After much waiting, the highly anticipated series, Spider-Noir, has finally been released on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. For those unaware, it is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Within just a few hours, the series has already generated a lot of buzz, especially with it starring Academy Award-winner, Nicolas Cage. If you haven’t watched the series yet, here’s our Spider-Noir review to help you decide if it is worth watching.
What is Spider-Noir about?
Spider-Noir is based on the Marvel Comics character, ‘Spider-Man Noir’, whom we had first seen on the big screen a few years ago with the release of the animated movie, Into the Spider-Verse. Nicolas Cage, who originally voiced the character in the film, is back to reprise his role in the new Prime Video live-action. In this series, Nicolas Cage plays ‘Ben Reilly,’ a middle-aged private detective in 1930s New York. After his lover passed away, he made the decision to retire from his crime-fighting days as ‘Spider.’ However, when superpowered people begin emerging in the city, and after a local gangster attempts to seize power, ‘Ben’ is once again forced to put on his mask. He uses both his powers and his wit to help solve the mystery and, in the end, save the day.
Spider-Noir gives off the vibes of an old-fashioned mystery
Viewers can watch Spider-Noir in two versions – black and white or colour. But no matter which version you decide on, the series sucks you immediately into its noir and dark world. The jazz score in the backdrop helps set the tone while the acting and crisp dialogue continue to hook you in. The plot of Spider-Noir is equally noteworthy, as it gives it the vibes of a good old-fashioned mystery reminiscent of noir thrillers. Additionally, writers, Christopher Chen, Megan Liao, Tori Sampson, Jack Henderson, Jennifer Frazin, and Bruce Marshall Romans make sure to keep things completely fresh and interesting.
The charm of Nicolas Cage
If anyone could play Spider-Noir in today’s age, then it is none other than Nicolas Cage. It is the perfect series for a veteran actor like him, who is known for his classical acting style. He adds his own charm to the character of ‘Ben Reilly,’ by making him unpredictable and enigmatic. Even while doing so, Nicolas Cage never reduces him to a mere caricature. Through his acting, he inspired both awe and pity among the viewers.
Alongside Nicolas Cage, other actors who deliver some fine performances in Spider-Noir include Karen Rodriguez, who plays the role of his secretary, ‘Janet.’ She effectively brings comic relief to the series while combining it with her wit and sensitivity. Meanwhile, ‘Lamorne Morris’ delivers a delightful performance as journalist, ‘Robbie Robertson.’ Coming to the man behind the villain, ‘Silvermane,’ it is none other than veteran actor, Brendan Gleeson. His addition to the series lends much-needed gravitas and menace to the villain, and he makes fine use of his acting skills to achieve the same.
The intimate setting of Spider-Noir
Most superhero shows these days are known for being overrun with insane CGI and effects and large action set pieces. However, when it comes to Spider-Noir, the series sacrifices all of that to achieve a more intimate setting. They also minimise VFX, highlighting that the series’ hero is not its scale but rather the way it is made. DOP Darram Tiernan does a fantastic job, adding a delicate interplay of light and shadow to the cinematography. He also makes sharp use of close-ups, low-angle shots, and clever utilisation of water and reflective surfaces. The score by Kris Bowers and Michael Dean Parsons adds to the series’ vintage effect without making it feel dated.
Overall, Spider-Noir is a must-watch for fans who love old-fashioned mysteries and love Nicola Cage’s acting.
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