Kraven the Hunter is finally hitting the big screen thanks to Sony Pictures, and the film will be shot entirely on location. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as the title character, and he recently spoke with Variety about the upcoming movie.

The actor was particularly interested in the character because he is "not an alien, or a wizard. He's just a hunter, a human with conviction. An animal lover and a protector of the natural world. He's a very, very cool character." He went on to describe the character as "one of Marvel's most iconic, notorious anti-heroes — Spider-Man's number one rival." In addition to his excitement for the character, Taylor-Johnson added that Kraven the Hunter is "shot entirely on location."

This is uncommon in the superhero genre, with most of Sony's Marvel products and many films within the MCU being filmed using primarily green screens in large studios. Of course, Kraven the Hunter will have some CGI (computer-generated imagery); however, the environments will be natural instead of digital.

Sony has discussed the possibility of including Kraven the Hunter in various films for years; however, the company became interested in a standalone movie for the character in their shared universe around 2017. Aaron Taylor-Johnson became attached to the project in 2021, and further casting took place this year before filming began in late March in London, England.

Kraven the Hunter is scheduled to release in theaters on Jan. 13th, 2023.

Who is Kraven the Hunter?

Kraven-The-Hunter
Marvel Comics

Kraven the Hunter initially appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man issue #15 and has since gone on to be one of the web-slinger's most challenging adversaries. Typically, Kraven is depicted as a renowned big-game hunter whose goal in life is to best Spider-Man, which would prove he is the world's greatest hunter. Kraven's real name is Sergei Kravinoff, a soviet immigrant and son of an aristocrat who fled to the United States.

Kraven despises typical hunting weapons like bows and arrows or guns and prefers to use his bare hands and brute strength to take down his enemies. He has a code of honor, preferring to hunt his game fairly. The character is similar to General Zaroff from the short story, The Most Dangerous Game. In the book, Zaroff believes he is the most accomplished hunter in the world, and the only animal that could present a challenge to the General is a human.

In specific comic issues, Kraven is an integral member of the Sinister Six, which Sony may be working towards in their universe. They already have several characters that could be included, such as Morbius, Vulture, the upcoming Black Cat, Venom, and The Green Goblin.

We will have to wait and see how Kraven The Hunter builds upon the already established Sony Spider-Verse, and whether the movie will be received in a better light than their previous outings.