Kraven the Hunter: A Disappointing Start with $2 Million in Previews

The Rise and Fall of Sony's Spider-Man Universe Sony's attempt to carve out its own superhero universe has been a rollercoaster ride. Starting with the success of the "Venom" series, the studio has since struggled to replicate that success with films like "Morbius" and "Madame Web." With “Kraven the Hunter,” which has a budget ballooning to $110 million due to pandemic delays and Hollywood strikes, the stakes are high. While fans of the character have eagerly awaited his big-screen debut, the film's initial performance suggests that audience interest may be waning. What the Numbers Say With projections indicating an opening weekend gross of only $13 million to $15 million, "Kraven the Hunter" could become the lowest-grossing opening in Sony’s Spider-Man villain lineup. This is particularly concerning when compared to the $15.3 million earned by "Madame Web," a film that faced its share of criticism. The numbers are a stark reminder of the challenges facing superhero films today, especially those that don't feature the franchise's most popular characters. The Impact of Delays The production of “Kraven the Hunter” faced significant delays, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent Hollywood strikes. These interruptions not only pushed back the film’s release but also increased its budget from an initial $90 million to an eye-watering $110 million. Such a financial burden raises questions about the film’s profitability, especially if it underperforms at the box office.