Deadline reports Prime Video is close to giving the go-ahead for a new Spider-Man project. The streamer would be returning to the world of Spider-Noir just weeks after cancelling that series, though not with the exact storyline fans may expect. Instead, the reported project would draw on the infamous Clone Saga, though not the version viewers might recall.
The story follows a complicated web of Peter Parker clones created by villain The Jackal. Two of the most prominent were Ben Reilly, who created the Scarlet Spider identity, and Kaine, an antagonistic clone who went by the alias… well, Kaine. In the 2010s, Kaine also became Scarlet Spider himself. Whatever the show ends up doing, it is being written by American Born Chinese creator Kelvin Yu, with Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller expected as producers.
The Clone Saga Explained
The original comic storyline is infamous, and it centers on the Jackal’s creation of multiple clones of Peter Parker. Two of the most prominent figures in that saga are Ben Reilly and Kaine. Ben Reilly was introduced as a heroic clone who took up the mantle of Scarlet Spider. Kaine was a darker version, an antagonist whose alias was simply his own name.
A character called Spidercide appears among the series’ cast as a copy. The film’s Deadline’s report calls the storyline “infamous,” and the show’s approach has come into question.
What the Show Might Change
The comics are said to be seen as “source material and inspiration.” The adaptation could make significant changes. Reports conflict on whether the TV series would feature Ben and Kaine facing off against other clones, such as Spidercide, or instead change their identities so they are not Spider-Man clones at all.
Spider-Noir was originally called Peter Parker in the comics, but the Nic Cage series changed his name to Ben Reilly to avoid rights questions. That means doing a “sorta-kinda-not-really” style adaptation fits right inside their comfort zone.
Who Is Behind the Project
Kelvin Yu has signed on to write the project, with credits including American Born Chinese. The producers behind it are Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller.
What is clear is that the show’s approach favors spectacle and irreverence over fidelity. What is not yet known is whether that means a faithful Clone Saga or a loose reinvention.
Comparing the Two Adaptations
| Adaptation | Source Material | Approach | Creator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spider-Noir | Peter Parker | Renamed Ben Reilly to avoid rights issues | Nic Cage-led series |
| Clone Saga TV | The Jackal’s clones | Uncertain: clones vs. non-clones | Kelvin Yu |
The table reveals the arrangement. It appears that Prime Video uses Spider-Man comics as a point of departure rather than a strict guide.
What Fans Should Expect
While the series is still under construction, no one knows what its finished shape will be. The Clone Saga is a sprawling, convoluted mess of a storyline, and turning it into something suitable for television will demand some trimming. Whether the show sticks closely to the comics or decides to strike out on its own path, the writers face a demanding assignment.
The history of Deadline’s report is light on details, and the conflicting reports suggest the project is still finding its footing. The Clone Saga was a controversial period in Spider-Man’s history, and it will be fascinating to observe how the series deals with it.
It’s a bold choice to adapt something for television, though the finished show bears little resemblance to its original source.
Prime Video is developing the show, and it will be telling whether the service can manage a Spider-Man property following the cancellation of Spider-Noir. The Clone Saga TV series demonstrates that the Spider-Man universe is expansive and unusual, and it keeps finding fresh methods to surprise audiences.
See the video the story is built around at Consequence.
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