Over the past few years, the entertainment industry has been plagued by delays and cancellations, and even Marvel, a powerhouse of consistent releases, is not immune. Recent reports suggest that three major Sony Marvel movies may be shelved indefinitely following the release of Kraven the Hunter.
Marvel’s Track Record: A History of Reliability
Since the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) launched with Iron Man in 2008, the franchise has been a reliable source of blockbuster entertainment. Beyond the MCU, Sony’s Spider-Man Universe has expanded the Marvel storytelling landscape with films like Venom and the upcoming Kraven the Hunter. However, the future of this franchise now appears to be in jeopardy.
The End of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe?
According to a report from The Wrap, Sony plans to conclude its Spider-Man Universe with Kraven the Hunter, set for release on December 13. If this proves true, several anticipated projects could be permanently shelved. While no official announcement has been made, fans should brace themselves for the possibility that Kraven might mark the end of Sony’s Marvel run for now.
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Below are three high-profile projects reportedly at risk:
1. Venom: The Last Dance and the Future of Knull
The Venom franchise has been a cornerstone of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, with Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock garnering significant fan support. Venom: The Last Dance left viewers with tantalizing post-credit scenes that hinted at more stories to come.
One scene featured the ominous figure of Knull, who declared, “Your champion has fallen, the King in Black is awake. Your world will burn, and you will watch!” This moment strongly implied that Sony was preparing for Knull to take center stage in future films.
Another post-credit scene showed a shattered vial containing a rogue Symbiote, further teasing potential storylines.
Despite these setups, no official announcements regarding Knull or a follow-up to The Last Dance were ever made. Now, with Sony’s Spider-Man Universe reportedly ending, these projects may never come to fruition.
2. El Muerto: A Wrestling Superstar’s Marvel Debut in Limbo
Sony generated buzz at CinemaCon 2022 by announcing El Muerto, a Marvel movie starring Bad Bunny. The film was set to explore the story of a superpowered luchador, a fitting choice given Bad Bunny’s connection to professional wrestling.
While the announcement was met with enthusiasm, development issues quickly surfaced. Scheduling conflicts with Bad Bunny’s global tours and repeated script revisions slowed progress.
Although Sony never officially canceled El Muerto, the lack of updates and mounting obstacles make it increasingly unlikely that the project will move forward.
3. Hypno Hustler: A Forgotten Marvel Project
In late 2022, news broke that Donald Glover would produce and star in Hypno Hustler, a film centered on the Spider-Man villain known for using hypnotic musical technology to commit crimes.
Glover’s involvement was noteworthy, as it would have made him the first actor to play two major live-action roles in Spider-Man’s cinematic history, having previously appeared in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
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Myles Murphy, son of Eddie Murphy, was attached as the writer, adding to the project’s initial excitement. However, no substantial updates followed the announcement, leaving Hypno Hustler in limbo. With Sony’s reported plans to end the Spider-Man Universe, this film now seems unlikely to proceed.
What’s Next for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe?
Sony’s decision to potentially conclude its Spider-Man Universe with Kraven the Hunter could signify a major shift in its Marvel strategy. The franchise, which has delivered both critical hits and misses, may take a hiatus or pivot entirely.
Fans can catch Kraven the Hunter in theaters on Friday, December 13, but whether it marks a temporary pause or a definitive end for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for updates as the fate of these Marvel projects unfolds.