Kraven The Hunter 2 Release: What We Know So Far

Kraven the Hunter has finally premiered after a series of delays that spanned nearly two years, prompting discussions about the potential for a sequel. This inquiry is especially relevant given the recent struggles of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. Critical and financial setbacks for films like Morbius and Madame Web have left the franchise in uncertain waters. With Venom having concluded his trilogy, the weight of the Spider-Man Universe’s future now largely falls on the shoulders of Kraven the Hunter, portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

The situation appears challenging for the titular antihero. The general public enthusiasm for Sony’s Spider-Man franchise has waned, making its success akin to climbing a steep mountain. While the films in this universe have yet to clarify their interconnectedness, this doesn’t necessarily exclude the possibility of Kraven the Hunter 2 carrying forward Kraven’s adventures in a standalone sequel reminiscent of Venom’s path. Here’s a comprehensive look at what the future might hold for this character and franchise.

Status of Kraven The Hunter 2

Is Sony’s Spider-Man Cinematic Franchise Facing an End?

As of now, Kraven the Hunter 2 has not been officially added to Sony’s release schedule. This is to be expected, as the studio is likely waiting to gauge the box office performance of the first film before making further commitments. Given that Kraven is a lesser-known character and the marketing leading up to his debut has been met with skepticism, the odds of a swift sequel announcement remain low.

Film	Worldwide Box Office	Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score
Venom (2018)	$856,081,053	30%
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)	$501,546,922	57%
Morbius (2022)	$162,759,437	15%
Madame Web (2024)	$100,298,817	11%
Venom: The Last Dance (2024)	$472,447,179	41%

Recent reports indicate there may be larger implications for the franchise’s future. According to insiders from The Wrap, Sony has reportedly paused its Spider-Man spinoff projects due to the lukewarm early reviews for Kraven the Hunter. Therefore, while this does not completely close the door on a sequel, it suggests that Kraven the Hunter 2 will not be announced anytime in the near future.

Director and Star’s Insights on Kraven’s Future

An Interest in Continuing Kraven’s Narrative

JC Chandor Kraven the Hunter Interview — Image Credit: Simone Ashmoore

In an interview with ScreenRant, director J.C. Chandor acknowledged the challenges faced by Sony’s Spider-Man Universe but emphasized his goal of making Kraven the Hunter a standalone film. This aligns with Marvel Comics’ portrayal of Kraven as an independent character, as other Spider-Man spinoffs have yet to form meaningful connections.

Chandor stated that the narrative aims to position Kraven as a true villain akin to his comic book counterpart, hinting at further development of Taylor-Johnson’s character. He hinted at multiple possibilities for Kraven’s evolution, particularly avoiding potential collaborations with other unsuccessful characters from Sony’s roster.

He shared hope during the Kraven premiere that the film’s success could lead to continued storytelling:

“Let’s hope this one works, and then there’s a lot of places he could go.”

Meanwhile, Aaron Taylor-Johnson expressed enthusiasm for further exploring Kraven’s character post-debut. He remarked on the audience’s appetite for more Kraven after their initial viewing, emphasizing that the prospect of a sequel ultimately hinges on viewer reception:

“This first movie is for everybody — the audiences, come see it, and I think by the end of the movie you’re going to want to see him go on. It’s up to you guys, it’s all over to you now.”

Moreover, in an interview with ScreenRant, Taylor-Johnson eagerly discussed the possibility of Kraven confronting Spider-Man, referencing the beloved storyline, Kraven’s Last Hunt, as a foundation for the character’s potential future:

“I think he should go toe-to-toe with some superheroes that we know. So really come see this movie, man. Come see this movie. I promise you it won’t disappoint.”

It is clear that both Chandor and Taylor-Johnson are optimistic about continuing Kraven’s story, yet this is contingent on the film’s performance and Sony’s subsequent decisions.

Potential Cast for Kraven The Hunter 2: Who Might Return?

Villains Waiting for Their Showdown with Spider-Man

If Kraven the Hunter 2 is greenlit, the character of Kraven himself will undoubtedly return, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson reprising his role. His comments about facing off against familiar superheroes echo a broader audience desire for crossovers between Sony’s villains and Spider-Man. However, given the current focus on the MCU’s upcoming Spider-Man 4 and its own animated Spider-Verse projects, immediate crossover opportunities may be limited.

Previous films like Morbius hinted at the possibility of a Sinister Six assembly through post-credit scenes involving interaction with the MCU’s Vulture. This underscores audience enthusiasm for seeing beloved Spider-Man villains clash with the wall-crawler himself, with Fred Hechinger’s Chameleon and Alessandro Nivola’s Rhino being the most likely returning characters, although their appearance remains undetermined.

Story Possibilities for Kraven The Hunter 2: How It Could Lead to a Sequel

Establishing Kraven’s Arch-Nemesis

Kraven the Hunter snarling in Marvel Comics

The conclusion of Kraven the Hunter could see the character embrace a more villainous identity, making a follow-up film particularly compelling. Among Marvel’s roster, Kraven is one of the most iconic villains, and this shift would stand in stark contrast to his more heroic actions in the initial film. This twist on the superhero narrative could potentially offer a fresh perspective, revitalizing interest in Sony’s handling of Spider-Man-related properties.

To maintain adherence to Marvel’s source material while leveraging Spider-Man’s star power, it is essential for Kraven the Hunter 2 to incorporate the iconic web-slinger into its narrative. Notably, Kraven’s most impactful stories—including the renowned Kraven’s Last Hunt—feature him in conflict with Spider-Man. Ensuring that Kraven’s further adventures closely lead toward this character interaction is crucial for the film’s appeal.

Additionally, Kraven the Hunter 2 might also explore the narrative storyline involving Knull, introduced in a post-credits scene from Venom: The Last Dance. This cosmic threat suggests a need for Kraven to collaborate with others, hinting at a potential ensemble sequel in the larger context of Sony’s Spider-Man franchise if revisited.

Sources: The Wrap / The Hollywood Reporter

Source & Images