More than a year after its first trailer dropped, teasing Marvel fans with another entry in Sony’s tangled Spider-Man universe, Kraven the Hunter has yet to bare its fangs. The film, which has been delayed multiple times due to last year’s strikes, is now slated for release on December 13, 2024. As it finally nears theaters, some audiences might find themselves scratching their heads, wondering if they’ve seen this movie before.
Kraven’s Long-Awaited Debut
Kraven, portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is set to work overtime to convince viewers that this latest installment is worth the wait. Johnson stars as Kraven the Hunter, the son of a Russian mobster and big game hunter, played by Russell Crowe. After being attacked by lions and left for dead by his father, Kraven’s blood mixes with the lion’s, transforming him into a super-powered defender of wildlife—complete with a penchant for biting noses clean off faces. While this transformation is memorable, something about this movie feels like a déjà vu moment from a 2023 superhero release.
An R-Rated Gamble
The film’s R-rating, which proved successful for Deadpool and Wolverine, might give Kraven the edge it needs. With a few choice expletives and a healthy dose of gore, this film could potentially shake off its eerie resemblance to past superhero flicks.
The Spider-Man Conundrum
Despite the hype, one question lingers: What do these characters do without Spider-Man? Venom, at least, has carved out a niche as an investigative journalist with a symbiotic sidekick. But Madame Web and Morbius? They’re busy studying spiders and bats in the jungle, continuing Sony’s strange obsession with jungle-based superheroes.
Closing Credits
Kraven the Hunter seems to be leaning into more recognizable Spider-Man characters to flesh out its story. Alessandro Nivola takes on the role of the Rhino, a character previously portrayed by Paul Giamatti, while Fred Hechinger appears as Kraven’s shape-shifting half-brother, the Chameleon. With a cast like this, it sounds like Kraven will be packed with the kind of complex, shape-shifting antics that might leave viewers wishing for a Spidey cameo.
“Kraven the Hunter” will be in theaters nationwide on December 13th, 2024. Check out the latest trailer to see the action unfold.
