Sony’s latest attempt at expanding its Spider-Man universe, Kraven the Hunter, is now streaming on Netflix. Despite its big-budget action and star-studded cast, the movie struggled at the box office. Now, it has a second shot at winning over audiences through streaming.
What is Kraven the Hunter About?
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sergei Kravinoff, Kraven the Hunter tells the origin story of one of Spider-Man’s most famous foes. Directed by J.C. Chandor (A Most Violent Year), the film follows Sergei’s transformation from a skilled Russian big-game hunter to a brutal antihero.
His journey is shaped by his complex relationship with his father, Nikolai Kravinoff (played by Russell Crowe), and his conflict with Aleksei Sytsevich, a.k.a. The Rhino (Alessandro Nivola). His half-brother, Dmitri (Fred Hechinger), also plays a key role in his transformation, eventually becoming the villain Chameleon.
Why Did Kraven the Hunter Flop in Theaters?
Sony’s first R-rated Marvel film had high expectations but failed to deliver at the box office.
- Box Office Performance: It earned only $62 million worldwide against a reported $110 million budget, making it a financial disappointment.
- Mixed Reviews: Critics and fans were divided. Some praised its action sequences, but many felt it lacked depth and a compelling storyline.
- Sony’s Spider-Man Struggles: Sony’s standalone Spider-Man universe continues to face challenges, with films like Morbius (2022) also failing to connect with audiences.
Despite the poor box office performance, Kraven the Hunter now has a fresh opportunity on Netflix, where it might find a more forgiving audience.
When and Where to Watch
The film debuted on Netflix on March 13, 2025.
To watch, you need a Netflix subscription. Here are the current plans:
- Ad-supported Plan: $7.99/month (two devices)
- Standard Ad-Free Plan: $17.99/month (two devices)
- Premium Plan: $24.99/month (4K Ultra HD, four devices)
Kraven the Hunter Brings The Rhino to the Big Screen
One of the movie’s highlights is the inclusion of The Rhino, played by Alessandro Nivola. This marks only the second time the villain has been portrayed in live-action, following Paul Giamatti’s version in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014).
Nivola revealed in interviews that his character differs from past versions, with a more grounded and intense transformation. However, some fans were disappointed that the film didn’t explore Rhino’s potential in greater depth.
Is It Worth Watching?
The movie has some redeeming qualities:
- Strong Performance: Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s physical transformation and performance were well-received.
- Gritty Action: The R-rating allows for brutal fight sequences.
- Interesting Character Dynamics: Kraven’s relationship with his father and brother adds emotional depth. However, the film also struggles with too many subplots and underdeveloped characters, making it feel disjointed. If you enjoy superhero action with darker themes, it’s worth a watch—but don’t expect a Marvel masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
Kraven the Hunter might not have been a box office success, but it could gain traction among streaming audiences. If you missed it in theaters, now’s your chance to see if it deserves a second shot.
Will you be watching Kraven the Hunter on Netflix?
