The upcoming solo "Spider-Man" film will be a reboot but it won't feature any of the villains previously seen on the big screen. This limits the list of possible antagonists but a new report alleges that Sergei Kravinoff aka Kraven the Hunter may be the villain of choice.
A report from Heroic Hollywood states that Sony Pictures' Vice President of Creative Affairs Karen Moy recently purchased a trade paperback copy of "Kraven's Last Hunt," one of the most widely praised "Amazing Spider-Man" comic books. Moy is also responsible for running Sony's story department, hence the report speculates that she purchased the comic book to look into Kraven the Hunter's story and depiction as part of her research. This will help the studios bring the character to life on the big screen.
Kraven is known as the world's best big-game hunter and he sees Spider-Man as the ultimate prey. He has super strength and agility but rarely uses any weapons to catch his prey, preferring to rely on his heightened senses and bare hands during a hunt.
However, a report from Cinema Blend isn't buying the tidbit and even considers Kraven as a poor choice for the film's villain, stating that one of the reasons Kraven is a good villain in the comic book is because Spider-man, in that continuity, has already been established as a powerful foe.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man is set to be portrayed in high school and hasn't made a big splash yet to be recognized as a primary target for Kraven, cites the report. Using Kraven so early would be a disservice to the two characters' relationship as the ultimate prey and ultimate hunter.
However, this is merely speculation at this point as neither Marvel Studios or Sony Pictures have confirmed if Kraven will indeed serve as the main villain. It is still entirely possible Moy purchased the comic book for personal enjoyment or as a gift.
Spider-Man marks his debut in the MCU in "Captain America: Civil War" on May 6, 2016 and star in his solo film come July 28, 2017.
