‘Kraven the Hunter’ Ending, Explained: Is There a Post-Credits Scene?

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As a longtime comic book enthusiast and film critic, I must say that “Kraven the Hunter” was a refreshing take on a character that has been long-anticipated by fans. Director J.C. Chandor’s decision to present Kraven in a John Wick-esque crime thriller was not only unexpected but also executed flawlessly, giving us a unique glimpse into the world of this formidable foe.

Warning: Potential spoilers for Kraven the Hunter

Given the latest news that Sony is shifting its focus towards Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, and the implication that other projects in their cinematic universe might be put on hold or cancelled, it seems that this shared universe is winding down. This situation mirrors the endings of films like Dark Phoenix for Fox and Aquaman 2 for the DCEU, which felt abrupt, especially when considering that the film Kraven, with its setup for a sequel, may never be continued. Nevertheless, let’s analyze the ending of the movie, interpret its implications, and speculate about where a hypothetical sequel might lead.

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What Happens in the Ending of ‘Kraven the Hunter’?

Towards the end of Kraven, criminal mastermind Aleksei Systevich (Alessandro Nivola) forms an alliance with The Foreigner (Christopher Abbott). Together, they strive to challenge the main character. Near the middle of the movie, they plot to kill or kidnap Kraven’s brother Dmitri (Fred Heichinger), hoping that by endangering his life, they can extort a substantial ransom from Dmitri’s crime lord father in return for his safety.

In Kraven’s lair, Aleksei and his troops charge ahead, only to find themselves caught in a web of traps set by Kraven, assisted by Calypso. The goons are swiftly incapacitated, while Kraven himself is subdued by The Foreigner using a tranquilizer. However, it’s Calypso who delivers the final blow, striking Kraven down with an arrow to the eye.

Despite overpowering the Rhino, Kraven subsequently uncovers a shocking truth: his own father Nikolai (Russell Crowe) had orchestrated an attempt on his brother’s life. In the face of his son’s accusations, Nikolai confesses but maintains that he never wanted Dmitri to be in harm’s way. He believed that Kraven’s retaliation would help him eliminate a rival crime boss. However, Kraven finds it impossible to forgive being manipulated and walks away, leaving his father vulnerable to a vicious bear attack and eventual death.

Following this, Kraven is disheartened to find out that Dmitri has opted against breaking down their father’s criminal organization but has instead decided to assume control over it. Recognizing that Kraven was responsible for Nikolai’s death, he labels his brother as an enemy while disclosing that he has recently undergone treatment from Miles Warren. Given his ability to transform into anyone at will, he introduces himself as the Chameleon and implies that Kraven might be his next mark. The closing scene depicts Kraven putting on the classic lion vest from the comics, a memento left behind by his father, as he accepts his position as “the Hunter.

Where Could ‘Kraven the Hunter’ Go in a Sequel (If It Even Happens?)

Straight to the point: Kraven the Hunter doesn’t have a post-credits scene. It’s nice that the movie stands alone without setting up additional stories, but it seems like an abrupt conclusion to Sony’s shared universe, as if they suddenly decided not to include any further hints or teasers at the end.

In the spirit of speculation, let me propose where a potential Kraven the Hunter sequel might head. To start, the titular character would likely confront his arch-nemesis, The Chameleon, creating a tension similar to the former friends turned adversaries in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3. Moreover, given that the closing moments depicted him wearing his classic suit, it’s reasonable to assume the sequel will delve deeper into the comic book version of Kraven.

Although the movie stands well on its own, there’s still a hint of establishing a foundation for Sony’s larger universe, had it not been cut short. It seems that director J.C. Chandor and the creative team are introducing Miles Warren as a crucial character within the franchise, with indications that he could be connected to well-known figures like Rhino and Chameleon. In the comics, Warren is known for his role as the Jackal, one of Spider-Man’s formidable adversaries. Originally, Warren was Peter Parker’s biochemistry professor and harbored feelings for his girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. After Gwen’s death, which he believed was Peter’s fault, Warren took on the Jackal persona in pursuit of vengeance.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I can’t help but speculate about the potential role Warren might have played in Sony’s Sinister Six film or perhaps even in Knull’s crusade for global domination. It appears that Warren was subtly being positioned as a mastermind villain, at least in Kraven’s storyline. Despite the questionable creative choices made in Morbius and Madame Web, it’s clear that incorporating Warren would have been an intelligent move to introduce some much-loved baddies into the narrative mix.

‘Kraven’ Is the End of the Line For Sony

Unfortunately, it’s a reality that we won’t be able to witness where Sony’s shared cinematic universe with Kraven the Hunter takes us further, as this film appears to be the final chapter. Initially, a series based on Spider-Man’s enemies without the hero himself was an unlikely prospect, but it managed to survive longer than expected. Regrettably, all series must conclude, and we’ll miss out on watching Kraven go up against characters like the Chameleon or Jackal, joining forces with the Sinister Six, or even uttering his catchphrase, “it’s Kravin’ Time.” Currently playing in theaters is Kraven the Hunter.

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2024-12-13 23:01