When most people discuss comic books, they eventually return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Joining the MCU is the ultimate dream for many actors. It is sometimes their greatest commercial achievement. Now, with a living legend, Nicolas Cage, coming close to embodying enhanced capabilities again in a tangle of myths and secrets, the conversation spins elsewhere.

This is not about universes colliding, but instead shows how one character develops his own unique route, challenging viewers to go beyond the clichés. And Cage's prompt reaction clears the air.

Nicolas Cage expressed his complete disinterest in the MCU, stating that he does not need to be in it given his massively successful career and strong star power. His comments during the event honoring his past work in comic book roles show that he believes his distinct personality and diverse career path extend beyond traditional superhero roles. In a viral clip from his 2023 Miami International Film Festival interview, Cage's humorous rejection of the idea of joining Marvel has resurfaced just in time for Spider-Noir.

"I don't need to be in the MCU, I'm Nic Cage," the actor said in the interview, smiling in disbelief as to why such a thought would even cross someone's mind.

In the multiverse of Nicolas Cage, superpowers do not need the Marvel label, as he even played other superheroes in Kick-Ass and Ghost Rider and was almost cast as Superman. As an outsider to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's formulaic style, Cage effortlessly established his flaming-skulled Spirit of Vengeance as a pop cultural icon, as his Ghost Rider films predate the advent of the MCU, which began in 2008 with Iron Man.

Cage, who named himself after the Marvel character Luke Cage, said that he would not rule out his admiration for Stan Lee while accepting Variety's legend and groundbreaker award at the Miami Film Festival. However, he preferred to create his own work independently from existing franchise requirements, a philosophy which he followed in Spider-Noir, turning Marvel's saga into a unique 1930s gumshoe flick. 

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Cage's new show combines traditional noir elements with superhero components, but the actor, describing his role as a combination of Humphrey Bogart and Bugs Bunny, per Esquire, steals the spotlight of curiosity and anticipation.

Based on Marvel Comics, Nicolas Cage presents Spider-Noir, which is a live-action series that takes place in 1930s New York and creates a new version of the dark Spider-Man character that Cage originally voiced in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Sony Pictures Entertainment produced the show in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios, which will operate independently from Marvel Studios' shared universe because they do not share any connection.   

In the show, Cage takes on Ben Reilly, who is a down-on-his-luck private investigator who battles against his past life and a long list of foes. The live-action show arrives on May 27, 2026, on Prime Video with eight episodes available to binge. Whether Cage can turn Spider-Noir into a cult sans MCU or it remains an experimental work, only time will tell.

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What do you think of Nicolas Cage’s noir turn as Spider-Noir? Let us know in the comments.