Honestly, the math just isn't mathing. If you've been scouring the web for a release date for Kraven the Hunter 2, you're going to find a lot of "maybe" and "if," but the reality is looking pretty bleak. We’re sitting here in 2026, and the dust has finally settled on Sony’s ambitious, if slightly chaotic, attempt to build a Spider-Man universe without the actual Spider-Man.
It’s been over a year since Aaron Taylor-Johnson put on the tactical vest and started talking to lions. And while some fans actually dug the R-rated violence, the bean counters at Sony are looking at a much uglier picture.
The Brutal Reality of the Box Office
Let’s talk numbers. They’re boring, but they’re the reason movies live or die. Kraven the Hunter hit theaters back in December 2024 with a lot of baggage. It had been delayed three or four times. By the time it actually showed up, the vibe was already a bit sour.
The movie cost somewhere between $110 million and $130 million to make. That doesn't even include the tens of millions spent on marketing. When it finally stopped playing in theaters, it had only clawed together about $62 million worldwide.
In Hollywood terms? That is a disaster.
Usually, a movie needs to make double its budget just to break even because theaters take a huge cut of the ticket sales. Kraven didn't even make back its production budget. It actually performed worse than Madame Web and Morbius. Think about that for a second. We all remember the memes about Morbius, but at least that movie cleared $160 million. Kraven couldn't even hit the $70 million mark.
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Was There a Setup for Kraven the Hunter 2?
Directors always leave the door open. J.C. Chandor definitely had ideas. He’s gone on record saying he saw the first film as a "building of a villain" and wanted the sequel to adapt the legendary Kraven’s Last Hunt storyline.
That’s the one everyone wants. It’s dark. It’s gritty. It involves Kraven actually burying Spider-Man alive and taking his place.
The first movie’s ending sort of nudged us that way.
- Kraven finally dons the iconic comic-accurate lion vest.
- His brother, Dmitri (played by Fred Hechinger), is positioned to become the Chameleon.
- There were whispers and setups involving Dr. Miles Warren, better known to comic nerds as The Jackal.
But here’s the kicker: there was no post-credits scene. None. Sony usually loves those little stingers to tease the next five movies. The fact they left it out felt like they were already hedging their bets. They weren't sure there would be a next time.
Sony’s Hard Pivot to 2026 and Beyond
If you look at Sony’s current slate for 2026, the focus has shifted entirely. The "SSU" (Sony’s Spider-Man Universe) is basically on life support or getting a total reboot.
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Instead of Kraven the Hunter 2, the studio is putting all its energy into Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is slated for July 2026. This is the big one—the MCU collaboration with Tom Holland. After the massive failure of the "villain-verse" movies, Sony seems to have realized that people actually want to see Spider-Man in their Spider-Man movies.
What a concept, right?
Reports from insiders at The Wrap and other industry trades suggest Sony has put a "hold" on developing more standalone villain spin-offs. They're focusing on what works: the animated Spider-Verse movies and the Holland-led MCU projects.
Could Aaron Taylor-Johnson Return?
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a busy guy. He’s been the frontrunner for the James Bond role for ages, and he’s got a lot of other projects on his plate. While he’s said he enjoyed the physicality of Kraven, he also sounded pretty realistic in interviews. He mentioned he wanted the movie to have "longevity," but longevity requires an audience.
Could we see him again? Maybe.
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Multiverse stuff is still the flavor of the month. It's possible he could show up as a variant in a larger crossover movie, similar to how the previous Spider-Men showed up in No Way Home. But a standalone Kraven the Hunter 2? That feels like a pipe dream at this point.
What Actually Happens Next
If you're a die-hard fan of the character, don't hold your breath for a theatrical sequel. The "Kraven" brand is currently associated with a massive financial loss. However, the character is too good to stay on the shelf forever.
- Check out the comics: If you want that "Last Hunt" itch scratched, read the original 1987 storyline by J.M. DeMatteis. It’s better than any movie Sony was likely to produce anyway.
- Video Games: Kraven was the primary antagonist in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on the PS5. Most fans agree that version of the character is the gold standard for a modern adaptation.
- Wait for the Reboot: Marvel Studios (the Disney side) will eventually want to use Kraven in the MCU proper. When they do, it'll likely be a fresh start with a new actor, far away from the 2024 film's continuity.
Basically, the hunt is over for now. Sony tried to make "fetch" happen with these villain movies, but the audience stayed home. Unless Kraven the Hunter 2 somehow becomes a massive cult hit on Netflix and stays in the Top 10 for six months straight, the studio is moving on to greener—and more Peter Parker-shaped—pastures.
If you're looking for more Marvel news, keep an eye on the production updates for Spider-Man: Brand New Day instead. That’s where the real story continues.