Aaron Taylor-Johnson isn’t looking to make any friends in the latest trailer for Sony Pictures' Kraven the Hunter.
 |
| Aaron Taylor-Johnson in 'Kraven the Hunter.' Sony Pictures |
The studio dropped the trailer at midnight for director J.C. Chandor's film, which focuses on the well-known Marvel Comics character. Set to hit theaters on Dec. 13, the movie also features Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, and Russell Crowe.
Kraven the Hunter revolves around the Spider-Man antagonist who first appeared in the comics in 1964. The film follows Taylor-Johnson as Sergei Kravinoff, who is left for dead by his hunter father (Crowe) after a lion attack.
The bite from the animal seems to grant Sergei superpowers, transforming him into Kraven the Hunter, who then uses his newfound abilities to violently protect the animal kingdom.
"My father brings evil into the world," Taylor-Johnson declares in the film's first trailer, which premiered last summer. "I take it out."
The previous trailer concluded with a hint that Alessandro Nivola would be portraying Aleksei Sytsevich, also known as the Rhino. In the new footage, we get more glimpses of Nivola, including a brief shot of Rhino facing off against Kraven in what appears to be the African savannah.
This latest trailer, set to a minimalist version of Johnny Cash's "The Man Comes Around," ramps up the intensity with more action and gore. We also get a look at a shirtless Taylor-Johnson, showcasing his impressive physique.
Chandor directed the film, working from a script by Richard Wenk, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway. The movie is produced by Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and David Householter.
Kraven the Hunter is the latest addition to the Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters. It joins the ranks of other projects like Madame Web, which saw a disappointing box office performance after its release in February, and Venom: The Last Dance, scheduled for release on Oct. 25.
In an interview with Rolling Stone U.K. earlier this year, Taylor-Johnson shared what drew him to the role of Kraven the Hunter.
"I felt there was something unique about this character, something more grounded," he said. The Fall Guy actor also mentioned that he believes audiences are growing weary of certain studio films "that churn out content, diminishing the desire to go to the cinema. I wouldn’t have taken the role if I didn’t feel there was something real to bring to life with this character."