Additional Coverage:
The divisive Marvel film Kraven the Hunter, which underperformed in its theatrical run late last year, has arrived on Netflix. The film, released in December 2024, explores the origin story of the titular Spider-Man villain, delving into his complex relationship with his father and his journey to becoming a fearsome hunter.
While Kraven the Hunter features characters from Marvel comics, it’s part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU), which includes films like Venom and Morbius, and exists separately from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The SSU focuses on Spider-Man’s adversaries, allowing Sony to leverage its own Marvel character rights.
Made on a budget reportedly between $110 and $130 million, Kraven, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass, Bullet Train) and Russell Crowe, only grossed around $60 million at the box office.
The film’s arrival on Netflix offers a chance for redemption. Critical and fan reactions upon release were sharply divided.
Some viewers criticized the film’s narrative, calling it “an overambitious but utterly failed attempt” at a dark antihero story and “a lazy, unfocused mess.” Others, however, found it “wildly entertaining,” praising Taylor-Johnson’s performance and the film’s action sequences.
One fan expressed hope for a future “cult following.” Another viewer, admitting to low expectations based on reviews, was pleasantly surprised, describing Kraven as “fun and [having] lots of action.”
Kraven the Hunter is now streaming on Netflix.