Nicolas Cage says he’ll probably not work with Amazon again after refusing AI waiver for ‘Spider‑Noir’

Cage’s NYCC outburst

During a panel on the Empire Stage at New York Comic‑Con on Oct 10, 2026, Nicolas Cage said he was asked to sign a waiver that would let Amazon use artificial‑intelligence tools on his performance in the superhero series Spider‑Noir."Amazon is a very AI‑friendly company, to the tune of $50 billion invested in OpenAI," Cage told the audience."I’m not an AI‑friendly actor… I didn’t sign the waiver to let them use AI on Spider‑Noir. I’m probably not going to be working with that studio again, but that’s okay."The actor’s remarks were captured by Variety, Cosmic Book News, The News (Pakistan) and IGN.

Why the waiver mattered

Amazon reportedly required the clause as part of its broader push to integrate generative‑AI into content creation.Cage’s refusal marks one of the most vocal Hollywood pushes back against such contracts, echoing his 2025 Saturn Awards speech where he warned that “robots cannot reflect the human condition for us.”He also recalled a 2024 New Yorker interview in which he said he was “terrified” of AI.

Spider‑Noir’s brief run

Amazon cancelled Spider‑Noir after a single season on Sep 4, 2026, just days before the Emmy Awards.Despite the abrupt end, the series logged 2.6 billion minutes of viewing in its first six weeks, earned a 92 % Rotten Tomatoes score and an audience rating of 90 %.It also secured 11 Emmy nominations – the most for any Prime Video program that year – and walked away with five wins.

What’s next for Cage?

While saying he may not return to Amazon, Cage hinted at two projects that could keep him on the studio’s roster.He announced a forthcoming season of HBO’s True Detective, though HBO declined comment.He is also slated to star as John Madden in the Amazon MGM Studios film Madden, set to premiere Nov 18, 2026, alongside Christian Bale.Beyond that, Cage confirmed he will lend his voice to the Marvel animated feature Spider‑Man: Beyond the Spider‑Verse slated for 2027.

Industry ripple effect

Cage’s stance joins a growing list of talent questioning AI’s role in filmmaking.Earlier this year Skydance released a “Day One” memo pledging AI use, while Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy warned that special‑effects work “will likely become automated.”Cage’s blunt assessment – “I’m not part of their club” – may encourage other actors to seek clearer terms before signing on to AI‑enabled contracts.

The broader conversation

Amazon has not responded to requests for comment on the waiver or the cancellation.Cage’s comments underscore a tension between studios betting on AI efficiencies and performers protecting the craft of acting.As the industry wrestles with how to balance innovation and artistic integrity, the debate sparked at Comic‑Con is likely to continue in boardrooms and guild meetings alike.