Explaining 15 Marvel Easter Eggs and References in Kraven The Hunter

Attention! This article contains significant SPOILERS for Kraven the Hunter. The film showcases a rich tapestry of Easter eggs and nods to the Marvel Universe. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as the eponymous Sergei Kravinoff in this latest addition to Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU). Notably, it continues the trend of featuring Spider-Man-related storylines without the web-slinger himself. However, the film successfully integrates various comic references and characters, making it a treat for Marvel enthusiasts.

The conclusion of Kraven the Hunter illustrates that Sergei Kravinoff isn’t the sole character to undergo transformation into a notorious villain. The movie introduces connections with well-known adversaries such as Chameleon, played by Fred Hechinger; Rhino, portrayed by Alessandro Nivola; and Calypso, acted by Ariana DeBose, among others. In light of this, we present 15 notable Easter eggs and Marvel references found in Kraven the Hunter.

1 Kraven’s Prison ID

0864

In the opening sequence, Sergei is seen hunting down a notorious gang leader in a Siberian prison, adopting the guise of an inmate. His ID number, 0864, is a clever nod to his first comic appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #15, published in August 1964. In that iconic issue, Kraven travels to New York in pursuit of Spider-Man, marking a significant moment in Marvel history.

2 Calypso’s Potion

Connection to Kraven’s Comic Origins

Ariana DeBose as Calypso Ezili in the jungle in Kraven the Hunter

Ariana DeBose’s character, Calypso, plays a crucial role, providing Kraven with a life-saving potion after a near-fatal lion attack during his childhood. In the original comics, Calypso is well-versed in Haitian Voodoo, and the movie hints at this through the mention of the Voodoo deity Papa Legba, further linking her backstory to her comic roots.

3 Kraven’s Nickname for His Brother is “Dima”

It’s Also the Name of His Pet Tiger

Throughout the movie, Sergei affectionately refers to his half-brother, Dimitri, as “Dima.” Interestingly, in Sony’s Spider-Man 2 game for the PS5, a tiger named Dima serves as an obstacle for the black-suited Spider-Man during his mission in Kraven’s lair, suggesting that the tiger’s name pays homage to Sergei’s half-brother.

4 Dimitri’s Impressions in Kraven the Hunter

Teasing His Future as The Chameleon

Fred Hechinger as Dmitri Smerdyakov sitting in a booth in his club in Kraven The Hunter

Dimitri showcases his talent for impersonation, which hints at his destiny to become the Spider-Man adversary, The Chameleon. He adeptly mimics their father, Nikolai (played by Russell Crowe), and even adopts the vocals of Harry Styles and Tony Bennett during performances at his nightclub.

5 Daily Bugle References in Kraven the Hunter

Reporting on Kraven’s Hunts

Notably, Calypso discovers an article from the Daily Bugle detailing Kraven’s brutal escapades as she researches his history. The Daily Bugle, a central publication in the Spider-Man lore, is notoriously led by J. Jonah Jameson, who has a longstanding campaign to demonize Spider-Man. This mention solidifies the interconnectedness of Kraven’s narrative within the broader Marvel universe.

6 Rhino’s Inverted Origins in Kraven the Hunter

Keeping His Powers at Bay

In the comic lore, Aleksei Sytsevich is transformed into Rhino through experimental procedures that yield a powerful suit resembling a rhinoceros. In contrast, the film presents a version of Rhino who opted for enhancements to combat a pre-existing health issue, resulting in a painful transformation that necessitates a serum to suppress his uncontrollable powers.

7 Volgograd

Not Just Kraven’s Birthplace

When the Rhino obtains footage of Kraven’s exploits in prison, facial recognition reveals him as the son of Nikolai Kravinoff. It also identifies Kraven’s birthplace as Volgograd, aligning with his comic counterpart and echoing the origin of Natasha Romanoff, known as Black Widow, who also hails from the same city in both the comics and the MCU.

8 Foreigner’s Powers in Kraven the Hunter

Intense Hypnotic Trances

In a twist, Rhino enlists the help of the Foreigner (played by Christopher Abbott) as an assassin to take down Kraven. The Foreigner is a character steeped in Marvel history, and his signature ability to induce hypnotic trances is pulled directly from the pages of the comics.

9 Kraven the Hunter’s Elevator Scene

Mirroring Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man Talking In Elevator - Spider-Man 2

In a humorous scene, Kraven uses a knife to catch an elevator, leading to a quirky conversation where he candidly admits to hunting and killing people when inquired about his job. This moment draws parallels to a similar exchange in Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man 2, highlighting the quirky humor embedded in the Spider-Man narrative.

10 Doctor Miles Warren

Also Known as The Jackal

Rhino divulges that the doctor responsible for his enhanced abilities, named Miles Warren, had once resided in New York. In the comics, Miles Warren is infamous as The Jackal, a formidable adversary of Spider-Man known for his role in the Clone Saga, which spawned multiple clones of Spider-Man.

11 Kraven the Hunter vs Hitman

Who Was Foreigner’s Mentor?

As the climax approaches, The Foreigner shares his vendetta against Kraven, revealing that Kraven had slain his mentor. The conversation introduces a Daily Bugle headline titled “Hunter vs Hitman,”throwing light on the complex web of rivalries in the Marvel universe. While the mentor might merely be a fictional character, Marvel does reference actual villains named Hitman, who has crossed paths with The Punisher.

12 Kraven’s Fear of Spiders

Teasing a Future with Spider-Man?

During his confrontation with The Foreigner, Sergei is struck by poison darts that force him to confront his deep-seated fear of spiders. This could signal a future storyline where Spider-Man becomes his ultimate opponent, amplifying Kraven’s internal struggles, especially given that he believes himself cursed and entwined with Spider-Man’s fate in the comics.

13 Chameleon’s Powers

Complete with His Classic All-White Head

As the story wraps up, it’s revealed that Dimitri has gained powers that allow him to change his appearance at will, establishing his character as The Chameleon. He completes his transformation with a classic all-white head, reminiscent of the character’s original comic portrayal, which signaled the evolution of his abilities from technology-based disguises to inherent shapeshifting capabilities.

14 Kraven’s Lion Head Jacket

Completing His Comics-Accurate Look

In a poignant conclusion, Kraven uncovers a gift left by his father: a lion head vest crafted from the very beast that once threatened his life. This vest not only symbolizes Kraven’s prowess as a hunter but also serves as the final touch for his comic-accurate costume, marking his full transformation into the iconic character.

15 Kraven the Hunter’s Final Shot

Recreating Kraven’s Classic Pose from the Comics

In the film’s denouement, Kraven dons the lion head vest and poses in front of a mirror, resting his chin atop his arm in an iconic gesture reminiscent of his comic book depictions. This final shot encapsulates his journey into becoming the formidable villain Kraven the Hunter as known in the Marvel mythos, leaving audiences hopeful for his eventual confrontation with Spider-Man.