As a longtime action movie enthusiast who’s seen my fair share of gritty, visually-stunning flicks, I can confidently say that “Kraven the Hunter” missed the mark in several key areas. With its drab tone and uninteresting cast of characters, it failed to captivate me or leave a lasting impression.
After the infamous fake catchphrase associated with “Morbius” tarnished Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, it seemed highly unlikely that this interconnected network of Marvel Comics adaptations rooted in the Spider-Man universe could ever regain its standing as a significant player in box office success. However, three years following “Morbius,” Sony/Columbia Pictures attempted to revive the series with “Kraven the Hunter,” where Aaron Taylor-Johnson assumed the lead role in an origin tale for one of Spider-Man’s iconic adversaries. Similar to “Morbius” and “Madame Web,” “Kraven the Hunter” failed at the box office, earning approximately $11 million domestically. The film’s international earnings aren’t doing much better, making it a financial catastrophe in every region worldwide.
It’s clear now that the movie “Kraven the Hunter” was doomed from the beginning, considering the poor reception of movies like “Morbius” and others in its genre. The execution of “Kraven” also had several issues that significantly contributed to its financial downfall. Problems similar to those faced by “Kraven the Hunter” were seen in past Sony films such as “Madame Web,” which bombed at the box office. Before its release, “Kraven the Hunter” struggled with weak marketing efforts, reliance on obscure characters even hardcore comic book fans aren’t familiar with, and negative reviews. Analyzing why “Kraven the Hunter” failed only highlights that this film was never meant to succeed.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson isn’t a movie star
The initial strategy for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe films aimed to incorporate secondary Spider-Man characters such as Venom, Morbius, and Madame Web with actors who had either won awards or starred in blockbusters (Tom Hardy, Jared Leto, and Dakota Johnson). However, the casting of Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Kraven the Hunter was an unusual choice because he deviated significantly from this pattern. Although he portrayed Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver in “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Taylor-Johnson doesn’t have many major box office successes to his name beyond the original “Kick-Ass.” Post 2015, he has only appeared in two films (“Bullet Train” and “The Fall Guy”) that earned over $60 million domestically. In both of these movies, Taylor-Johnson played a supporting role, with the leading stars receiving more attention.
In simpler terms, promoting Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the main character in “Kraven the Hunter” might not have been a good idea since he only appeared once as an “Avenger.” The promotional materials for the movie mainly focused on him, which was a problem because it relied too heavily on a fanbase that wasn’t as large as assumed. Moreover, unlike other characters in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson hadn’t previously starred in movies that were big box office hits. His inconsistent financial performance in past roles likely doomed the success of “Kraven the Hunter” from the beginning, as anyone could have predicted. This is similar to what Pietro might say.
Competition from Wicked and Interstellar
In a clash between the stage sensation, “Wicked,” and the film adaptation of “Kraven the Hunter,” it seemed that the former had an upper hand. The simultaneous release of another musical, “Moana 2,” and “Wicked” demonstrated that two blockbusters could share the box office without issue. However, a movie as complex as “Kraven the Hunter” might have suffered due to the prolonged presence of the highly-praised “Wicked.” When it came to choosing between spectacle, most audiences would probably lean towards the critically acclaimed “Wicked” over “Kraven the Hunter.” The enchanting musical number, “Defying Gravity,” proved more alluring than duels with the Rhino. Moreover, an unexpected challenge for “Kraven the Hunter” was a December 2024 box office sensation – a re-release of “Interstellar” in IMAX theaters. This anniversary edition became so popular that its extended run extended into “Kraven’s” opening weekend, potentially causing a negative impact on ticket sales for the newer film.
When given a choice between watching the movie “Kraven” in IMAX or experiencing Christopher Nolan’s 2014 masterpiece on the largest screen available, there was no question about it. The film “Kraven the Hunter,” as anticipated, aimed to offer an escape and visual splendor amidst a December lineup filled with gloomy Oscar nominees. However, it turned out that watching this movie was not the best option for cinematic grandeur when “Wicked” and “Interstellar” were playing on nearby screens. In its fourth week of release, “Wicked” earned more than twice as much as “Kraven’s” opening weekend, while “Interstellar” added another $3.3 million to its total at just a few hundred theaters. As expected, with such impressive box office performances from these competing films, many “Kraven” screenings remained mostly empty.
