What Kraven the Hunter’s Post-Credits Scene Reveals About the Future of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Kraven the Hunter.

The choice not to include credit scenes in Sony’s Kraven the Hunter serves as a significant marker regarding the future trajectory of the franchise. Launched in 2018 with Venom, Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) has aimed to provide an alternative to Marvel Studios’ MCU by exploring tales centered on villains and lesser-known heroes from the Marvel Comics realm. Despite these ambitious efforts, the films have largely struggled to garner critical acclaim, with only Tom Hardy’s Venom films achieving reasonable financial success, while others like Morbius and Madame Web underperformed critically and commercially.

Lack of Credit Scenes Signals the End of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe

Sony Abandons Future Franchise Development

A key factor in the diminishing interest in the SSU is the notable absence of Spider-Man himself. The current incarnation, portrayed by Tom Holland, exists within the MCU, and decisions regarding his appearances rest predominantly with Marvel Studios. As a result, crafting a narrative around characters such as Venom, Morbius, Madame Web, and Kraven—who are all intricately linked to Spider-Man in the comics—faces significant hurdles. This disconnect has culminated in disappointing performances at the box office, evident in the cases of Madame Web and Morbius, alongside lagging returns for Venom: The Last Dance.

Following the introduction of the formidable villain Knull in the upcoming Venom 3, it appeared that Sony had crafted a strategic pathway for its franchise. However, the absence of any post-credit scenes in Kraven the Hunter underscores the halt of this momentum. Recent reports suggesting that the SSU is virtually defunct have been further validated by this decision, leaving fans questioning the future of this universe.

The film’s conclusion offers a cursory glance at what the SSU could have explored, featuring Aaron Taylor-Johnson finally adorned in the iconic lion-headed vest from the comics. Unfortunately, there are no references to Knull, Spider-Man, or any characters introduced in prior films, leading to an ending that leaves viewers with more uncertainty than excitement regarding potential sequels.

Interestingly, the decision to forgo credit scenes may prove advantageous, as the film stands as a self-contained story rather than an installment of a larger franchise. Any added scenes attempting to link it to the wider universe would likely feel forced and disingenuous. Furthermore, given the dismal reception for non-Venom entries in the SSU, it seems prudent for Sony to evaluate the performance of Kraven the Hunter before making future commitments involving Taylor-Johnson in the Marvel realm.

The Benefit of Focusing on Established Spider-Man Projects

Full Attention on MCU’s Spider-Man 4 and Spider-Verse

According to current insights, Sony is shifting its focus away from standalone villain movies, opting instead to prioritize proven Spider-Man projects. This includes the untitled Spider-Man 4 within the MCU, the eagerly anticipated Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, and the Spider-Man Noir series featuring Nicolas Cage, which will expand on the Spider-Verse narrative. By concentrating on these historically successful franchises, Sony is making a judicious decision, especially in light of recent disappointments.

While it’s uncertain whether Kraven the Hunter will replicate the box office misfortunes of its predecessors, initial reviews indicate it may not fare much better than the poorly received Madame Web or Morbius. Nevertheless, fans can look forward to significant projects like Spider-Man 4, Beyond the Spider-Verse, and Spider-Man Noir, all of which promise to delve deeper into Spider-Man’s captivating universe.

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