Why Kraven The Hunter's Critic and Audience Scores Are So Different

Continuing a strange trend from SSU, there is a huge difference between critical and public reactions towards 2024 Kraven the Hunter. Kraven the Hunter debuted on December 13, 2024, as part of Sony's Spider-Man universe, not set in the world of Marvel Studios' MCU, and immediately seemed to follow in the footsteps of SSU's biggest disappointments, Morbius and Lady Teia. Kraven the Hunter may mark the end of SSU as audiences know it, but some have suggested that the Aaron Taylor-Johnson-led film isn't as underwhelming as previously thought.

Kraven the Hunter open to some of the worst reviews of Sony's Spider-Man universe and a Rotten tomatoes 11% critic scorewhich, at the time, was the SSU's worst rating. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's Sergei Kravinoff, aka Kraven the Hunter, joins Jared Leto's Morbius, Dakota Johnson's Madame Web, and Tom Hardy's Venom, among others, who failed the SSU. It's unclear what the future holds for these Spider-Man related characters, but the difference between Kraven the Hunter public criticism and criticism could raise hopes for Taylor-Johnson's Marvel villain.

Critic and public reviews of Kraven The Hunter are extremely different

Kraven the Hunter has been very divisive

On December 18, 2024, Kraven the Hunter critics' scores on Rotten tomatoesalso known as the Tomatometer, it sits at an abysmal 14%, based on 119 reviews. However, the audience score, also known as Popcornmeter, is much higher at 73%, with over 1,000 contributors. This is a difference of 59%, a huge disparity that was unexpected when the criticisms first emerged.as it could have happened that the audience's score would follow. It's always interesting when there's a huge disparity like this, and Kraven the Hunter the reviews are even more curious.​​​​​​​

Kraven the Hunter's Best Qualities Might Explain the Difference Between the Two Review Scores

There's a lot to love about Kraven the Hunter

Kraven the Hunter is far from being considered SSU's weakest project, although its box office totals are expected to tell a different story, mainly due to weak word of mouth. While things like Morbius and Lady Teia had few redeeming qualities, Kraven the Hunter was successful in many areas. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's commitment to the iconic Marvel role made his performance enjoyable, and the film's action sequences are, for the most part, high-octane, fast-paced, and thrilling.which could have contributed to a higher Popcornmeter score.

Interestingly, some critics agreed that Kraven the Hunter it was better than expected, as the film's marketing and Sony's track record with its Marvel films gave little hope. However, while many suggest Kraven the Hunter has some positive moments, most critics criticized the most recent edition of SSU. The thrilling action sequences may whet the appetite of audiences watching just for fun, but when it comes to truly judging the cinematic impact of Kraven the Hunterthe film falters.

Kraven The Hunter review scores continue a fascinating trend for Sony films

On December 18, 2024, Kraven the Hunter has the second lowest Tomatometer score of all six films in Sony's Spider-Man Universe. The highest is Venom: Let There Be Carnage 58%, but even the somewhat successful Poison the franchise exhibits a similar disparity when comparing critic and audience scores. Kraven the Hunter continues the trend demonstrated by all previous SSU films, although Madame Web Critic and audience scores are damning for the 2024 film.

These differences speak volumes about the actual quality of Sony's Spider-Man Universe films, as critics judge based on cinematic aspects, script, acting, and impact. On the other hand, many theatergoers would watch it just for fun, without considering the behind-the-scenes and creative aspects of an SSU film. This could explain the huge disparity between review scores for Kraven the Hunterand it makes Sony's decision to refocus its Marvel films all the more necessary.

• Release date

  February 14, 2025
  

• Rays*

• Release date

  July 25, 2025
  

• Release date

  July 24, 2026