Even though it’s clear that most streaming services are looking to be more frugal, that isn’t stopping Prime Video from giving the greenlight to a couple brand-new, IP-driven series, “Noir” and “Tomb Raider.”
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Today, as part of the streaming service’s TV upfronts, Prime Video announced that two new series are moving forward. The first is one that “Spider-Man” fans have been very excited about, “Noir.” Short for Spider-Man Noir, the series stars Nicolas Cage as a former superhero living in 1930s New York City, moonlighting as a private investigator. The series is produced by Phil Lord & Chris Miller, the duo behind the ‘Spider-Verse’ films, which included an animated take on Spider-Man Noir, voiced by Cage. Interestingly, “Noir” isn’t going to land on Prime Video first. Instead, the series will make its debut on MGM+ (formerly EPIX) before hitting the streaming service.
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In addition to “Noir,” Prime Video gave the greenlight to a new take on “Tomb Raider” from writer-produer Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Described as an expansion of the “Tomb Raider” universe, the new series will seemingly break away from main character Lara Croft. Previous to this TV venture, we have seen two versions of “Tomb Raider” on the big screen. The first attempt starred Angelina Jolie as the title character, while the reboot starred Alicia Vikander in the lead role. We don’t know how the new series will relate to what has come before, but Waller-Bridge’s involvement is exciting, nonetheless.
It’s still far too early to know when we might see “Noir” or the “Tomb Raider” series arrive on TV screens. However, it’s clear Prime Video is still betting big on established IP as the driving force for its streaming service. If it ain’t broke, I suppose.