What are the odds that a Prime Video and Sony Television collaboration would emerge as one of the most memorable serialised entries in the superhero genre in recent memory? Spider-Noir is an unabashedly creative, stylistically bold reinterpretation that doubles as a loving tribute to cinema’s rich history as an art form.
Nicholas Cage is a name that needs no introduction. Having already voiced Spider-Man Noir in the Spider-Verse films, he fully embraces the role of Ben Reilly/The Spider in the only way he knows how — by going full “Nic Cage”, without restraint and with total commitment. While the shift from Spider-Man Noir to Ben Reilly/The Spider was likely driven by legal constraints, this limitation ultimately proves to be a strength, allowing the series to centre on a protagonist with moral ambiguity that fits seamlessly within its grim noir setting. Cage’s Ben Reilly is conflicted and burdened, yet effortlessly compelling; his charisma and charm shine through every scene, making him as magnetic as he’s easy to root for.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with Janet (Karen Rodriguez), his secretary, standing out as a particularly welcome addition who brings warmth and grounding to a premise that can often feel bleak, even if it’s frequently balanced by well-timed humour. Robbie Robertson (Lamorne Morris) is equally well-written, functioning as Reilly’s moral compass in several of the series’ most pivotal narrative moments, anchoring the story’s ethical tension and providing a steady counterweight in moments of doubt and escalation.
Silvermane (Brendan Gleeson) is a standout antagonist, with his lack of powers creating a compelling contrast not only to The Spider but also to other members of his rogues’ gallery, grounding his menace in influence, intelligence and presence rather than anything supernatural. Sandman/Flint Marko (Jack Huston), meanwhile, emerges as one of the most engaging villains, defined by a constant struggle with mortality, love and loyalty; it’s almost ironic that while Marvel Studios leaned into Raimi-era nostalgia for its portrayal of the character in No Way Home, Spider-Noir delivers a far more nuanced and emotionally layered interpretation.
Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li) is a more divisive presence. While her performance is consistently strong and often on par with the rest of the cast, the writing around her character can feel uneven, with the constraints of episodic runtime forcing her allegiances to shift at a breakneck pace. As a result, she never fully settles into either a convincing love interest or a fully realised femme fatale, leaving her arc feeling somewhat underdeveloped. Dirk Leyden/Megawatt (Andrew Lewis Caldwell ), by contrast, veers too far into cartoonish excess at times, with a portrayal that can feel overly exaggerated.
Taken together, the few flaws do little to diminish what is ultimately a significant achievement for the series. The cinematography consistently stands out, lending itself to striking, picturesque imagery that is further elevated by the choice between two viewing options — true hue and black and white — with the latter adding a distinctive layer of texture and immersion that meaningfully enhances the experience. Ultimately, Spider-Noir emerges as an excellent reimagining of a well-known character, confidently stepping into uncharted territory for a live-action adaptation and carving out an identity that feels both fresh and reverent to its source material.
