Sony's Spider-Man spin-off Kraven the Hunter has stumbled out of the gate with a disappointing $10-12 million opening weekend. Despite high expectations, this R-rated comic book adaptation featuring one of Marvel's classic antiheroes has failed to resonate with audiences. The film's lackluster performance not only reflects weak domestic interest but also raises questions about the future of Sony's Marvel universe projects.
Kraven the Hunter, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the titular character, pulled in just $4.7 million on its opening Friday, including $2.2 million from preview screenings. These numbers place it among the weakest debuts for a Marvel-based film, trailing even 2005's Elektra ($12.4 million unadjusted for inflation). Slated to finish third this weekend, Kraven has been met with scathing reviews from critics and audiences alike, earning a ‘C' CinemaScore—the lowest ever for a Sony-Marvel production.
The film's substantial $110 million budget heightens the financial stakes. To mitigate domestic losses, Sony will need robust support from international markets, although those figures remain to be seen. However, the critical reception and limited appeal may hamper its global reach.
The box-office underperformance of Kraven is not an isolated event this weekend. Warner Bros.' animated feature The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim also struggled, debuting with $5 million and a ‘B' CinemaScore. Meanwhile, established hits like Moana 2 and Wicked continue to dominate, earning $26.6 million and $22.3 million respectively and pushing their domestic totals to around $350 million each. Ridley Scott's Gladiator II claimed fourth place with $7.8 million, followed by Red One at $5 million. Notably, the re-release of Christopher Nolan's Interstellar earned $3.15 million from just 321 screens, bringing its re-release total to $11.6 million.
Kraven the Hunter is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Sony's Marvel ventures. With a poor opening weekend and lukewarm reception, the film's trajectory underscores the importance of strong storytelling and audience engagement in today's competitive superhero market. As the year winds down, all eyes are on how international markets and future streaming strategies will affect Kraven's ultimate performance.
My Impressions: The box-office results for Kraven the Hunter are disappointing but not entirely surprising. The trailer hinted at a derivative plot and uneven tone, which may have alienated both casual viewers and Marvel enthusiasts. While Aaron Taylor-Johnson's performance is commendable, the film's weak script and uninspired direction squander its potential. Sony's decision to continue producing Spider-Man spin-offs without a clear narrative vision may risk further audience fatigue. That said, Kraven might still find redemption in international markets or on streaming platforms.
Do you think Kraven the Hunter's failure reflects broader superhero fatigue, or was it simply a misfire? Share your thoughts below!
