Nicolas Cage Is Spider-Man Again, in Black and White
The Spider-Noir trailer dropped at CCXPMX Mexico City on April 27, and the show itself is locked in for May 25 on MGM+ and May 27 on Prime Video. Nicolas Cage is back as the trench-coat Spider-Man he played in Into the Spider-Verse, this time with eight episodes and a structural gimmick that is going to make this one a watercooler series whether the writing earns it or not.
The Choose-Your-Stream Bit
Image: Marvel / Amazon MGM Studios
Here is the thing nobody else is doing. When Spider-Noir hits Prime Video, you get to pick how you watch it. There is an "Authentic Black & White" stream that mimics the original noir aesthetic of the comic, and a "True-Hue Full Color" stream that runs the same episodes with a full color palette. Same show. Two looks. Pick your fighter.
That is a swing animated TV almost never gets to take. It also means the show is going to live or die on its visuals, because they are inviting you to pay attention to them in a way most series do not.
Cage Plus a Standalone Story
This is not a Spider-Verse continuation. Showrunner Oren Uziel has been clear about that. Spider-Noir is a self-contained story set in 1930s New York with Cage playing a more developed version of the character he voiced in the movie.
Image: Marvel / Amazon MGM Studios
Early reactions out of Mexico City have been strong. Several outlets used the phrase "Spider-Man meets Batman: The Animated Series." That is not a casual comparison. BTAS is the gold standard for animated superhero work. If Spider-Noir lands anywhere in that conversation, this becomes essential viewing for anyone who cares about the medium.
Where I Land
Cautiously in. Cage in this role is something I want more of. The choose-your-stream trick is the kind of weird Marvel experiment the franchise needs more of. Eight episodes is a manageable commitment if it does not stick the landing.
This is one of the most interesting things Marvel TV has put on the table in a while.
Come Talk About It
Trailer is up. Streaming starts May 25 (MGM+) and May 27 (Prime Video). If you watched the trailer or you are planning to check the show out, come let us know which version you are streaming. The B&W vs color debate is going to be its own conversation.
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