In the forthcoming series Spider-Noir, starring Nicolas Cage as the brooding private investigator Ben Reilly, actor Lamorne Morris reveals his attempts to break Cage’s serious demeanor by making him laugh on set. Morris shared these insights while attending the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards, where he described how his nervousness about working with Cage led him to try to disrupt Cage’s intense focus as a way to ease tension. The series, based on a Marvel Comics character, is set in 1930s New York and will premiere on MGM+ on May 25th, followed by Prime Video on May 27th.
Spider-Noir centers on Cage’s character, Ben Reilly, a former superhero known as The Spider who has stepped away from his masked identity after a personal tragedy. The story follows him as a hardened private investigator drawn back into action by extraordinary circumstances. Morris plays Robbie Robertson, a determined journalist and friend to Reilly, attempting to succeed in a tough New York environment.
The Unique Challenges of Filming Spider-Noir
During filming, Morris was intrigued by Cage’s ability to maintain a serious tone, describing his own efforts to provoke laughter from the star as part of their dynamic on set. He recalled Cage sharing a personal story and video from a previous project, Family Man, where Cage himself struggled to keep a scene serious, offering a rare glimpse at the actor’s lighter moments. However, Morris admitted that despite his best efforts, Cage was difficult to break, which only intensified the actor’s intense commitment to his role.
Lamorne Morris says he wanted to “f*ck with” Nicolas Cage by trying to make him laugh on the set of “Spider-Noir.” #SpiritAwards pic.twitter.com/9fxNTTmmp1
— Lamorne Morris, Actor
Main Characters and Supporting Cast
The cast of Spider-Noir brings together a mix of seasoned performers and rising stars. Alongside Nicolas Cage and Lamorne Morris, Emmy Award-winning actor Li Jun Li portrays Cat Hardy, the enigmatic star of New York’s premiere nightclub, whose motives are more complex than they initially appear. Karen Rodriguez plays Janet, Ben Reilly’s loyal and outspoken secretary, while Abraham Popoola, Jack Huston, and Brendan Gleeson round out the main ensemble with significant roles in this noir setting. A number of guest stars, including Lukas Haas, Cameron Britton, and Amanda Schull, further enrich the narrative with their diverse characters.
Setting and Visual Style Reflecting 1930s New York
The series aims to capture the atmospheric essence of 1930s New York, reflected in both its storytelling and visual presentation. Early promotional materials emphasize a striking aesthetic contrast, teasing both authentic black-and-white noir style alongside full-color scenes, aligning with the period’s moody tone. The production, from Sony Pictures Television in partnership with MGM+ and Prime Video, prides itself on delivering a gritty and stylish homage to classic detective stories while embedding Easter eggs appealing to fans of the Spiderverse franchise.
Creative Team Behind Spider-Noir
Spider-Noir’s creative leadership includes Emmy Award-winning director Harry Bradbeer, known for acclaimed series such as Fleabag and Killing Eve, who directed and executive produced the first two episodes. The showrunners, Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot, bring experience from projects like The Lost City and Marvel’s The Punisher, respectively. They developed the series in collaboration with the Oscar-winning team responsible for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal — all serving as executive producers alongside Cage and Pavlina Hatoupis. This amalgamation of talents highlights the ambitious scope and quality of the series.
Spider-Noir’s Anticipated Impact and Release
The upcoming release of Spider-Noir marks a notable entry into the superhero genre, distinguished by its noir sensibility and period-specific narrative. By focusing on an older, world-weary hero and blending mystery with action, the series stands apart from traditional superhero fare. Audience anticipation is high, particularly among those eager to see Cage embody a character that melds classic detective motifs with the Spider-Man mythos. The inclusion of subtle references to the Spiderverse universe suggests layered storytelling that will reward attentive viewers. As Spider-Noir approaches its May debut, it is expected to generate substantial interest in both streaming platforms MGM+ and Prime Video.
Lamorne Morris says he wanted to “f*ck with” Nicolas Cage by trying to make him laugh on the set of “Spider-Noir.” #SpiritAwards pic.twitter.com/9fxNTTmmp1
— Variety (@Variety) February 15, 2026
