Déjà vu has ve struck Hollywood as another wave of delay in movie releases is experienced, similar to the pandemic-borne shuffles. This time, however, it’s no longer an unseen “enemy” that’s throwing a monkey wrench into the plans of big-time companies. Instead, the movie industry is reeling due to the actor and writers’ strike. As a result, Sony Pictures has had to restructure its release dates, affecting several highly anticipated releases including “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” and “Kraven the Hunter.
First off, the final installment of the Spider-Man trilogy, “Beyond the Spider-Verse,” originally set to swing into theaters on March 24, 2024, is now indefinitely postponed. Even before the strike, the production team hinted at potential delays after revealing that the narrative wasn’t fully fleshed out. This may not necessarily be bad news for the Spider-Verse; if anything, the delay gives the filmmakers more time to polish the film’s “squishy” middle, as writer-producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller described it. Sony Pictures is yet to announce a new date for the film.
Similarly, “Kraven the Hunter,” which was set to hit theaters on October 6 this year, will now stalk its way onto screens on August 30, 2024. The film, which explores the adventures of Sergei Kravinoff, known as Kraven the Hunter, showcases his journey to establish himself as the world’s top predator and hunter. Interestingly, Kraven, a Spider-Man villain, is played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for his roles in popular films like “Kick-Ass. The narrative and plot details of the film have been kept under wraps, although the released red-band trailer hinted at a darker edge than other films in the Spider-Man universe.
Kraven the Hunter’s storyline as shown in the red-band trailer included scenes of the character hunting down formidable creatures like lions and a unique-looking Rhino, a character from the original comics.
It’s no secret that Spider-Man is usually Kraven’s primary target, but given the current complexity of the cinematic universe, it’s unclear whether we will get to see Spider-Man in this film. The film’s R-rating, announced at CinemaCon, confirms the narrative shift towards a darker, more obsessive storyline, staying true to Kraven’s portrayal in the comics.
But, this also begs the question, did Sony delay Kraven the Hunter because of the R-rating? And, if so, why?
It can be argued that the progenitors of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, the two Venom films, could’ve done a lot better at the global box office if they had an R-rating. Recent history suggests moviegoers are ready for more blood and gore as well, as necessary. Case in point, Sceam 6, one of this year’s best horror films, was rated R, similar to Scream 5, which premiered last year and dethroned Spider-Man: No Way Home at the global box office. Although the expectations for Kraven the Hunter are undoubtedly much higher, there’s enough evidence that it will, at the very least, do well at the global box office.
After all, Kraven the Hunter could’ve benefited from the launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on the PlayStation 5 on October 20.
Both casual and hardcore comic book fans will likely want to check out the live-action adaptation of the presumed main big bad of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 after fighting him in the upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive title, giving the film a market that it won’t have next August based on Sony’s current release lineup.
However, Sony’s gamble could work if it can give Kraven the Hunter more polishing and really lean into the R-rating side of the movie. The film’s lead, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, seemed genuinely excited about the R-rating at CinemaCon in April.
Sony might have also worried about the lack of advertising and marketing Kraven the Hunter will have if it pushed through with its original release date. This way, by waiting out the strikes, Sony can guarantee that it can do everything it can to make sure that the film gets as hyped as possible.
Besides, it’s not like the release date is set in stone. After all, Sony can always push its delayed premiere forward if its “experiment” with Gran Turismo, which will launch following a two-week delay without any marketing from the lead actors, succeeds.
Ultimately, these delays may have disappointed fans, but it’s clear that the strikes have forced Hollywood to reconsider its schedules and marketing plans. One can only hope that the situation will resolve soon and that fans can look forward to a time when the release of their favorite films is no longer delayed as often. After all, as we wait, we can only imagine that the pressure and anticipation will make the eventual release of these films an event to remember. But for now, fans will have to hold on to their excitement and mark their calendars for the new dates.
Speaking of R-rated live-action adaptations by Sony, Twisted Metal seems to be doing very well on Peacock.
