By Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s ‘Kraven the Hunter’ struggles as Sony reboots Spider-Man strategy
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is set to star as Kraven the Hunter, one of Spider-Man most iconic villains, but the film faces bleak box office projections, raising concerns about its $110 million budget. Initial estimates suggested a North American opening of $28–30 million, but revised forecasts now predict a modest $20–25 million. This underscores the ongoing struggles of Sony’s standalone Spider-Man spin-offs, which have received lukewarm responses from fans and critics.
According to The Wrap, Sony may be rethinking its “Sony’s Spider-Man Universe” strategy in response to fan feedback. The studio is shifting focus back to mainline Spider-Man narratives, with Spider-Man 4 starring Tom Holland already in development. Producer Amy Pascal revealed that the film will explore the emotional fallout of No Way Home. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the story will delve into Peter Parker’s decision to abandon his personal identity for his responsibilities as Spider-Man.
This shift could mark the end of Sony’s standalone Spider-Man films, with Kraven the Hunter potentially serving as the final chapter. However, the studio will continue expanding Spider-Man’s universe with projects like Spider-Noir. Meanwhile, collaborations with Marvel Studios remain strong, as Spider-Man 4 promises to reignite fan excitement. The animated Beyond the Spider-Verse is also expected to replicate the success of its predecessor.
If Kraven the Hunter falters at the box office, Sony may fully pivot to core Spider-Man stories. Fans are eagerly awaiting Tom Holland’s return, promising a deeply emotional journey.
In other Spider-Man spin-offs, Venom: The Last Dance received a 3/5 rating. While its climactic showdown thrilled audiences, the narrative felt lacking. Tom Hardy’s performance stood out, but Andy Serkis’s Knull and supporting characters like those played by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Juno Temple had underdeveloped arcs.
