The Perfect Timing for Kraven & Venom’s Introduction to the MCU Spider-Man Franchise: Why I’m Frustrated They Missed It

As an avid Marvel enthusiast, I find myself eagerly anticipating the chance to see beloved Spider-Man adversaries like Venom and Kraven the Hunter clash with the iconic web-slinger in live-action. It’s disheartening to recognize the missed opportunity for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to integrate these formidable villains into Spider-Man’s storyline. With the apparent stagnation of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, the future of characters tied to this franchise remains uncertain, leading many, including myself, to speculate that Sony may not have further intentions for them. This reality underscores the pitfalls of their past decisions.

Regardless of what one thinks about their flagship films, it’s hard to deny that Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Venom and Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s interpretation of Kraven stand out as high-quality adaptations. Fans lamented that these characters would likely never confront Spider-Man within Sony’s universe, yet Venom’s brief crossover into the MCU’s Earth-616 highlights the potential for such a move. However, introducing these characters into the MCU now could necessitate an immediate reconciliation with Peter Parker, a situation that feels regrettably missed.

The Fallout of Spider-Man: Far From Home

Mysterio’s Master Plan

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The film Spider-Man: Far From Home brilliantly introduced Mysterio, a villain who adeptly utilized illusions and deception to undermine Peter Parker. In the aftermath of Tony Stark’s death, Mysterio exploited Peter’s vulnerability, presenting himself as a multiversal superhero ready to take Iron Man’s mantle. As Peter attempted to thwart his deceitful plans in London, Mysterio’s desperate last-ditch effort was to frame him as a murderer, forever tarnishing Spider-Man’s reputation.

Mysterio falsely accused Peter of being responsible for his demise, presenting it as a desperate attempt to position himself as Iron Man’s true successor. He even manipulated a recorded statement from Peter to suggest that he commanded Stark’s drones to wreak havoc in London when, in reality, he was executing cancellation commands. This misinformation campaign turned Peter Parker into a pariah, complicating his life significantly, especially when Mysterio unveiled Spider-Man’s secret identity, setting the stage for Spider-Man: No Way Home.

An Opening for Venom and Kraven

Chasing the “Villainous”Spider-Man

Venom and Kraven’s origins paint them as antiheroes with their eyes set exclusively on the wicked. Although Venom’s characterization aligns closely, Kraven’s portrayal diverges from the comics by framing him as a lethal vigilante. Given Spider-Man’s newly perceived status as a villain, it would seem logical for these two to seek him out under the mistaken belief that he was responsible for innocent lives lost.

Reflecting on this, it becomes evident that Spider-Man: No Way Home could have delivered the intense confrontation fans yearned for.

In a clue of connection, Venom recognizes Peter Parker in the post-credits scene of Venom: Let There Be Carnage, marking his transition to the MCU, albeit without an immediate confrontation. Meanwhile, despite the absence of any direct link to Spider-Man in his narrative, it’s not far-fetched to consider that Kraven, as the world’s greatest hunter, might have acquired knowledge about Spider-Man during his exploits. Thus, the absence of their showdown in No Way Home feels like a missed opportunity.

The Incompatibility of Kraven and Venom with Spider-Man

Peter Parker’s New Anonymity

Kraven the Hunter with Spider-Man — Imagery of Spider-Man and Kraven

Post-No Way Home, due to Doctor Strange’s spell, Peter Parker’s identity is once again a mystery to everyone. This development raises questions about whether Venom and Kraven can pursue Spider-Man, as their character arcs seem incompatible with chasing after a superhero who is not publicly recognized as a villain. Although Venom: Let There Be Carnage hinted at a deep-seated animosity towards Spider-Man, the established noble principles of Kraven render any assault on him implausible.

Interestingly, Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal has connections to the MCU as he previously played Quicksilver, a character who may potentially resurface as a multiversal variant in the ongoing Multiverse Saga.

This ultimately implies that these interpretations of Venom and Kraven may no longer fit within the MCU narrative, a realization that brings disappointment. While the multiverse appears to offer a pathway for their integration following the collapse of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, it seems unlikely that Marvel Studios would welcome them without a momentous confrontation with Spider-Man. This scenario leads to a bittersweet conclusion where we may have to look forward to fresh versions of these characters crafted within the MCU.

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