Geky Page, New York – The new live-action series ‘Spider-Noir,’ starring Nicolas Cage as a 1930s private investigator, explores a darker alternate universe of the iconic superhero, offering viewers the unique option to watch in either color or black and white. (27/05/2026)
The series, based on the Marvel comic Spider-Man Noir, reimagines the well-known hero in a gritty 1930s New York setting. Nicolas Cage portrays Ben Reilly, a hardened private investigator and former vigilante known as The Spider.
Unlike many contemporary productions, the Prime Video show provides a choice between a colorized or black and white presentation. This aesthetic decision serves as an homage to the film noir style prevalent in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by shadowy visuals and dark plots.
Karen Rodriguez, who plays the loyal secretary Janet, believes the black and white format enhances the narrative. She highlights the interplay of light and shadow in conveying themes of good versus evil.
“We’re playing with good and bad, heroes and villains. So who’s in the shadows, who’s in the light? This kind of world that feels dark and anybody could walk in at any point. And there’s a mystery to that, there’s danger to it,” said Karen Rodriguez (loyal secretary Janet) to BBC Newsbeat.
Nicolas Cage’s character in the series grapples with issues from his past after a deeply personal tragedy. He functions as the city’s sole superhero while working as a private eye.
Lamorne Morris, cast as journalist Robbie Robertson, described the experience of creating content for a black and white presentation as “unreal.” He noted that while performance remains largely consistent, specific on-set considerations arise.
“There are moments when you’re doing a scene and they might stop because your pocket square looks a lot better in black and white,” said Lamorne Morris (journalist Robbie Roberston) to Newsbeat.
The series has garnered largely positive reviews, with Empire magazine calling it “an utterly insane stew that somehow makes perfect sense.” Screen Rant suggests that the black and white option contributes effectively to “the show’s noir aesthetic.”
However, The Hollywood Reporter voiced some criticism, describing the cinematography options as “at the very least, irritating.” The publication argued that being “optimised for both colour and black and white means it hasn’t really been optimised for anything.”
Morris expressed hope that the black and white choice will encourage younger audiences to explore classic films. Nicolas Cage has also publicly stated his desire for this option to engage younger viewers less familiar with the style.
Film student Alice Garland, 22, from Fife, appreciates the noir aesthetic and considers the viewing option a “great way” to attract new audiences. She added that the series presents a “fatalism” vibe and openly serves as “such an homage to film noir.”
Li Jun Li, who portrays singer Cat Hardy, commented that the writing approach for the series created a “whole new way” of developing stories. She perceives it as “Spider-Man for adults in a sense.”
Li further explained that the show depicts characters who are not simply villains but “nuanced characters with much more complex backstories and anti-heroes.” Abraham Popoola, playing the villain Tombstone, agreed that the black and white format imparts “a gravitas” and a more serious energy to the show.
The plot centers on Reilly’s past as “The Spider,” who failed to save his beloved five years prior and now works as a PI. He is drawn into a “web of intrigue” after being hired to find a man named Addison and later Flint Marko, who can turn into sand.
Reilly’s investigations lead him to confront gangster Silvermane, who has taken control of the city’s police and politicians. The narrative is noted for its fast pace, wit, and confidence.
Key supporting performances include Karen Rodriguez as a sassy secretary Janet, Lamorne Morris as Reilly’s tenacious newshound buddy Robbie Robertson, and Brendan Gleeson as the intimidating villain Silvermane. All eight episodes of ‘Spider-Noir’ became available on Prime Video starting May 27.
