The news, initially reported by Ecran Large citing Deadline, signals a bold move by the streaming giant and production studio. After the single-season run of Spider-Noir garnered significant critical praise, Amazon and Sony are not abandoning their non-MCU Spider-Man ventures. Instead, they appear to be embracing one of the most polarizing arcs in the web-slinger's extensive comic book history.
The upcoming live-action project is set to adapt the 1990s 'Clone Saga,' an expansive and often maligned storyline that introduced Peter Parker's genetic doubles, Ben Reilly and Kaine Parker. Taking on the daunting task of bringing this complex narrative to the screen is Kelvin Yu, known for his work as creator of American Born Chinese and a writer for Bob's Burgers.
For those unfamiliar with the comics, the 'Clone Saga' began with the machinations of Dr. Miles Warren, also known as the villainous Jackal, who created clones of Spider-Man. This led to the introduction of Ben Reilly, who famously adopted the mantle of Scarlet Spider, and Kaine Parker, a more brutal and tragic figure who also eventually became a Scarlet Spider.
A Risky Adaptation
The 'Clone Saga' in its original comic book form is notorious among long-time Spider-Man fans. During the mid-90s, Marvel Comics stretched the storyline over two years and countless issues, culminating in a highly contentious revelation that the Peter Parker readers had followed for decades was, in fact, a clone, with Ben Reilly being the 'original.' This decision sparked an unprecedented backlash from the fanbase, forcing Marvel to swiftly retcon the plot point. Adapting such a divisive narrative presents a significant creative challenge, one that Amazon and Sony seem eager to tackle.
Details about the new series are still scarce. According to Deadline's sources, there are differing ideas regarding the show's direction. Some reports suggest the series could follow Ben and Kaine on a buddy-movie-style quest for identity, confronting other genetic monstrosities created by the Jackal. Other whispers indicate the show might completely overhaul their origins and assign them entirely new identities for the television adaptation.
As of now, the project is in its very early stages of development. No casting announcements have been made, the number of episodes remains undisclosed, and Amazon Prime Video has not yet provided any potential release timeline. Nevertheless, the decision to adapt the 'Clone Saga' suggests a clear intent to explore deeper, perhaps darker, corners of the Spider-Man mythos outside of the mainstream cinematic universe.
