May 27 is officially the day Nicolas Cage swings into action. Prime Video released the first teaser for Spider-Noir on February 11, 2026, giving viewers a proper look at the Oscar winner as Ben Reilly, a washed-up private eye hiding a superhero past. The 1930s-set series immediately stands out because the streaming service is offering the entire show in two separate versions—Authentic Black & White and True-Hue Full Color. Both trailers dropped simultaneously, letting audiences choose their preferred mood before the show even arrives.
This marks Cage’s first leading role in a television series. He previously voiced the Spider-Man Noir character in the 2018 animated hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, but this live-action project is a completely separate story. The teaser confirms the show pulls directly from Marvel Comics rather than following the animated movie’s plot.
Nicolas Cage Describes His Spider-Noir Character as Humphrey Bogart Meets Bugs Bunny
The 62-year-old actor is not holding back when it comes to explaining his approach to Ben Reilly. In interviews tied to the teaser release, Cage broke down his character as a mix of old Hollywood cool and cartoon chaos. He told Esquire that the role is “70 percent Humphrey Bogart, and 30 percent Bugs Bunny.”
That description fits what the teaser shows. One minute Cage’s Reilly is nursing whiskey in a dimly lit bar, wearing a weary expression straight out of a 1940s detective film. The next, he is brawling in alleyways and moving like someone who used to wear a mask. The tagline displayed in the teaser—“With No Power Comes No Responsibility”—makes it clear this version of the character does not have the typical Spider-Man abilities.
The show is set during the Great Depression. New York City is portrayed in shadows, cigarette smoke, and rain-soaked streets. Spider-Noir is not aiming for bright costumes or big spectacle. The teaser positions it as a hard-boiled crime drama first, with superhero elements creeping in through flashbacks and unfinished business from Reilly’s past.
Full Cast Revealed Alongside Spider-Noir Trailer and May 27 Release Date
Prime Video confirmed the complete ensemble when the teaser went live. Alongside Cage, the series features a mix of rising stars and veteran actors.
Lamorne Morris plays Robbie Robertson, a determined journalist and Ben Reilly’s closest friend. Li Jun Li takes on the role of Cat Hardy, a nightclub singer with secrets. Karen Rodriguez appears as Janet, Reilly’s sharp-tongued secretary who keeps his detective agency running.
The villain side is equally stacked. Jack Huston portrays Flint Marko, while Brendan Gleeson steps in as Silvermane. Gleeson appears briefly in the teaser, and his casting has generated significant attention given his recent Oscar nomination. Abraham Popoola rounds out the main cast as a World War I veteran connected to the story.
Guest stars include Lukas Haas, Cameron Britton, Cary Christopher, Michael Kostroff, Scott MacArthur, Joe Massingill, Whitney Rice, Amanda Schull, Andrew Caldwell, Amy Aquino, Andrew Robinson, and Kai Caster.
The eight-episode season will drop completely on May 27. This binge-release model means subscribers can watch the entire story in one sitting. The series arrives first on MGM+’s linear channel in the United States, then lands globally on Prime Video across more than 240 countries and territories the same day.
Why Spider-Noir Offers Two Versions—Black & White and Full Color
The dual-format release is not a gimmick. It is a deliberate creative choice that gives viewers control over their experience. Spider-Noir will be available in Authentic Black & White, which mimics the look of 1940s cinema and the original monochromatic comics. The other option is True-Hue Full Color, which presents the saturated, vibrant palette of modern Marvel books.
Cage explained the reasoning behind the two versions in his Esquire interview.
“The truth is, they both work and they’re beautiful for different reasons. The color is super saturated and gorgeous. I think teenage viewers will appreciate the color, but I also want them to have the option. If they want to experience the concept in black and white, maybe that would instill some interest in them to look at earlier movies and enjoy that as an art form as well.”
The approach echoes what Godzilla Minus One did with its black-and-white theatrical cut. Prime Video is betting that purists will stick with the noir aesthetic while casual viewers lean toward color. Both trailers exist in each format, so audiences can sample the difference right now.
Creative Team Behind Spider-Noir Includes Lord, Miller, and Fleabag Director
Spider-Noir carries serious behind-the-scenes credentials. Harry Bradbeer, the Emmy-winning director of Fleabag and Killing Eve, directed and executive produced the first two episodes. His involvement signals a focus on character work and visual storytelling rather than straightforward action.
Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Lightfoot previously ran Marvel’s The Punisher for Netflix, so he understands the balance between grounded crime and comic book mythology. Uziel’s writing credits include 22 Jump Street and The Lost City.
The series was developed with Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal—the Academy Award-winning producers behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Their involvement connects Spider-Noir to the creative DNA of the animated franchise, even though the live-action show stands alone. Lord and Miller executive produce through their Lord Miller banner alongside Aditya Sood and Dan Shear. Pascal produces via Pascal Pictures. Cage himself also serves as an executive producer alongside Pavlina Hatoupis.
Sony Pictures Television produces the series exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video.
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Viewer Reactions Split Over Spider-Noir Black-and-White Format Decision
Social media lit up after the teaser dropped. While many fans are excited to see Cage fully embody the role, the dual-format release sparked real debate.
Supporters praised the moody aesthetic. One user wrote, “Absolute Cinema,” in response to the black-and-white footage. Another commented, “Nicolas Cage as Spider-Man Noir is perfection—from animated legend to live-action icon! 🕷️ Who else is hyped for this gritty twist?”
But not everyone is sold on offering color as an option. Some viewers feel the noir style should be non-negotiable.
“No balls should have just done black and white,” one fan posted.
Another questioned the logic directly: “Color? Why would color be in a noir film?”
A third viewer labeled the studio “cowards” and wrote, “If it’s meant to be black and white, keep it that way.”
Others see the choice as practical. Several fans noted that offering both formats allows families and casual Marvel viewers to enjoy the show without forcing a specific aesthetic on everyone. One commenter pointed out that younger audiences raised on colorful superhero movies might bounce off a strict black-and-white presentation.
Cage’s casting received nearly universal approval. One fan summed up the sentiment:
“Bro, Nicholas Cage was the perfect role for this character as a live action as well, he really has that tone.”
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