Nicolas Cage is stepping into the role of Spider-Man, though not as Peter Parker, in an upcoming live-action series for Amazon Prime Video titled “Spider-Noir.” The show, which premiered on MGM+ on May 25, 2026, and arrived on Prime Video on May 27, features Cage as Ben Reilly, a character with a complex history in Marvel Comics, and will refer to him as “The Spider” to emphasize the series’ noir aesthetic.
Ben Reilly’s comic book origins date back to 1975, appearing in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #149 as an unidentified clone of Peter Parker. He was later formally introduced in 1994’s “Web of Spider-Man” #114 and subsequently named in “Spider-Man” #51, a period coinciding with the popularity of “Spider-Man: The Animated Series.” Reilly was created by the villain Miles Warren, known as the Jackal, who sought to torment Spider-Man.
After years in seclusion, Reilly returned to New York and briefly allied with Peter Parker, adopting the identity of the Scarlet Spider, first appearing under that moniker in “Web of Spider-Man” #118. Andy Samberg previously voiced a version of Scarlet Spider in the animated film “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”
The character’s storyline took a dramatic turn when Reilly and Parker were manipulated by Norman Osborn into believing Ben was the original Peter. Parker then left New York with Mary Jane Watson, while Reilly assumed the role of Spider-Man. This period culminated in a confrontation with Osborn’s Green Goblin, resulting in Reilly’s death in Parker’s arms.
The events surrounding Ben Reilly are central to the controversial 1990s Marvel Comics storyline known as the “Clone Saga.” According to former “Spider-Man” editor Mark Bernardo, the saga, initially intended to simplify Spider-Man’s narrative, ultimately became overly complex. Bernardo noted in a 2008 blog series that the storyline was originally planned to conclude in “Amazing Spider-Man” #400, establishing Ben Reilly as the true Peter Parker.
Producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller have indicated that the reason for Reilly’s identity, rather than Parker’s, will be explained within the show itself. “The reason he’s named Ben Reilly is explained,” Miller stated in an interview with Esquire. “We’ll leave it at that.” Lord added, “I have to be coy about the reasons, because you’ll find out.”
The use of the Ben Reilly identity allows the show to establish a unique identity for Cage’s character, distinct from the established Spider-Man lore. Showrunners Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot may have further connections to the source material that will be revealed as the series progresses.
