel
The series leans into horror elements. Reilly describes his powers as a condition he must constantly fight to control. When he loses control, his fighting style becomes twitchy and animal-like, resembling an actual spider rather than a graceful acrobat.
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Contrast With Comic Book Origins
In the Marvel comics, Ben Reilly has a complex history as a clone of Peter Parker. He was created by the villain The Jackal and later became the hero known as the Scarlet Spider.
In the comics, Ben took the name Reilly as a tribute to Uncle Ben and Aunt May (whose maiden name is Reilly). He even dyed his hair blonde and took over as Spider-Man for a period. The new series changes this dynamic completely. There is no Peter Parker in this show’s continuity. Ben Reilly exists as his own person, not a clone.
Release and Viewing Details
All eight episodes of Spider-Noir are available to stream. The series premiered on MGM+ on May 25, 2026, followed by a global release on Prime Video on May 27, 2026. The show is available in both “authentic black & white” and full color versions, allowing viewers to choose their preferred viewing style.
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