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Yes, the Kraven the Hunter movie is finally happening. Sony Pictures' Spider-Man Universe has grown to be increasingly turbulent these last few years (remember the El Muerto movie that was supposed to star Bad Bunny?), but the franchise isn't dead yet. With two more entries out in the coming months, including Venom: The Last Dance, it remains to be seen how a Spider-Man Universe without its signature wall-crawler will pay off for Sony. 

But I digress. The Kraven the Hunter movie starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson is on Sony's release slate for this winter. Here's everything we know about Kraven the Hunter. 

What is Kraven the Hunter about? 

Kraven the Hunter is set before the villain ever meets Spider-Man. The film purportedly delves into Sergei Kravinoff's origin as one of the fiercest hunters in the Marvel Universe. Based on the trailer for the film, it looks like the movie will delve into Kravinoff's relationship with his father, played by the Pope's exorcist himself, Russell Crowe. 

What is Kraven the Hunter rated?

Kraven the Hunter is an R-rated film, thanks to its copious amounts of violence. In the lead-up to the film's release, Sony has emphasized the visceral nature of the character and the film's mature rating. In contrast, the first two Venom movies, one of which featured the serial killer, Carnage, were rated PG-13. 

Is there a Kraven the Hunter trailer yet?

There is a Kraven the Hunter trailer. However, please note that it is a red band trailer, and features lots of violence. 

When will Kraven the Hunter release in theaters?

Sony Pictures will release Kraven the Hunter on December 13, 2024. 

Who is the Kraven the Hunter cast?

Kraven the Hunter features Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the lead role, with Russell Crowe playing his father. Spider-Man fans, look alive, because Alessandro Nivola is playing the Rhino in this movie. 

• Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kraven 
• Russell Crowe in an unnamed role
• Fred Hechinger as Chameleon
• Christopher Abbott as The Foreigner
• Ariana DeBose as Calypso
• Alessandro Nivola as Aleksei Sytsevich aka 'The Rhino'

Where do we know Kraven the Hunter from?

Kraven the Hunter is the villain in one of the most storied Spider-Man crossovers of all time, Kraven's Last Hunt, by J.M. DeMatteis and Mike Zeck. It isn't your typical Spidey story - Peter is in the black suit, and it offers a much grittier look at his life as Spider-Man. DeMatteis's writing also focused on the effects that the black suit had on Peter and Mary Jane's marriage. It's a great read, even if you aren't a Spider-Man fan. 

Will Tom Holland's Spider-Man show up in Kraven the Hunter?

At the moment, we don't know if Tom Holland will show up in Kraven the Hunter, but it would be hard to imagine that he would. Kraven the Hunter is, as stated previously, an R-rated movie. The red band trailer shows the main character biting off a piece of a man's forehead, and then spitting it out. Tom Holland played a high school-age Spider-Man in the MCU, so it would feel inappropriate to have the character share the screen with Aaron Taylor-Johnson's Kraven. Not to mention, Kraven the Hunter is supposed to be set before the villain ever meets Spider-Man. 

Kraven the Hunter will release December 13, 2024. 

Marvel's most reliable superhero has proven he can do a whole lot more than just 'whatever a spider can.' Swing into Spidey's history with Popverse's 10 best Spider-Man comic books, our Spider-Man movie watch order, and if you want our opinions on the subject, read our articles ranking Spider-Man's actors and Spider-Man's girlfriends.