Spider-Noir is a new television spin-off that reimagines the Spider-Man mythos in a stylised, Depression-era New York setting, with Nicolas Cage starring as Ben Reilly, also known as The Spider.

The series blends superhero elements with noir detective fiction, presenting Reilly as a down-at-heel private investigator who once abandoned his masked identity after a personal tragedy.

In this version of the story, it is not the death of an uncle that drives his transformation, but the loss of his girlfriend Ruby, which leads him to retire his homemade costume and attempt a quieter life.Five years later, Reilly is drawn back into action when criminal threats resurface in the city’s underworld.

The narrative follows his return to vigilantism as he investigates a wider conspiracy involving gangsters and the mob, particularly the crime boss Silvermane, portrayed as a scheming figure at the centre of the conflict.

The show moves through smoky clubs, dockyards, and shadowy political spaces, embracing a pulp-noir atmosphere that prioritises style and tone over intricate plotting.A key focus of the review is Nicolas Cage’s performance, which is described as deliberately exaggerated, comedic, and unpredictable.His character frequently interrupts action scenes with sarcastic remarks and absurd humour, contributing to the show’s camp tone.

Supporting performances from Karen Rodriguez as Janet and Lamorne Morris as journalist Robbie are also highlighted positively, alongside Brendan Gleeson’s portrayal of Silvermane.Visually, the series uses a default black-and-white presentation dubbed ‘Authentic Black & White’, though a colour setting is available.Action sequences are noted as uneven but still entertaining, with some age-related limitations in stunt work acknowledged.

Despite concerns about audience crossover between superhero fans and noir enthusiasts, the series is ultimately described as fun and more enjoyable than recent Spider-Man spin-off projects.It is set to premiere on Prime Video on 27 May.