New Spider-Man Theory Reveals the Real Reason Nicolas Cage’s Spider Is Broken

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Sony’s new Spider-Man TV universe will begin with Spider-Noir, featuring a popular take on the Spider-Man character. Nic Cage previously voiced Spider-Man Noir in the animated movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and now he’s bringing the role to life in a live-action series.

Nicolas Cage will star as Ben Reilly, a Spider-Man alternate who’s now a struggling, older private investigator. Reilly used to be the city’s only superhero back in 1930s New York, but he retired for reasons unknown. When a particularly interesting case appears, he’s forced to put on the Spider suit again.

Did Spider-Noir Retire After An Iconic Loss?

A central mystery in the upcoming Spider-Noir series is why Ben Reilly gave up being a superhero. Recent trailers suggest the answer may lie in a painful past event – a flashback shows a car with someone Ben loves inside plunging into a river, and he’s unable to save them. Later, his friend Robbie Robertson reveals that Ben has been deeply affected by the death of someone named Ruby.

The series Spider-Noir reimagines classic Spider-Man characters in an alternate, 1930s-inspired universe. Li Jun Li plays “Cat Hardy,” who appears to be this world’s version of Black Cat. Familiar villains like Silvermane, Sandman, and Tombstone are also getting noir-style makeovers, with Brendan Gleeson, Jack Huston, and Abraham Popoola portraying them respectively. Even the hero’s name, Ben Reilly, hints at a connection to a past Spider-Man storyline involving a clone of Peter Parker, who has sometimes been a friend and sometimes a foe.

The character “Ruby” seems to allude to either Gwen Stacy or Mary Jane Watson, Spider-Man’s two main love interests. Regardless of which character serves as the inspiration, it appears Ben Reilly, played by Cage, will face a similar tragedy to Peter Parker: the death of a loved one at the hands of the Green Goblin. Like Gwen Stacy, who was tragically killed after being thrown from a bridge, this character will likely die due to a fall, leaving Ben deeply traumatized, similar to how Peter was affected. The ensuing conflict could mirror the original storyline, potentially leading to the villain’s accidental death as well.

The Spider-Noir series seems to be sticking to the important events of Spider-Man’s life, just with a new twist. The fact that Ben Reilly’s heroic actions lead to heartbreak is a classic Spider-Man story. This also perfectly fits the film noir style – a troubled detective burdened by a painful past that hinders their ability to solve crimes. Ultimately, this approach delivers on the promise of what Spider-Noir should be.

Spider-Noir will premiere its entire season on MGM+ and Prime Video on May 27th.

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2026-05-09 19:41