One of the highlights ofSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse—and there were many highlights — wasNicolas Cage’s performance as Spider-Man Noir in the film, one of the many Spider-variants who helped a young Miles Morales out on his journey to becoming Spider-Man. AlthoughCage didn’t return for the sequel—Across the Spider-Verse— we may not have seen the last of him in the role, as he exclusively told Collider at SXSW.
Spider-Man Noir is an alternative version of Spider-Man from a universe set during the 1930s.Characterized by his black-and-white aesthetic,Spider-Man Noir operates in a gritty, noir-themed New York City. Unlike the more familiar, colorful Spider-Man, this iteration is a hard-boiled detective who battles crime in a shadowy, corrupt world, blending superhero elements with classic noir fiction tropes, such as moral ambiguity and a focus on crime drama. Late last year it was announced that Prime Video’s long-in-developmentSpider-Man Noirlive-action series had tappedSteve Lightfootas showrunner. Will Cage finallymake the jump to the small screenand reprise the role in the spin-off series?
Speaking with Collider’sSteve WeintraubatSXSW 2024, where he was promoting his upcoming project,Arcadian, Cage was asked about the prospects ofreprising his role— and it sounds very promising for fans of the actor’s interpretation of the character. Confirming that he has had discussions over the role, Cage went on to explain what it was exactly that made him such a fan of the character.
“Well, I can say that we have been talking. It’s no secret that I love the character. I think the character provides another mash up of sorts. I can combine my favorite golden age performances, i.e. Robinson, Cagney, Bogart, with a character that is, I guess, widely considered [to be] Stan Lee’s masterpiece. I see it as a kind of foray into a pop art mash up of, sort of, a [Jungian] Lichtenstein, mash up by way of Bogart and Cagney, but nothing’s definitive yet. It’s just conversation.”
Who is Spider-Man Noir?
Spider-Man Noiris featured in the comics of the same name,which started in 2009, and features Peter Parker in an alternative 1930s timeline and universe. This iteration dives into a world where Parker, bitten by a mystical spider, uses his newfound powers to fight against the backdrop of the Great Depression. The series merges the classic Spider-Man heroics with the gritty, shadow-filled world of noir, presenting a starkly different, yet compelling narrative of the beloved character, highlighted by its distinct visual style and darker tone.
Stay tuned to Collider for further details on Cage’s potential return as Spider-Man Noir and our full interview with Cage forArcadian.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
Teen Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his universe and must join with five spider-powered individuals from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities.
Watch on Disney+
