Are we witnessing the end of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe? While the studio hasn’t confirmed anything yet, the first reactions to Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Kraven the Hunter could determine the fate of the SSU.
The upcoming film, directed by J.C. Chandor, is less than two days away from its global theatrical release. However, Sony recently hosted early screenings, and the initial reactions have not been favourable toward the Taylor-Johnson starrer.
Kraven the Hunter delves into the origin story of the titular character, Sergei Kravinoff, who later becomes Kraven. It also explores his complicated relationship with his father, Nikolai Kravinoff, portrayed by Russell Crowe. This intricate bond sets Sergei on a path of revenge and inspires him to become the greatest and most formidable hunter.
YouTuber Cris Parke praised the movie’s action sequences but called everything a drag. He also pointed out “dull dialogue” in the movie.
#KravenTheHunter is fun when Johnson is in action causing bloody chaos but everything else is a drag. Great cast held back by clunky dull dialogue. Another instance of a villain turned hero. A story that lacks any intrigue. Rhino & Chameleon wasted. Overall a disappointment. pic.twitter.com/YIlyJnsjQH
— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) December 11, 2024
Leo Rydel from Geeky Goods did not hold anything back for Kraven the Hunter, pointing out the film’s horrible acting and “terrible script”.
So #KravenTheHunter
— Leo Rydel (@GeeklyGoods) December 11, 2024
A big ol bucket of NAH. While I liked the action, it cutaway from it so quick one didn’t get to enjoy it! AWFUL acting, terrible script and a waste of Aaron Taylor Johnson, who I actually enjoyed in the role! Wayyyy too quick, not a great story… farewell. pic.twitter.com/is3HBwTLXh
Prominent critic Chris Gallardo teased Sony’s SSU going out “not with a bang, but a whimper” with the film, calling it a cliched entry in the messy franchise.
Sony's Spider-Man Universe doesn't go with a bang, but a whimper.#KravenTheHunter is clichéd at all turns. ATJ tries to make the most of it, yet the script holds it back. Action is a bit fun, but it's muddled with much pompous exposition.
— Christopher Gallardo (@chrisagwrites) December 11, 2024
Full @HollywoodHandle review soon. pic.twitter.com/l3KETEvbYu
Brandon Norwood from Film Blerd declared Kraven as “one of the most soulless movies ever made.”
KRAVEN THE HUNTER is one of the most souless movies ever made. Even JC Chandor has made something so soulless and generic. "Kraven with a K"#KravenTheHunter pic.twitter.com/bpLqeUIUwO
— Brandon Norwood (@bjntweets) December 11, 2024
Liam Crowley from ScreenRant lashed out at the movie’s “strange story structure decisions and overwhelmingly brutal ADR.”
#Kraven excels in action but ultimately just doesn’t have the sauce. Strange story structure decisions, overwhelmingly brutal ADR, & an overall disbelief w/in the characters themselves. Crowe was the only one who sold his dialogue. Leagues above most SSUs but still lacks. pic.twitter.com/195gyBcmXI
— Liam (@LiamTCrowley) December 11, 2024
These early reactions make things even more problematic for Kraven the Hunter, which is estimated to open with a modest $20-25 million domestically (US and Canada). This opening falls short for a movie made on a hefty budget of over $130 million.
The film’s potential failure could spell the end of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. It may also force the studio to cancel the release of an untitled movie slated for June 27, 2025. Additionally, the future of other announced projects, such as The Sinister Six, Nightwatch, El Muerto, an untitled Olivia Wilde project, and more, remains uncertain. Let’s see what the future holds for the franchise.
Kraven the Hunter will arrive in theatres globally on December 13. Stay tuned for more updates.