(Updated 03/14/2024)
Following the success of the VENOM movies, Sony is spinning off another big Spider-Man character into his own movie. Kraven the Hunter is a classic Spidey villain who has nearly made it to the big screen in past Spider-Man movies — and now he is the central figure in his own film! KRAVEN THE HUNTER has Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the lead role, and the movie is coming in 2024.
The first KRAVEN THE HUNTER trailer, which you can see below, offers up some details about how this film will expand the multi-faceted Spider-Man universe. Here’s everything you need to know about KRAVEN THE HUNTER.
What's the Kraven the Hunter Release Date?
Sony Pictures will release KRAVEN THE HUNTER exclusively in movie theaters on August 30, 2024.
Watch the Kraven the Hunter Trailer
The first KRAVEN footage clearly lays out a rough sketch of the movie's story, and shows us quite a lot of Aaron Taylor-Johnson in action as the title character.
Who Is Kraven the Hunter?
Kraven the Hunter is among Spider-Man’s best-known enemies. He first appeared in “The Amazing Spider-Man” series back in 1964. Originally, Kraven was a Russian mercenary known for the ruthless pursuit of his targets — naturally, Spider-Man was one of his frequent quarries. He's often depicted with dashing facial hair and wearing a vest made out of a lion's entire head, complete with the mane. If they keep that costume for the movie, we'll be thrilled.
What's Kraven About?
Detailed elements of the plot are mostly still locked up tight in a cage in the Sony offices. But we know that this movie reveals Kraven's family history and his not-great relationship with his uncompromising father.
Alongside Kraven, the character Chameleon is set to be an important part of the story. As evidenced by his name, Chameleon is a master shapeshifter. His character actually appeared in the first issue of "The Amazing Spider-Man" (which was Spidey's second comic book appearance, after debuting in "Amazing Fantasy" #15), making him the OG Spider-Man villain.
Kraven's own personal history has been tweaked and rewritten more than once, and one of those changes set up Chameleon as the character's half-brother. How that plays into this movie's plot remains to be seen.
Will Spider-Man Appear?
As the KRAVEN spin-off will be a Sony film independent of Marvel Studios, there hasn’t been any indication as to whether Tom Holland’s Spider-Man will be a part of the story. As with the VENOM movies, expect this to be a standalone tale in which Holland does not appear.
But there is one thing that could have some version of Spider-Man showing up…
Is the Kraven Movie Inspired by Kraven's Last Hunt?
For those who are not devoted and long-standing Spider-Man comic book readers, let's explain. "Kraven's Last Hunt" is a critically-acclaimed story that was originally published in 1987. It ran in six comic book issues that spanned the three then-ongoing monthly Spider-Man comic book series.
In short, "Kraven's Last Hunt" begins with Kraven killing Spider-Man, burying him, and assuming the hero's identity. His goal? To prove that he can be a better Spider-Man than the real thing. As Spidey, he successfully captures a villain, then waits for the not-actually-dead hero to awaken from the powerful tranquilizer Kraven used to "kill" him. A rather dark ending follows from there.
In 2018, screenwriter Richard Wenk said that "Kraven's Last Hunt" would likely end up as an inspiration for this script, but he did not say this movie would adapt the comic book story. In the end, screenwriters Art Marcum and Matt Holloway were hired to rewrite Wenk's script, so we don't know what direction the story took in the end. But there's always a chance that Kraven will create his own version of "Spider-Man," allowing the character to appear… kind of. (Chameleon could also wear the mask.)
The Kraven the Hunter Cast
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was once a part of the MCU as the speedy superhero Quicksilver in AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, will play Sergei Kravinoff, aka Kraven the Hunter. So far, however, the rest of the cast has been almost entirely kept under wraps.
Fred Hechinger ("The White Lotus") will play Chamelon, according to Deadline, and Russell Crowe is in the cast, as Kraven's father. Ariana DeBose plays voodoo priestess Calypso, who assists Kraven and endows him with enhanced powers.
Additionally, Christopher Abbott plays the primary villain, and Levi Miller has an unknown role. Finally, Alessandro Nivola plays Rhino, a character previously seen in THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, played by Paul Giamatti. We expect this will be a different version of the character.
The Creative Team Behind Kraven the Hunter
KRAVEN THE HUNTER is being helmed by director J.C. Chandor, who directed TRIPLE FRONTIER and A MOST VIOLENT YEAR. As mentioned above, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, and Richard Wenk wrote the script. Together, Marcum and Holloway have co-penned a number of screenplays, including IRON MAN, MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL, and the recently-released UNCHARTED adaptation, while Wenk has writing credits on THE EXPENDABLES 2, THE EQUALIZER, and THE PROTÉGÉ.
KRAVEN THE HUNTER opens on August 30.
All images courtesy of Sony Pictures and Marvel Comics.