Prime Video Officially Gives Spider-Man Noir a Controversial New Power

The Spider-Man mythos took on a new meaning when the Spider-Verse was established, introducing a new version of the beloved wall-crawler and integrating past iterations such as Spider-Man Noir, a grittier version of the hero set in the 1930s. With Prime Video's new Spider-Noir series set to introduce a version more akin to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, it also introduces new changes to his powers.

The biggest change for the hero comes in the use of his webs, a topic that has raised many questions with fans. For those who didn't know of the character prior to the movie, it was a shock that he had organic webbing. However, this isn't the real addition that goes against the comic. Instead, it's a stepping stone to a much more subtle change that could impact him forever.

Spider-Man Fans Have Discussed Organic Webbing for Decades

When Spider-Man first hit theaters in 2002, Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker had organic webbing, a skill adopted from Spider-Man 2099, who, prior to this version, was the only one with the power. However, this stated a decades-old debate over which version of webbing Spider-Man should use.

On one hand, organic webbing feels like a given, considering he was bitten by a spider, and he gained its proportionate strength and the ability to stick to walls. But for those that prefer mechanical web-shooters, it's because it showcases just how smart Peter Parker is, something that can often get lost in the shuffle of his many other impressive skills and powers.'

What has resulted is a debate that has spread from movies to comics and back again. For example, there was a period of time where Peter got a power boost in the comics that allowed him to get organic webs, among other unique abilities. Meanwhile, Spider-Man eventually went back to web-shooters after Maguire's films, but Tom Holland looks to be getting a boost with organic webbing of his own in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

All in all, how Spider-Man shoots his webs has always been a topic of discussion and one of the strangest, as it's a change that doesn't affect how the character operates in the least. Yet it's a shining example of just how much fans love the character to the point of having their own preferences on what they want to see.

Spider-Noir Changed His Organic Webbing

Spider-Man Noir's powers, at least on the surface, weren't too dissimilar from Earth-616's Peter Parker in that he had super strength, agility, and the ability to stick to walls. But after being bitten by a spider from a spider totem, rather than a radioactive one, he also had some slight adjustments to his abilities that have since defined his character.

For starters, Spider-Man Noir does, indeed, have webbing, but not in the same way Earth-616's Peter did. Rather than shoot a consistent string, he could only shoot the webbing akin to a shotgun blast, using it to spread and net rather than as a tether. Even the Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions game had to up his powers to justify his ability to swing. But aesthetically, this webbing was also black rather than translucent white.

These subtle changes to his webbing allowed Noir to define his persona as a character who had to get up close and personal with his enemies. The webbing is structured to be used in conjunction with his pistol and never as a form of traversal. But as society drew together during the Great Depression, this change was perfect as it allowed for Noir to be far more mysterious, hiding in the shadows and acting like a character in a noir '30s film.

In Spider-Noir, Nicolas Cage's Ben Reilly can shoot organic webs, but also has a strand to swing on. This was something that was teased in Into the Spider-Verse, but by showing it more so in the live-action series, it's clear just how much he has changed in terms of impact on how he appeared in 2008. Of course, for better or worse, this change has impacted how audiences will view the character when the show airs, but the most controversial aspect will be how the simple act of swinging changes the tone of his character forever.

Spider-Noir's Power Change Alters His Edgier Persona

Spider-Noir, introducing the idea of Nicolas Cage's Ben Reilly swinging across the city on his webs, is a fun one, but still a sight that feels out of place for a character that has always leaned more into a gritty detective persona rather than a colorful superhero. Granted, the series looks to still embrace the tone perfectly, but there was always something much more horrific in the lore of Spider-Man Noir that this show seems to only have in parts.

Even Noir's design of him swinging with his fedora feels odd, as the character never wore one until Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. But it's a great addition for a character that is inherently in the grimy streets and alleys, roughing up thugs. But so long as he can swing, this addition will always feel a bit off.

Spider-Noir has all the makings of a fun noir thriller where its hero has powers but relies more on his wits and experience to get him through a tough spot. It's also a tone that fits for a character who can only shoot black webbing haphazardly because he never cared to learn how to swing from a city that's still growing.

In the end, this version of the character is leaning far more into a heroic approach, which is completely welcome as Spider-Man Noir has always been one of the tougher characters to sell to audiences. However, seeing him homage Earth-616's Spider-Man by swinging through the city will likely always feel a bit strange, as it's not his forte. Considering Cage is already a comical and emotive actor, there will likely be more than a few comedic elements sprinkled throughout the film. But the hope is that in all of its humor, there's none seen as he's swinging through New York City.