This spring, MGM+ will release its live-action Spider-Noir series, featuring a recast of a significant character from Tobey Maguire‘s Spider-Man trilogy. The show spans eight episodes and presents an alternate universe story set in 1930s New York, centering on an aging private detective played by Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage. Cage, who previously voiced a version of Spider-Man Noir in the Spider-Verse franchise as Peter Parker, now portrays Ben Reilly in this live-action adaptation. The series includes the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man recast for several key roles, creating a fresh take on the iconic web-slinger’s world.
Introducing Lamorne Morris as Robbie Robertson in Spider-Noir
Esquire’s exclusive report revealed that Lamorne Morris, known from New Girl, will play Robbie Robertson, a character closely tied to the Spider-Man universe. The publication shared the first look at Morris embodying Robertson, describing him as
“still a journalist, but pounding a freelance beat looking for stories from the heart of the city,”
maintaining his integral role as a friend to Nicolas Cage’s Ben Reilly, the show’s Spider-Noir protagonist.
In Tobey Maguire’s trilogy, the late Bill Nunn portrayed Robertson, serving as a steady voice of reason at the Daily Bugle, where he defended Spider-Man and even appeared to suspect Peter Parker’s secret identity in Spider-Man 2. Over the years in Marvel Comics, Robertson has held multiple roles at the Daily Bugle, including editor-in-chief, but generally acts as the city editor who balances the fiery temperament of editor J. Jonah Jameson.
Morris is only the second actor to represent Robbie Robertson in live-action, though the character has made several appearances in animated adaptations. The Spider-Noir show adds depth by filming two visual styles: an authentic black-and-white version alongside a full-color “true hue” edition, both featuring Morris’s portrayal of Robertson.
Additional Recasting of Classic Spider-Man Characters in Spider-Noir
Alongside Robertson’s recasting, Esquire confirmed another notable role being reimagined. Jack Huston, known for Boardwalk Empire, will play Flint Marko, also called Sandman. Huston inherits this role from Thomas Haden Church, who famously portrayed Sandman in Spider-Man 3 and reprised it in No Way Home. This continuation cements Spider-Noir’s connection to the earlier Sam Raimi films while opening new storytelling possibilities.
The assembled cast for the Spider-Noir eight-episode series includes Nicolas Cage, Lamorne Morris, Brendan Gleeson, Jack Huston, and Li Jun Li, setting the stage for a compelling exploration of this Spider-Man alternate universe.
The Role of Robbie Robertson in the Spider-Noir Narrative
In Spider-Noir, Robbie Robertson is positioned as a younger, freelance journalist hunting for compelling stories across the city, contrasting with the senior Daily Bugle editor figure played by Bill Nunn in past films. His close relationship with Ben Reilly hints at potential narrative arcs where Robertson could uncover his friend’s secret identity amid the unfolding drama.
This fresh depiction allows Robertson’s character to evolve, perhaps leading to a permanent position at the Bugle after reporting significant events involving the noir superhero, who will not be identified as Spider-Man Noir in the MGM+ adaptation.
Upcoming Appearances of Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man in Marvel Projects
Speculation builds around Tobey Maguire’s return to his Spider-Man role, with reports suggesting his appearance in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film set for release this December. Further, he is expected to reprise the character again in the following year’s Secret Wars, potentially bridging the legacy of his trilogy with the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe.
