Prime Video Nears Order for Kelvin Yu's 'Clone Saga' Series to Replace 'Spider-Noir'

Key points

• Prime Video is finalizing a series order for a new Spider-Man project based on the controversial 'Clone Saga' comic storyline.
• The series is written by Kelvin Yu, creator of 'American Born Chinese,' and will feature clones Ben Reilly and Kaine Parker.
• It is expected to replace 'Spider-Noir,' which was canceled by Prime Video after one season.
• Producers Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, and Chris Miller are expected to executive produce the new series.
• The show will debut on MGM+ before streaming on Prime Video, continuing the multi-title deal between Sony and Amazon.

Background

This development follows the cancellation of 'Spider-Noir' and the recent box office success of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' which became the highest-grossing domestic release. The new series is part of a broader strategy by Sony and Amazon to expand the Spider-Man universe through television, leveraging existing rights while navigating complex licensing agreements that prevent the use of the name 'Peter Parker' in live-action adaptations.

How outlets are covering it

Gizmodo and Deadline confirm the near-finalization of the order, emphasizing the creative freedom to alter the original comic storylines due to rights constraints. Nerdist raises concerns about the feasibility of the show without explicitly naming 'Spider-Man' or 'Peter Parker,' suggesting that the lack of a recognizable anchor character could undermine the narrative. Yahoo highlights fan backlash, noting that the 'Clone Saga' is widely regarded as one of the most disliked storylines in Marvel history, which may impact audience reception. While Gizmodo and Deadline focus on the production logistics and creative potential, Nerdist and Yahoo emphasize the risks associated with adapting a controversial source material without the central character's presence.

Why it matters

The potential greenlight of a 'Clone Saga' series signals Sony and Amazon's commitment to expanding the Spider-Man universe beyond film, testing the viability of complex comic book adaptations in a television format. It also highlights the ongoing challenges of navigating rights restrictions in live-action adaptations, where the inability to use key character names forces creative workarounds that may affect audience engagement and narrative coherence.

What to watch

Prime Video is expected to finalize the series order in the coming weeks, with production likely to begin in late 2026 or early 2027. The show's debut on MGM+ and subsequent streaming on Prime Video will test audience reception of a Spider-Man-centric series that avoids direct references to Peter Parker. The success of this project may influence future adaptations within the Sony-Amazon partnership, potentially leading to more series based on other Marvel comic storylines.