New to the Marvel’s Spider-Man PlayStation universe, Kraven’s mark on the franchise is felt throughout the newest entry. But just who exactly is Kraven the Hunter, how tall is he, and what part does he play in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2?
Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man series has had its fair share of Peter and Miles’ rogues gallery: Doctor Octopus, Shocker, Mister Negative, and Rhino (among others). However, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has added even more villains to its roster. While the dangerous symbiote Venom plays a leading role, none are more ferocious than Kraven the Hunter. As one of the best hunters in the world, he craves a good fight that will challenge him. His impact in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is some of the biggest the series has seen so far. So who is Kraven in the comics and what happens to him in the game?
As expected, this guide covers everything about Kraven the Hunter in the comics and in Marvel’s Spider-Man series, including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, so to avoid being spoiled, I suggest playing the games or watching a playthrough of it before reading. Our very own Chris Carter rated Marvel’s Spider-Man a 9 in his glowing review, citing Insomniac’s strong direction and fun traversal through New York.
Who is Kraven the Hunter in the comics?
Sergei Kravinoff, or Kraven the Hunter, is a professional mercenary and, well, hunter, from Russia. Gifted in the art of combat, he seeks to find the strongest foes. He’s trained dozens of other hunters in his ways, including his half-brother Chameleon and the dangerous Grizzly. His 6′ tall stature towers over others and makes him stand out amongst his pride. In terms of weapons, he does use a variety of knives and crossbows for close and long distances.
Due to his advanced hunting skills, he’s developed a kind of animalistic instinct. He stalks his targets and learns about their strengths and weaknesses. Naturally, his affinity and hatred for Spider-Man is pretty large. Kraven is also one of the founding members of the villain group The Sinister Six. A movie adaptation of the character starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass, Bullet Train) is planned to be released in August 2024.
Who is Kraven in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2? (Spoilers)
Much like his comic counterpart, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2‘s Kraven the Hunter is a force to be reckoned with. Played by Jim Pirri in-game, his determination to find a worthy opponent takes him to New York. It’s there that he slowly but surely hunts his “prey”. Anyone who poses a threat to him is promptly taken care of, even if it gets messy. Through several items found in their base, Mary Jane discovers several character deaths.
He proves to be quite the challenge for the Spider-Men, as they show the most promise. Later in the game, we find out why Kraven is so set on finding an equal: he is dying of cancer. With nothing to lose, he goes all in on the hunt, taking zero chances and exploiting whenever possible. He does come close to killing the Spider-Men, especially with Peter, as he fatally stabs him mid-game. However, a fully evolved Venom bests the assassin, leading to a gruesome demise.
While Kraven may be no more in the Marvel’s Spider-Man series, his resolve prompted the Spider-Men to get stronger. His extermination of some of Spidey’s biggest foes could make the streets a bit safer; though this may lead to even bigger villains coming out of the woodwork. The end credits do lend some idea as to what to expect, the biggest of which is Norman becoming the dastardly Green Goblin. Regardless, Kraven made for a menacing opponent in all forms of the character.