Amazon’s highly anticipated series, “Spider-Man Noir,” has officially received an eight-episode order and added Brendan Gleeson to its cast in the role of the main villain. Gleeson will join Nicolas Cage, who had already been announced as the series’ lead, and Lamorne Morris, another recent addition to the ensemble cast.
The series, christened “Spider-Noir,” was formally greenlit in May and is slated to make its domestic debut on MGM+ before becoming available to global audiences on Amazon Prime Video.
“Spider-Noir” is set against the backdrop of 1930s New York and centers on an aging, down-on-his-luck private investigator, portrayed by Cage, who must come to terms with his past life as the city’s only superhero. Though specifics about Gleeson’s character have been kept firmly under wraps, it has been confirmed that he will assume the role of the series’ antagonist, providing a worthy challenge for Cage’s character.
This recent casting announcement comes on the heels of Gleeson’s critically acclaimed performance in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” which earned him nominations for both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. Gleeson’s impressive television resume includes starring roles in the crime drama “Mr. Mercedes,” based on Stephen King’s Bill Hodges trilogy, and “The Comey Rule,” a Showtime miniseries in which he portrayed President Donald Trump. Gleeson also garnered an Emmy Award in 2009 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the TV movie “Into the Storm.” His well-rounded filmography boasts appearances in notable films such as “In Bruges,” “The Guard,” “Calvary,” the “Harry Potter” franchise, “Braveheart,” and “Gangs of New York.”
“Spider-Noir” is the brainchild of Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot, who serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. The series is being created in collaboration with the team from “Into the Spider-Verse,” which includes Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal— all of whom will also serve as executive producers. Additionally, Harry Bradbeer is set to direct the first two episodes and join the executive production team. The series is being produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, with Lord and Miller currently operating under an overall deal at Sony.
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This series represents the second project to emerge from the partnership between Amazon and Sony aimed at developing Marvel character projects linked to Spider-Man, under Sony’s domain. The first project, “Silk: Spider Society,” was initially greenlit in 2022 but ultimately will not proceed at Amazon.
In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Nicolas Cage discussed his approach to the distinctive portrayal of Spider-Man in this new series. Cage expressed his commitment to infusing a “Golden Age” ambiance into the character, embracing the enigmatic essence of Spider-Man Noir. Known for his larger-than-life performances and captivating on-screen presence, Cage is anticipated to bring an added layer of depth and intrigue to the role.
Describing the live-action “Spider-Man Noir” series as a “Pop-art mashup, like a Lichtenstein painting,” Cage hinted that the series would carry a distinctive flair, promising fans “some sparkle to it.”
The anticipation surrounding “Spider-Noir” is also bolstered by the strength of its creative team. Oren Uziel, known for his work on “22 Jump Street” and “The Cloverfield Paradox,” alongside Steve Lightfoot, the mind behind “Hannibal,” create high hopes for a series that will blend rich narratives and compelling character arcs. The involvement of the “Into the Spider-Verse” team, who transformed conventional animated storytelling with their Academy Award-winning film, further elevates expectations.
Moreover, Harry Bradbeer’s involvement as the director of the initial episodes and his role as an executive producer adds another layer of credibility to the project. Bradbeer, who gained acclaim for his work on “Fleabag” and “Enola Holmes,” is known for his unique directorial style and meticulous character development, aligning perfectly with the noir aesthetic of this new Spider-Man adaptation.
With production well underway and a powerhouse cast and crew in place, “Spider-Noir” is set to deliver a fresh, stylish take on the Spider-Man saga. Fans old and new are eagerly looking forward to the series’ premiere, expected to provide an unforgettable journey through the dark, gritty streets of 1930s New York, brought vividly to life through Amazon’s production prowess.
Stay tuned as “Spider-Noir” approaches its premiere, weaving a web of mystery and excitement that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.
