While three generations of Spider-Men recently blew the lid off “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which has grossed $1.7 billion worldwide—the sixth-highest film of all time and about to surpass James Cameron’s “Avatar” at the domestic box office with $749 million—with the help of Doctor Strange and Marvel, though we shouldn’t forget that at the end of the day, these are Marvel-produced films that are owned and distributed by Sony Pictures. And they still have their own Spider-Verse brewing outside the MCU.
READ MORE: Two Mystery ‘Spider-Man’ Spinoff Films Join ‘Kraven The Hunter’ In 2023
Take “Kraven The Hunter,” a ‘Spider-Man’ spinoff film focused on the villain of the same name that is being turned into a movie for 2023. Directed by indie filmmaker J.C. Chandor (“A Most Violent Year”), the film already stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the title character, a trophy hunter and killer who eventually tangles with Spider-Man on the streets of New York. That said, like the upcoming “Morbius” which is clearly set up in the Spider-Man Sony Universe, but is more of a stand-alone movie, ‘Kraven’ also sounds like it’ll be more of a separate project. It’ll definitely be interesting to see how Sony is able to tell the tale without the inclusion of Spidey.
Now, THR brings news that Russell Crowe has joined the cast of the film. While story details, including Crowe’s role, are being kept under wraps, many of the main characters are said to be Kraven’s family members. To that end, Crowe could easily be playing Kraven’s father. That said, if ‘Kraven’ is stand-alone for now, it probably won’t be for long. Taylor-Johnson signed a multi-picture deal, so this film likely sets up his origin films and later films create a crossover with Spider-Man, pretty much like the “Venom” franchise has set up and recently teased.
J.C. Chandor, known for “All Is Lost,” and “A Most Violent Year,” is directing the film from a screenplay by Art Marcum & Matt Holloway and Richard Wenk. Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are producing.
“Kraven The Hunter” comes out January 13, 2023, via Sony Pictures.