'Spider-Noir' stuns critics with strong Rotten Tomatoes debut ahead of release

Spider-Noir is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest superhero surprises, with critics praising Nicolas Cage’s eccentric and gritty performance as Marvel’s noir-inspired web-slinger ahead of the series premiere.

The upcoming Prime Video drama marks Cage’s return to the Spider-Verse after previously voicing Spider-Man Noir in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This time, the actor steps into live-action as Ben Reilly, also known as The Spider, a troubled private investigator navigating corruption, gang wars and superpowered threats in 1930s New York during the Great Depression.

Early reviews have highlighted the show’s stylish noir cinematography, pulpy detective storytelling and Cage’s wildly unpredictable performance, with many calling it one of the most visually unique Marvel projects in years. Critics have also praised the series’ optional black-and-white viewing format, which fully embraces the classic noir aesthetic.

The series currently holds an impressive 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it among the better-reviewed Spider-Man projects and above films like The Amazing Spider-Man and Spider-Man 3. The rating may still change as additional reviews are submitted.

Spider-Noir also stars Lamorne Morris, Brendan Gleeson and Jack Huston, while Spider-Verse creators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller serve as executive producers.

Spider-Noir premieres May 27 on Prime Video.