‘Spider-Noir’ Interview: Li Jun Li, Jack Huston and More

The new series stars Oscar winner Nicolas Cage (‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’) as Ben Reilly / The Spider, Lamorne Morris (‘Saturday Night’) as Robbie Robertson, Li Jun Li (‘Sinners’) as Cat Hardy, Karen Rodriguez (‘Shining Girls’) as Janet, Jack Huston (‘American Hustle’) as Flint Marko / Sandman, Abraham Popoola (‘Morbius’) as Lonnie Lincoln / Tombstone, and Brendan Gleeson (‘The Banshees of Inisherin’) as Silvermane.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Li Jun Li, Jack Huston, and Abraham Popoola about their work on ‘Spider-Noir’, their first reaction to the unique concept, their approach to playing alternate versions of popular Marvel characters, and what it was like working with the legendary Nicholas Cage.

Related Article: TV Review: ‘Spider-Noir’

Jack Huston (Flint Marco/Sandman) in ‘Spider-Noir’. Photo: Aaron Epstein/Prime. © Amazon Content Services LLC.

Moviefone: To begin with, Jack, can you talk about your first reaction to the concept for this series and what was it like playing such an iconic Marvel character?

Jack Huston: It was incredible. Not knowing exactly what I was getting myself into when I read them, my first reaction was being overwhelmed at how incredibly well constructed, written, unique and original they felt. So, the interesting thing about Flint Marko and the Sandman in this iteration is he doesn’t step on the heels or toes of anybody who’s come before or will come after because he lives in this unique world in the 1930s in this period in history, which made it very grounded. It meant that we attacked the characters from a very personal place, from a very character driven place. By the way, they just happened to have these superpowers, that was what was so cool about it. So, I felt very honored, and I just loved and relished getting the opportunity to be a part of it.

(L to R) Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li) and Ben Reilly/Spiderman (Nicolas Cage) in Spider-Noir’. Photo: Aaron Epstein/Prime.

MF: Jun Li, can you talk about your approach to playing Cat Hardy and what was your experience like sharing scenes with Nicolas Cage?

Li Jun Li: Oh, I loved it. I think that Nic played a big part in how Cat Hardy came to life. Obviously as an actor, you prepare a role. I take Oren’s brilliant writing and his inspirations. I did my research and then we all sat down with Harry Bradbeer, the director of our first two episodes. We spent a day just creating her biography, her background, and painted her picture. Then, when we met each other at the table read, immediately my idea of it shifted because in my mind, I just thought she was a very calm and collected, cool cat. But then Nic’s speed and the rhythm in which he worked lit a fire underneath me. So, while she’s still calm and cool, there’s a lot more cooking underneath because of it. I loved working with Nic. He challenges me. He elevates all our performances, and he forces us to all just really show up and do our best work.

Lonnie/Tombstone (Abraham Popoola) in ‘Spider-Noir’. Photo: Courtesy of Prime. © Amazon Content Services LLC.

MF: Finally, Abraham, can you talk about your experience working on this series and since you are playing a different version of the Marvel villain Tombstone, did it give you a certain freedom as an actor to play the role however you wanted?

Abraham Popoola: Yeah. I mean, it’s such a delight. I think one of the reasons why Spider-Man resonates and is a lot of people’s favorite character is because the villains around him all have interesting backstories and a compelling reason for what they’re doing. To get to come in and play Tombstone in this version where we got to make up a whole new backstory, it was incredibly exciting, and it felt like something I wanted to honor. It was a fantastic opportunity. So, getting to work with Oren and everybody else was truly a pleasure.

‘Spider-Noir’ premieres on Prime Video May 27th.

What is the plot of ‘Spider-Noir’?

Ben Reilly (Nicholas Cage), an aging, down on his luck private investigator, grapples with his past life as the only superhero in 1930s New York City, the Spider. When an exceptional case comes his way, Reilly must become the Spider once more.

Who is in the cast of ‘Spider-Noir’?

• Nicolas Cage as Ben Reilly / The Spider
• Lamorne Morris as Robbie Robertson
• Li Jun Li as Cat Hardy
• Jack Huston as Flint Marko / Sandman
• Brendan Gleeson as Silvermane
• Karen Rodriguez as Janet
• Abraham Popoola as Lonnie Lincoln / Tombstone
• Lukas Haas as a subordinate of Silvermane

‘Spider-Noir’ premieres on Prime Video May 27th.

Movies and TV Shows Featuring Spider-Man Characters:

Buy Nicolas Cage Movies on Amazon