Among many famous characters, Ben Reilly is the one who carries an extremely heavy narrative burden. Traditionally known as Peter Parker’s clone, Ben Reilly’s origins revolve around an existential crisis. On the other hand, Marvel’s ‘Spider-Noir‘ reengineers Marvel’s most infamous twist as a gritty, hardboiled psychological mystery.
The name’s meaning changes radically when the protagonist uses it as a reminder of the trauma from the World War I experience. As opposed to dealing with the mechanics of being a clone, ‘Spider-Noir‘ is about a traumatized veteran whose survival requires burying his past life. The masterful twist adds an extra layer to the story, making it more intriguing by placing a mask on top of another mask.
Ben Reilly Is Not Spider-Noir’s Original Name
Throughout the series, Spider-Noir is shown to be Ben Reilly. However, the show’s lore reveals that after returning from World War I, he abandoned his old life and adopted a completely new identity. The result is a manufactured identity, which doesn’t reflect the character’s true name.
Related: ‘Spider-Noir’ Proves Marvel Is Finally Embracing Its Dark Side
Although it’s not explicitly stated during the whole course of events, it appears that Spider-Noir doesn’t share his real identity with the audience.
Most viewers believe that Ben Reilly is the true name of Spider-Noir, yet in reality, this could be another alias that the main character uses. Thus, he has something to hide under his mask.
It’s easy to confuse these details since there aren’t many hints to Spider-Noir’s past life in the story. However, the more it unfolds, the more certain it becomes that his identity is fake.
The name is a part of a new identity he created after returning from the war and changing his mind about life.
Spider-Noir Could Actually Be Peter Parker
In addition to the aforementioned information, it’s worth noting that Noir in Marvel Comics is actually based on Peter Parker. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that ‘Spider-Noir‘ in the TV show may also have originally been Peter Parker. While the series never confirms this possibility, it also does nothing to rule it out.
In case you missed it: Why Nicolas Cage’s ‘Spider-Noir’ Feels Too Big To End After One Season
If that theory is correct, then Spider-Noir’s secret goes far beyond the typical superhero double life. Ben Reilly would be a mask on top of a mask, with his original identity buried so deep that nobody else knows it.
In that case, the only person who truly knows who Spider-Noir is may be Spider-Noir himself.
The possibility also adds a tragic layer to the character. Rather than simply protecting a secret identity, Spider-Noir may be preserving the memory of a man who no longer exists.
By abandoning his original name, he effectively cut ties with his former life, making his journey one of self-erasure as much as heroism.
What do you think about the ‘Spider Noir‘ theory? Let us know in the comments section below.
In case you missed it: Why Nicolas Cage’s ‘Spider-Noir’ Feels Too Big To End After One Season
