Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) faces an uphill battle after the underwhelming critical reception of Madame Web. However, there’s reason to believe Venom 3 and Kraven the Hunter could break the negative streak and revitalize audience interest.

Kraven the Hunter takes a bold step for the SSU by embracing an R-rating. The trailers tease a brutal and visceral experience, a stark departure from the more sanitized action of previous films. This could attract a new demographic of fans seeking a more mature superhero experience, especially after the success of R-rated comic book films like Deadpool and Logan. Furthermore, Kraven’s recent portrayal as a compelling villain in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 video game has reignited interest in the character, potentially drawing in gamers eager to see a live-action rendition.

Venom 3, on the other hand, leverages the established fanbase built by the first two films. Despite mixed critical reviews, Tom Hardy’s charismatic performance as Eddie Brock and the unique comedic dynamic between him and the Venom symbiote resonated with audiences. This pre-existing loyalty could propel Venom 3 forward, allowing it to stand on its own merits even with the shadow of Madame Web looming.

The key for both films lies in execution. Kraven’s R-rating shouldn’t be solely for gratuitous violence but should enhance the character’s ruthlessness and the brutality of his hunting. Similarly, Venom 3 needs to build upon the strengths of its predecessors, offering a satisfying continuation of Eddie and Venom’s journey while delivering fresh humor and action sequences.

If Kraven the Hunter delivers a grounded, character-driven story with impressive action choreography and Venom 3 capitalizes on its existing fanbase while pushing the comedic and action elements further, both films have the potential to course-correct the SSU’s trajectory and reignite audience enthusiasm for Sony’s corner of the Spider-Man universe.