This superhero noir, seemingly a drama with criminal elements, has unexpectedly been submitted in the comedy category.
The series “Spider-Noir,” starring Nicolas Cage, will be available on MGM+ starting May 25, and will arrive on Prime Video two days later, on May 27. These release dates are strategically chosen to precede the submission deadline for the 78th Emmy Awards, allowing the project to compete in the upcoming awards season.
Of particular interest is Amazon’s chosen promotion strategy: the studio plans to enter “Spider-Noir” in comedy categories, despite its inherently dark, noir style and criminal plot.
The creators explain that Cage portrays an ironic and eccentric hero—”a spider pretending to be human.” This narrative tone, they believe, justifies its participation in the comedy category. If successful, Nicolas Cage could potentially be nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy Series.
The series plot centers on Ben Reilly, a former superhero once known as Spider-Man, who now works as a private detective. After years of quiet life, he finds himself drawn into a complex investigation involving the powerful crime boss, Silvermane. This confrontation with the mafia becomes not only a fight for justice for Reilly but also an opportunity to confront his past mistakes.
Viewers will be offered two versions of the series: a standard color version and a black-and-white version styled after classic noir. The first season will consist of eight episodes. Information regarding a possible second season is currently unavailable.