Prime Video is nearing a series order for a new Spider-Man television project built around Marvel’s Clone Saga storyline.
The still-untitled series is expected to center on Ben Reilly and Kaine Parker, two characters who are clones of Peter Parker in the comic books. Ben also assumes the superhero identity of the Scarlet Spider on the page.
Kelvin Yu, whose credits include “American Born Chinese,” is set to write the proposed show. Although the project draws its premise from the Clone Saga, it may make significant changes to the comic-book story.
The distribution plan is also expected to extend beyond streaming. In addition to its Prime Video release, the series is anticipated to receive a linear debut on Amazon’s MGM+.
A series order has not yet been finalized, and casting details have not been disclosed.
Ben Reilly returns to Prime Video’s plans
The Clone Saga development follows Prime Video’s recent attempt to bring another version of the Spider-Man universe to live-action television with “Spider-Noir.” Nicolas Cage starred in that series as a film noir interpretation of Ben Reilly, portrayed as a 1930s private investigator with secret spider-like powers.
“Spider-Noir” made its Prime Video debut in May, releasing all eight episodes simultaneously. Viewers could choose between a color presentation and a vintage black-and-white version designed to complement the show’s noir style.
Its supporting cast included Lamorne Morris as newspaper reporter Robbie, Li Jun Li as nightclub singer Cat Hardy and Brendan Gleeson as crime boss Silvermane.
The series received 11 Emmy nominations and won four awards, but Prime Video canceled it in September after one season. The decision came less than a month before news emerged that the streamer was nearing an order for the Clone Saga project.
Following the cancellation, Cage expressed satisfaction with what the series had accomplished.
“For me, one season is perfect, having said what I wanted to say with this dangerous, innovative, pop-art Spider-Man. Onwards, upwards, inwards,” he said in a statement.
What Happens Next?
The Clone Saga show remains at an early stage, with no confirmed series order or announced cast. The key creative pieces disclosed so far are its expected focus on Ben Reilly and Kaine Parker, Yu’s role as writer and the possibility that the television version will depart substantially from the comic-book storyline.
If the project moves ahead as anticipated, audiences are expected to be able to watch it on Prime Video, while MGM+ would provide a separate linear launch.