Kraven the Hunter: Streaming Now, But Is It Worth Your Time?
Published On: January 19th, 2025
Since its theatrical release in December 2024, Kraven the Hunter has garnered a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Directed by J.C. Chandor and starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the titular role, the film is the latest (and possibly final) installment in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. While it bombed at the box office, earning only $59.6 million against a $110-130 million budget, its streaming debut on January 14, 2025, has reignited interest. But is this movie worth watching, or does it join the ranks of forgettable superhero flops?
Let’s break it down.
The basics: Plot and cast
Kraven the Hunter tells the origin story of Sergei Kravinoff, a man whose complex relationship with his crime-lord father (played by Russell Crowe) sets him on a path of vengeance. Infused with animalistic powers after a near-fatal encounter with a lion and aided by a mysterious serum, Kraven transforms into a vigilante who hunts criminals. The film introduces a slew of Marvel characters, including Calypso (Ariana DeBose), The Rhino (Alessandro Nivola), The Foreigner (Christopher Abbott), Chameleon (Fred Hechinger), and even a nod to The Jackal.
Despite its ambitious cast and world-building efforts, the film was critically panned. Rotten Tomatoes reflects a dismal 16% critics’ score, though audience ratings were more forgiving at 74%. For fans, the crowded script and erratic tone are glaring flaws—but some may find redeeming entertainment in its mindless action.
Should you watch it?
If you’re expecting high-caliber storytelling or groundbreaking visuals, Kraven the Hunter will disappoint. However, if you’re in the mood for campy fun and can overlook its flaws, this movie might be a decent way to spend two hours. The action scenes are competent, if unoriginal, and Taylor-Johnson brings a physicality to the role that some viewers will undoubtedly appreciate—even if his emotional depth falls flat.
Audience reception hinges on expectations. Critics found fault with the screenplay’s convoluted structure and lackluster dialogue. My experience mirrored this sentiment, though my viewing companion enjoyed it for different reasons—namely, Taylor-Johnson’s chiseled physique. Still, the film’s attempts to cram multiple comic-book characters into a single story felt desperate, leading to underdeveloped arcs for potentially fascinating figures like Calypso and The Chameleon.
Wasted potential
One of the most frustrating aspects of Kraven the Hunter is its squandered use of comic lore. The film introduces several iconic Marvel villains, including Rhino and Chameleon, only to rush through their stories or kill them off. Chameleon’s transformation, in particular, happens off-screen, reducing one of Spider-Man’s most interesting foes to a cheap plot device.
Despite these shortcomings, the inclusion of these characters does lend the film a sense of stakes and fan service. The hallucination scene where Kraven sees spiders, a clear nod to Spider-Man, hints at what could have been a richer cinematic universe—if only Sony’s Spider-Man Universe weren’t effectively dead. For dedicated fans, this might be worth a watch just to see these elements brought to life, however clumsily.
Where to watch
Kraven the Hunter is now available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango. Physical editions, including Blu-ray and 4K UHD, are set to release on March 4, 2025. Netflix streaming is expected later this year, likely around June.
If you decide to watch, temper your expectations. Kraven isn’t the next Logan or Deadpool, but it may satisfy those looking for a mindless action movie with a dash of comic-book nostalgia. And for those outside supported regions, consider using a reliable VPN to unlock streaming access.
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