Is Spider-Man Going to Appear in Kraven the Hunter Movie?

Spider-Man’s Ongoing Absence in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe

Spider-Man, one of the most iconic superheroes, has been notably missing from the majority of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. This has allowed characters like Kraven the Hunter to take center stage. Although Sony retains the distribution rights to Spider-Man, the character’s absence from his own cinematic universe has sparked significant discussions among fans. The situation grew more problematic following the release of Venom: The Last Dance, which showcased Eddie Brock wandering through New York City without a hint of Spider-Man.

Kraven the Hunter: A Classic Antagonist

Kraven the Hunter, who made his debut in 1964’s The Amazing Spider-Man #15, stands out as one of Spider-Man’s most formidable foes. In the Marvel Comics lore, Kraven sees the superhero as the ultimate prey, making him a deeply complex antagonist with a strong moral code. Given Kraven’s intricate connection to Spider-Man, it’s only fitting that he features prominently in the upcoming film, Kraven the Hunter.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Hints on Spider-Man’s Role

“Spider-Man… I’m Coming For You.”

Aaron Taylor Johnson smiling during Kraven the Hunter interview

Aaron Taylor-Johnson brings to life Sergei Kravinoff, known as Kraven, in this titular origin film. Although Kraven the Hunter is primarily set in the character’s world before encountering Spider-Man, Taylor-Johnson generated excitement regarding the superhero’s future appearance. In June 2023, he shared a trailer for the film on his Instagram, captioning it with the exciting promise, “Spider-Man… I’m coming for you.”This statement created speculation about the possible involvement of Spider-Man in the plot.

To date, Spider-Man’s only sightings in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe have been minimal and indirect—one as a mere fetus in Madame Web and another as graffiti in the Morbius trailer, which was later edited out. Recently, during an interview with ScreenRant, Taylor-Johnson discussed the prospect of a face-off with the superhero and emphasized the depth of the character he portrays, hinting that Kraven could potentially cause more trouble for Spider-Man and other heroes.

“I mean, it’s very much the question to everyone else really, right? Because I think what we’ve done, what we’ve set up in this story is a really rich character that definitely has the legs to go on and do more damage. I think he should go toe-to-toe with some superheroes that we know.

One of my favorite stories is Kraven’s Last Hunt. It was one of the source materials I used to go back from. He’s got some dark demons there and we are basically showing the birth of that and how he becomes a villain that we then come to know. So really come see this movie, man. Come see this movie. I promise you it won’t disappoint. It’s got all the beats that you want and more. I think it could be an audience’s sort of villain favorite, [and he should] definitely go toe to toe with some other people down the line, man.”

While Taylor-Johnson’s comments about a potential encounter with Spider-Man hinted that such a crossover would not happen in Kraven the Hunter, the possibility of a reference or cameo remained open. With the film’s release, however, clarity emerges regarding Spider-Man’s absence.

Spider-Man Does Not Appear in Kraven the Hunter

Continuing the Trend of Omission

In a continuation of the established pattern, Peter Parker and any version of Spider-Man do not appear in Kraven the Hunter. Taylor-Johnson’s previously vague remarks about Spider-Man’s involvement make more sense in light of this omission. Recent reports indicate a pause in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, suggesting that Kraven could be the last entry in this particular cinematic endeavor. Instead, Sony is shifting its focus toward more successful initiatives, including the animated Spider-Verse trilogy and the developments concerning Spider-Man 4 within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Demand for a Kraven and Spider-Man Crossover

Intertwined Fates

The case for a crossover between Kraven and Spider-Man is compelling for two primary reasons. First, Kraven’s historical connection to Peter Parker is undeniable. As one of Spider-Man’s fiercest adversaries, he remains one of the few iconic villains yet to clash with Spidey on screen. Taylor-Johnson’s mention of the celebrated comic arc “Kraven’s Last Hunt”further underscores the need for a powerful live-action adaptation.

The second factor concerns the broader implications of Spider-Man’s absence in the franchise. Many fans argue that including Spider-Man could have drastically improved Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. The inherent links of several characters to Spider-Man complicate the narrative landscape of these projects, making his continued exclusion difficult to defend. As it stands, Kraven the Hunter may face similar struggles, raising the possibility that Kraven may ultimately find his way into the MCU to confront Tom Holland’s take on the character.

Sources: Comicbook & The Wrap

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