An incredibly awkward marketing campaign
Initially set to premiere in October 2023, the first trailer for the film “Kraven the Hunter” was released. However, due to two labor strikes in 2023 and Sony/Columbia Pictures altering their release strategy, the movie was delayed multiple times until it finally came out in mid-December 2024. This meant a long wait of approximately 18 months between when “Kraven the Hunter” began its promotions and when it actually hit cinemas. During this period, many viewers either grew tired of hearing about “Kraven” or simply forgot about it altogether. Sony’s marketing efforts for this film were relatively quiet and lacked enthusiasm, possibly because they were focusing on releasing “Venom: The Last Dance” just eight weeks prior, which may have dampened the urgency or personality of the “Kraven the Hunter” promotional campaign.
By examining the numerous “Kraven” promotional materials, it appears that they heavily relied on a striking image (similar to a well-known comics cover) featuring Kraven seated on a throne surrounded by skulls. While this initial visual could have been effective for marketing purposes, the advertising campaign for “Kraven” fell short in developing or introducing anything else captivating. The cast members didn’t engage in any attention-grabbing promotional activities for the film, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s other December 2024 release (“Nosferatu”) generating significantly more buzz before its premiere than “Kraven.” In summary, the lengthy duration and lack of a distinctive style in the promotional efforts for “Kraven the Hunter” contributed to its poor box office performance.
The dismal reception of other Sony’s Spider-Man Universe movies
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a real crowd-pleaser! From the epic clash in “Captain America: Civil War,” the captivating storytelling in “Black Panther,” to the heart-pounding finale in “Avengers: Endgame,” these movies truly hit the mark with both critics and fans. I mean, just look at their consistent high CinemaScore grades! People were genuinely excited for what was coming next.
The films “Morbius” and “Madame Web” were widely panned after their release, with viewers taking to the internet to mock them. The poor reception extended to aspects like the Pepsi product placement in “Madame Web” and the cinematography in “Morbius.” These movies left audiences feeling disinterested, leading to a buildup of resentment that even affected the box office performance of “Venom: The Last Dance.” As a result, “Kraven the Hunter,” which was already struggling to gain favor, faced an uphill battle due to the poor reception of its predecessors.
Kraven the Hunter cost way too much to make
One positive aspect of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe movies previously was their relatively low production costs compared to later Marvel Studios films. For instance, “Morbius” and “Madame Web” were made at a cost of $75 million each, whereas post-2019 Marvel Studios productions typically had budgets between $200 and $300 million. Even with these lower costs, a domestic opening weekend gross of just $11 million for “Kraven the Hunter” would have been disappointing. However, it’s important to note that this J.C. Chandor movie is expected to have cost significantly more than both “Morbius” and “Madame Web.” Estimates suggest that “Kraven’s” production budget falls between $110 and $130 million. Although this isn’t the most expensive R-rated film ever made, it still represents a substantial investment for an anti-hero origin story with no major stars in its cast.
According to reports, the budget for “Kraven” escalated significantly due to numerous reshoots and impact from two major labor strikes in 2023. Whether it was these factors or other reasons that caused such a high cost, it’s clear that “Kraven the Hunter’s” budget surpassed that of “Oppenheimer.” To make a profit with this price tag, “Kraven” had to outperform all box office expectations and earn far more than other movies in the Sony Spider-Man Universe. This was an unrealistic expectation for such a production. Perhaps if “Kraven” had been made on a budget closer to the original “John Wick” ($20 million), it might have had a chance to break even. However, given its astronomical budget of $110-$130 million, seeking profit was essentially a futile effort.
