As Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU) reaches its conclusion with Kraven the Hunter, it offers a fitting end to a series that has seen both highs and lows. The SSU began in 2018 with Venom, starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, who becomes entangled with an alien symbiote. Despite not being part of Marvel's broader cinematic universe, the film laid the groundwork for future crossovers. Subsequent releases like Morbius and Madame Web introduced new characters but failed to resonate with audiences. Now, Kraven the Hunter, while poorly received, stands as the best non-Venom entry in the SSU. This article delves into the history and reception of these films.

A Journey Through the Sony Spider-Man Universe

In the vibrant autumn of 2018, Sony launched its ambitious Spider-Man spinoff series with Venom. Starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, this film explored the unique bond between a human and an extraterrestrial parasite, setting the stage for future adventures. Although Venom did not connect directly with Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, hints at a shared world emerged through post-credits scenes. For instance, in Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Brock watched Tom Holland’s Spider-Man on television, hinting at a potential crossover that never materialized.

Following Venom, Morbius arrived in 2022, introducing Jared Leto as a doctor whose misguided attempts to cure his illness resulted in vampirism. The film teased further connections to Spider-Man, featuring Michael Keaton’s Vulture from Spider-Man: Homecoming in a post-credits scene. However, these plot threads remain unresolved.

In 2023, Madame Web brought the story of a Manhattan paramedic who gains clairvoyant powers, but it was met with widespread criticism for its lackluster performances and unengaging storyline. Meanwhile, Venom: The Last Dance concluded Hardy’s trilogy on a high note, solidifying it as Sony’s most successful venture in this universe. Finally, Kraven the Hunter marked the end of this era, despite receiving one of the lowest ratings in the SSU, scoring just 16% on Rotten Tomatoes.

From worst to best, the SSU films rank as follows: Madame Web (11%), Morbius (15%), Kraven The Hunter (16%), Venom (30%), Venom: The Last Dance (41%), and Venom: Let There Be Carnage (58%).

Reflecting on this journey, it is clear that Sony’s Spider-Man Universe has had its share of triumphs and disappointments. While some films, like the Venom series, have found success, others struggled to captivate audiences. Ultimately, Kraven the Hunter serves as a bittersweet farewell, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of cinematic universes and the importance of character development and storytelling. As we look forward to what the future holds, the lessons learned from the SSU will undoubtedly shape the next generation of superhero films.