The new Spider-Noir TV show will feature a character Sam Raimi wasn’t able to include in his Spider-Man films. Despite fan hopes, a fourth movie directed by Raimi never materialized. Officially cancelled in 2010, Raimi has no plans to revisit the character with Tobey Maguire. As he recently explained, he feels it’s best to let the current filmmakers continue the story and connect with the audience that now follows them.
Although the planned Spider-Man 4 movie was cancelled, the Spider-Man universe is thriving. This year, Tom Holland will reprise his role as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which will likely connect to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film. Plus, a new TV series called Spider-Noir, starring Nicolas Cage, is on the way! Recently revealed, this series will bring back a beloved character fans have been hoping to see again for sixteen years – a character originally rumored to appear in the cancelled Spider-Man 4.
We’re About to Meet a Live-Action Black Cat For the First Time
Check out Li Jun Li and Lamorne Morris as Cat Hardy and Robbie Robertson in the ‘SPIDER-NOIR’ series.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 10, 2026
Sony recently revealed some of the key villains appearing in the upcoming Spider-Noir film, along with a first look at the cast. Among them is Li Jun Li, known for her roles in Sinners, Alma and the Wolf, and Babylon, who will be playing a character named Cat Hardy. This is widely understood to be Felicia Hardy, the Black Cat – a famous and complex character from Spider-Man comics. In the comics, Black Cat is often portrayed as both a romantic interest and a rival for Spider-Man, frequently walking the line between villain and antihero as a skilled thief.
Cat Hardy’s outfit immediately evokes the style of a 1930s nightclub performer, which is a key part of her character. In the comic books, this version of Felicia Hardy, known as the Black Cat, runs a nightclub and has a relationship with reporter Ben Urich. She secretly aided Urich in his investigations, gathering information to expose the city’s criminals. After witnessing Urich’s murder, she dedicated herself to seeking revenge.
This version of Felicia Hardy, known as Cat Hardy, became one of Spider-Man’s allies, and secretly developed feelings for him, despite knowing their lives were too different. She even assisted him in battles against familiar foes from the Spider-Noir comics, like Sandman. It’s clear the new TV series is inspired by specific comic book storylines, and this reimagined Cat Hardy fits the narrative perfectly.
We’ve Been Waiting For Black Cat Since 2010
Rumors have circulated for years that Anne Hathaway was set to play Black Cat in Sam Raimi’s planned Spider-Man 4. Hathaway herself has spoken about auditioning for the role, even before she landed the part of Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises. She recalls not getting to see a full script or wear a costume, and suggests the full story of why things didn’t pan out is best told by the film’s producers. Raimi has confirmed he was very impressed with Hathaway’s audition as Felicia Hardy.
The plans for Spider-Man 4 have become a bit confusing recently. Director Sam Raimi initially seemed to dismiss reports that Black Cat would appear in the film, stating he never held auditions for a female villain and that discussions about John Malkovich playing Vulture didn’t lead anywhere. However, it’s possible Raimi meant Black Cat wasn’t intended as a villain, but rather as a potential ally to Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man.
Fans have been anticipating Black Cat ever since rumors started in 2010, and now Spider-Noir is finally bringing her to life – though this version will likely be quite different from the classic character. Plus, she’s being played by a major Hollywood star, which shows just how much excitement there is for this new Spider-Man series.
Interested in Spider-Noir? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-02-10 22:13