Russell Crowe Joins Spider-Man Villain ‘Kraven the Hunter’ Solo Movie

Academy Award winning actor Russell Crowe has joined “Kraven the Hunter” for Sony Pictures, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is set to star in the title role. The studio also locked in the actor for multiple pictures as the iconic “Spider-Man” villain. J.C. Chandor is directing “Kraven the Hunter.” The project is being billed as the next chapter of Sony’s universe of Marvel-licensed characters. Art Marcum & Matt Holloway and Richard Wenk wrote the screenplay, while Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are producing.

The film will be released theatrically on Jan. 13, 2023.

Born into Russian aristocracy, Sergei Kravinoff a.k.a. Kraven the Hunter is an obsessive big-game hunter who was introduced as a Spider-Man villain in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #15 (1964), and created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. As seen in the original comics, Kravinoff began his career using the typical tools of the hunter but over time he developed a preference to take down large animals with his bare hands. After meeting a Voodoo witch doctor named Calypso, Kravinoff took a herbal potion which enhanced his physical powers give him the strength, speed and senses to match a jungle cat. The potion also extended his life keeping his health and vitality for years to come.

Crowe is currently directing and starring in “Poker Face,” with Liam Hemsworth and RZA. He will next be seen in Taika Waititi’s “Thor: Love and Thunder” and in Peter Farrelly’s “The Greatest Beer Run Ever” for Apple TV. His recent credits included “Unhinged” and Justin Kurzel’s “True History of the Kelly Gang.” He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Gladiator” and was nominated for his roles in “A Beautiful Mind” and “The Insider.”

Crowe is repped by Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.