‘Spider-Noir’ Review Roundup: Nicolas Cage’s Grim Spider-Man Adventure Lands Its Rotten Tomatoes Score

The first reviews for Spider-Noir are in, and early reactions show strong praise overall for the Nicolas Cage-led superhero series. According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the show currently holds a 90% Tomatometer score based on 40 critic reviews, pointing to mostly positive critical reception ahead of its full release.

The series is based on Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man Noir character and follows Ben Reilly, a down-on-his-luck private investigator living in 1930s New York City. He once lived as a masked superhero known as “the Spider,” but has since stepped away from that life. When a dangerous new case pulls him back into conflict with mobsters, strange threats, and a femme fatale, he is forced to return to his old identity.

The show stars Nicolas Cage in the lead role as Ben Reilly / The Spider. It also features Lamorne Morris, Li Jun Li, Karen Rodriguez, Abraham Popoola, Jack Huston, and Brendan Gleeson.

The series was developed by Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot and is produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with Amazon MGM Studios. It is set in an alternate universe within Sony’s Spider-Man universe and will be released on MGM+ in the United States before arriving globally on Prime Video.

Critics have mostly responded positively to the series, with many focusing on its style, tone, and Cage’s performance. Some reviews highlight the show’s noir atmosphere and its willingness to take risks with a darker, more adult take on the superhero genre.

Luke Y. Thompson of Mortal Cinema described the series as bold and unusual, pointing out its more eccentric moments. He wrote, “Would you believe he does scenes in his underwear drunkenly using spider-powers for his own private amusement? Of course you would.” His comment reflects the show’s unpredictable and sometimes bizarre tone.

Simon Gallagher of ComicBook.com gave the series a strong score and praised its direction, saying, “It’s great fun actually, and it suits as a strong testament to the potential there is to make Spider-Man projects that don’t have to be aimed at the lucrative family market.” His review suggests the series stands out for targeting a more mature audience.

Richard Roeper of RogerEbert.com focused on Nicolas Cage’s performance, writing that the series reminds viewers why Cage remains one of the most unique actors working today. His review leaned positive, emphasizing the actor’s energy and screen presence.

Jeff Ewing of The Direct was also highly positive, calling the series entertaining and full of surprises. He said, “Spider-Noir is a blast and a half and full of surprises. It’s simultaneously a fun noir homage and a throwback superhero origin story with campy undertones.”

Not all reactions were positive. Rodrigo Perez of The Playlist gave a negative review, criticizing the pacing and structure of the series. He wrote that the concept may have worked better in a shorter format, saying it becomes repetitive over time.

Other critics praised the visual style and tone. Cassondra Feltus of Black Girl Nerds highlighted the cinematography and dialogue, noting that the series successfully blends noir storytelling with superhero elements in a fresh way.

Overall, critics are split on certain aspects like pacing and tone, but most agree that Spider-Noir stands out for its bold style and Nicolas Cage’s central performance. The series is set to premiere on May 25, with all eight episodes releasing on MGM+ in the U.S. and globally on Prime Video shortly after.

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