After watching Kraven the Hunter in theaters in December 2024, a particular aspect of the movie lingered in my thoughts. The arrival of Kraven on Netflix this week made me revisit this detail. Despite being a box-office disappointment, Kraven has sparked intrigue due to its unconventional storyline. This weekend, many Netflix viewers will discover the unique superhero narrative that involves a man gaining animal powers through a voodoo potion in Africa.

My concern lies not in the fidelity to the source material, but rather in the problematic racial stereotypes perpetuated by the concept of using “voodoo” as a means to explain supernatural abilities. Sony’s approach to integrating lesser-known comic characters into a serious and gritty cinematic universe has led to missed opportunities in storytelling.

One of Spider-Man’s adversaries with the potential to lead his own film series is Kraven, a character inspired by General Zaroff from the 1924 story “The Most Dangerous Game.” The adaptability of Kraven as a villain in various Marvel comics showcases his versatility.

The narrative elements in Kraven’s character can be traced back to classic adventure fiction motifs, making him a captivating figure in the superhero genre. Despite this, Sony’s attempt to fit Kraven into a conventional formula of an action-thriller with moral ambiguity overlooks the character’s rich backstory.

While there is acknowledgment of the source material’s depth by the film’s cast and crew, translating complex narratives like “Kraven’s Last Hunt” without Spider-Man’s involvement proves challenging. The essence of Kraven’s character is intricately tied to his rivalry with Spider-Man, making it difficult to create a standalone narrative.

The decision to include the voodoo potion in Kraven’s origin story may stem from the need to maintain some semblance of the comic book lore in an otherwise divergent adaptation. Sony’s overarching goal of aligning characters with a specific cinematic tone has hindered the potential for a truly engaging and faithful adaptation.

As Sony concludes its Spider-Man adjacent film universe, Kraven the Hunter serves as a prime example of the missed opportunities and narrative pitfalls within the franchise. The film’s focus on conforming to a predetermined mold rather than exploring innovative storytelling approaches showcases the limitations of the studio’s creative direction.

Kraven the Hunter, alongside Madame Web and Venom: The Last Dance, is now available for streaming on Netflix.