Why Peter Parker Isn’t in Nicolas Cage’s Spider-Man Spinoff (It’s Smarter Than You Think)

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Nicolas Cage plays a version of Spider-Man in Spider-Noir, but instead of being Peter Parker, his character is named Ben Reilly. In the comics, Ben Reilly is known as the Scarlet Spider – a clone of Peter Parker created by a villain called the Jackal. Because this clone had Peter’s memories, he chose the name “Ben” to remember Uncle Ben and took Aunt May’s family name, Reilly, as his own.

The Spider-Noir character doesn’t use the name “Peter Parker” for a specific reason. According to showrunner Oren Uziel, “Peter Parker” feels like a name for a young, inexperienced high school student. This version of Spider-Man is older, more jaded, and struggling, so a different name felt appropriate. Interestingly, there’s also a clever explanation within the story itself for why he goes by a different name – and it’s surprisingly insightful.

Ben Reilly Changed His Name in Spider-Noir

The Spider-Noir storyline reveals that Ben Reilly has a hidden past. During World War I, he was instrumental in freeing prisoners of war who were subjected to experiments by German scientists. It was during this time he was bitten by a man-spider hybrid, giving him superpowers. Returning home, he changed his name to conceal his identity. This backstory cleverly connects him to the other Spider-Man characters featured in the Amazon series.

This strongly suggests the Spider-Man we see is likely a version of Peter Parker. The beginning of the story cleverly implies that characters from other universes have visited this one, connecting it to the larger Spider-Verse – and explaining why anyone would ask which universe this Spider-Man is from. While it’s never directly said, it makes sense that a Peter Parker would choose the name “Ben Reilly” because of its connection to his family and as a way to remember his Aunt May.

As Uziel suggested, the new name signals just how different this version of Spider-Man will be. This Spider-Man is rough around the edges – he drinks, swears, and operates with a much more cynical moral compass than we’re used to. While he still understands the importance of power and responsibility, that lesson came from a lost love, similar to Gwen Stacy, and it’s a lesson he’s been fighting for five years. These changes and twists make Spider-Noir particularly enjoyable, and fans are hoping to hear about a second season soon.

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2026-05-27 16:41