2024 has not been kind to comic book adaptations
2017 saw the release of six new superhero movies in cinemas, all earning at least $225 million domestically, apart from “Justice League.” These films were financial successes for their investors, with a few exceptions being “Fantastic Four” and “Dark Phoenix” in the 2010s. However, the situation has changed significantly since then. In 2023 and 2024, movies like “Madame Web,” “The Flash,” “The Marvels,” “The Crow,” and “Joker: Folie a Deux” have not only failed to make a profit but also demonstrated that comic book adaptations are no longer invincible. The exceptions are titles such as “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” While certain movies in this genre can still attract audiences, the days of guaranteed box office hits appear to be over.
The cold streak in the box office clearly impacted the performance of “Kraven the Hunter.” In 2018, perhaps audiences might have been more receptive and given the film a chance. For instance, even a movie like “Dark Phoenix” managed to earn over $35 million domestically in 2019. However, following several recent box office failures that tarnished the subgenre’s reputation, “Kraven the Hunter” suffered the consequences. Given that Marvel Studios struggled to make “Captain Marvel’s” sequel a must-watch, there was little hope for “Kraven the Hunter” financially. Future comic book movies such as “Clayface,” “Thunderbolts,” and “Red Sonja” should be cautious: the poor box office performance of “Kraven the Hunter” underscores how risky this once prosperous field has become.
Poor audience reception
In simpler terms, movies such as “Elemental” demonstrate that strong audience buzz can help recover from weak initial marketing and poor opening weekends. However, this wasn’t the case for “Kraven the Hunter,” which struggled at the box office. Perhaps if audiences had been more excited about “Kraven,” it could have experienced a resurgence during the extended December holidays, like “The Greatest Showman” did in 2017. Unfortunately, “Kraven the Hunter” received a C CinemaScore from viewers, which is lower than the C+ grades earned by previous Sony’s Spider-Man Universe titles like “Madame Web” and “Morboius.” This lack of enthusiasm from audiences is why “Kraven the Hunter” was so heavily frontloaded during its opening weekend.
Kraven the Hunter,” similar to other tales serving as warnings, demonstrates that a well-known brand and audience recognition do not automatically ensure box office success. Even extensive marketing efforts or studio backing cannot convert a project into a hit if the audience is unresponsive. Additionally, the poor word of mouth about “Kraven the Hunter” contradicted its aim of generating excitement for potential future “Kraven” adventures. The movie’s ending hints at Kraven becoming the notorious supervillain from comic books; however, it remains uncertain if any sequels can materialize when viewers did not take a liking to this initial release. Ultimately, the indifference of moviegoers toward “Kraven the Hunter” may have sealed its fate.
Focusing on obscure Spider-Man supporting characters
In a time when “Eternals” has surpassed $400 million globally, it’s clear that less-known comic book characters can lead profitable films. Nevertheless, “Kraven the Hunter” struggled to draw audiences. Including additional characters from the comics below Spider-Man, such as The Chameleon, Calypso, Rhino, and The Foreigner, might not have harmed its box office pull. However, “Kraven the Hunter” primarily focused on characters who were significantly different from their comic book versions or had been previously used in Sony/Marvel productions, leaving even dedicated comic book enthusiasts puzzled about some characters. For instance, The Foreigner would’ve left blank looks on the faces of even the most passionate comic book fans.
The storyline of “Kraven the Hunter” presented a multitude of unrecognized characters from Marvel Comics, which were introduced to the audience without much assurance or panache. On the other hand, the marketing strategy for “Guardians of the Galaxy” successfully embraced the concept of a raccoon and tree as world saviors. While “Kraven the Hunter’s” trailers and posters introduced various vaguely defined human characters with lesser-known comic book identities, the absence of well-loved or iconic characters in this film (such as Spider-Man himself) underscored its lack of relevance. The “Venom” films benefited from a devoted fanbase, but “Kraven the Hunter” struggled to engage those familiar with The Foreigner and companions.
