Although Sony’s Spider-Man Universe does not feature the titular superhero, it successfully highlighted several of Spider-Man‘s most formidable foes, ultimately eliminating the possibility of a conflict between them. Recent reports indicate that this universe may be coming to an end, with Kraven the Hunter slated to be its last chapter. However, Venom’s cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home has linked Kraven’s universe to the MCU’s multiverse. Notably, Venom acknowledged Spider-Man in Venom: Let There Be Carnage, recognizing him on television, which suggests that the multiverse-conscious symbiote is indeed familiar with Spider-Man’s existence.
Despite the intriguing setup and Venom’s brief appearance in the credits of Spider-Man: No Way Home, the two characters didn’t confront each other head-on before the conclusion of Venom’s trilogy in Venom: The Last Dance. Surprisingly, when Kraven the Hunter was released two months later, it made no mention of Spider-Man, even though his existence in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe was confirmed in Madame Web. This pattern implies that Sony may never have intended Spider-Man to confront these adversaries; moreover, such a battle may not have been viable to begin with.
The Dual Nature of Sony’s Venom and Kraven the Hunter: Heroes or Villains?
Redefining Spider-Man’s Adversaries as True Antiheroes
Venom became the cornerstone of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, with his inaugural film grossing over $800 million, outpacing subsequent releases from the universe. As the central figure, it was logical for Venom’s origin story to be presented as that of a sympathetic antihero driven by noble aspirations, albeit executed with lethal means. This aligns closely with the character’s comic book origins, where he evolved into the Lethal Protector of San Francisco shortly after debuting in Spider-Man’s extensive rogues’ gallery.
Initially, Eddie Brock despised Spider-Man, believing him to be the cause of his personal and professional downfall. However, this resentment is absent in Sony’s version of the character.
Conversely, Kraven the Hunter undergoes a fascinating transformation in film, evolving from a dangerous villain to a genuine antihero. His cinematic backstory portrays him tracking powerful criminals, often collaborating with the well-intentioned lawyer, Calypso. The positive rapport he shares with his brother, Dimitri, adds depth to Kraven’s character, enhancing his relatability. Ultimately, Kraven the Hunter concludes in a manner typical of superhero narratives, with Kraven depicted as a principled, albeit brutal, protector against organized crime, including threats orchestrated by his own brother. This scenario renders any potential conflict with Spider-Man illogical.
Why Sony’s Venom and Kraven Shouldn’t Fight Spider-Man
Understanding Spider-Man’s Role within the Ethical Framework
In the narratives surrounding Sony’s Venom and Kraven, both characters operate on their own moral compass. Though they exhibit a certain nonchalance towards killing—something that typically sets the antihero archetype apart—both characters target criminals or individuals they see as irredeemably evil. For Venom, this penchant for murder aligns with his need to sustain himself by consuming the brains of lawbreakers. Kraven, by contrast, embodies a more principled ethos, reinforcing his comic book characteristics but showcasing a pronounced sense of nobility.
Spider-Man, as a quintessential superhero, fundamentally diverges from the ethical codes embraced by Venom and Kraven. Their moral frameworks do not provide any rationale for them to engage in conflict with Spider-Man, who actively seeks to dismantle crime in New York City, ostensibly sharing similar goals with these antiheroes. Within the entirety of the Sony Spider-Man Universe, only the Vulture—appearing in the post-credits scene of Morbius—has any actual motivation to oppose Spider-Man.
A Missed Opportunity: Spider-Man vs. Venom and Kraven
Mysterio’s Deception: Catalyst for Conflict
Despite being a film within the MCU, Spider-Man: Far From Home uniquely set the stage for a confrontation between these antiheroes and Spider-Man. In this film, Mysterio fabricates a narrative that initially elevates himself as a hero, only to subsequently tarnish Spider-Man’s reputation by branding him a murderous villain. This deceit culminates in the reveal of Peter Parker’s identity, fostering division among the populace.
Following Mysterio’s attempts to frame Spider-Man, the forthcoming multiverse-centric Spider-Man: No Way Home introduces Venom into the MCU, further complicating the situation by revealing his past interactions with Spider-Man.
Mysterio’s ploy to mischaracterize Spider-Man as a killer offered a prime opportunity for Sony to have these newly minted antiheroes confront him. While their motivations would have been based on misunderstanding, this would maintain their heroic nature while instigating a conflict that arises from deception. As the Spider-Man Universe appears to be coming to an end, the possibility of integrating characters like Venom, Kraven, and Morbius into the MCU for a potential showdown against Spider-Man now stands as the most viable chance to realize this anticipated confrontation.
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