An R-rating is no longer a novelty
In May 2015, it was quite surprising to see the movie “Mad Max: Fury Road” open in over 3,700 cinemas, making it the widest opening weekend for an R-rated film ever. At that time, such films were considered to have limited potential at the box office, and spending money on distributing them to over 3,500 theaters was considered a waste. However, the following year, “Deadpool” (which opened in 3,558 theaters) proved everyone wrong by doing incredibly well at the box office. This marked a change in the industry as R-rated movies were now seen as capable of massive success. In time, other successful R-rated films like “Logan,” “It,” “Joker,” and the “John Wick” sequels followed, demonstrating that even films with more restrictive MPAA ratings could be blockbusters.
With the emergence of a fresh cinematic landscape, each film faced increased expectation to succeed financially. In 2016, the release of “Deadpool,” an R-rated movie, stood out exceptionally and offered a distinctive viewing experience. Today, even Disney produces R-rated superhero films like “Deadpool” and “Wolverine.” This trend made “Kraven the Hunter” seem somewhat outdated. The film’s promotional efforts to emphasize Kraven’s violent brutality appeared unoriginal compared to more profitable R-rated superhero movies. Even if Kraven were to bite off a man’s nose, it pales in comparison to Deadpool using Wolverine’s adamantium-reinforced skeleton to mercilessly eliminate TVA agents just a few months prior. The highest-grossing R-rated films of all time demonstrate that this MPAA rating doesn’t necessarily limit box office success. However, “Kraven” struggled to keep up with the current wave of financially successful adult-oriented productions.
The unappealingly drab tone
Consider the style of contemporary action movies that have been influenced by films such as “John Wick,” productions from 87North, and more recent titles like “Nobody” and “Atomic Blonde.” These movies often feature striking fight scenes and distinctive color palettes. The use of purple and pink tones is commonly associated with impactful sequences in “John Wick” and “Atomic Blonde.” Titles such as “Violent Night” and “Bullet Train” have shown a preference for bold colors to set themselves apart from the grey-toned action films of the late 2000s like “Gamer” or “Ninja Assassin.” However, this trend made “Kraven the Hunter” seem somewhat out of sync with modern audience expectations for action movies in the 2020s.
The usual Kraven promotional materials and ads often showcased gloomy settings with Kraven appearing as a menacing figure in the shadows or defeating villains in dull, unadorned corridors. Battles even under bright sunlight in Russian landscapes seemed drab and lacking in visual appeal. In any time period, this would have made “Kraven the Hunter” a dull and uninteresting film to watch. Given that Santa in “Violent Night” brutally kills enemies while donning a vibrant red suit, the muted visual style of “Kraven the Hunter” simply wouldn’t be captivating enough. With no flair in its cinematography or costume design, “Kraven the Hunter” only served to push away potential viewers who might otherwise give any “John Wick”-inspired film a chance.
Kraven was overshadowed by the Sony’s Spider-Man Universe’s demise
Prior to the release of “Home on the Range” in April 2004, it was announced that it would be the final Disney Animation Studios film produced using traditional hand-drawn animation. This news overshadowed all aspects of the movie, transforming it from a kid-friendly animated feature into a symbol marking the end of an era. The movie itself took a backseat in the grand narrative of history. Similarly, “Kraven the Hunter” faced disruption in its theatrical release due to significant media news and studio politics. Just days before its domestic premiere, it was revealed that Sony’s Spider-Man Universe was closing, with “Kraven the Hunter” being the final, for now, installment in this unorganized storyline that struggled to find its creative footing despite box office hits like “Venom.
Prior to the recent news, “Kraven the Hunter” wasn’t a highly anticipated movie. However, with the subsequent developments, much like “Home on the Range” years ago, “Kraven the Hunter” was overshadowed by larger cinematic events. The Sony Spider-Man Universe was in turmoil, and fans were more interested in that drama than any updates about “Kraven.” Additionally, this setback tarnished the reputation of “Kraven the Hunter,” making one wonder how good it could be, given its role as the swan song for a struggling attempt to replicate the Marvel Studios magic.
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2024-12-16 06:01