The 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' actor is tapped to take on the lead role in an upcoming solo movie that has 'Triple Frontier' helmer J.C. Chandor on board as director.
- May 27, 2021
AceShowbiz - Aaron Taylor-Johnson (previously known as Aaron Johnson) is going from one-time Marvel superhero to a Spider-Man villain. The English actor has been cast in the lead role of upcoming solo movie "Kraven the Hunter" from Sony Pictures.
One of the most iconic and notorious antiheroes, Kraven was first introduced in "The Amazing Spider-Man" issue #15 in 1964. Born Sergei Kravinoff, he considers himself to be the world's greatest hunter, a moniker he earns at first through his prowess at tracking and killing big game, often with his bare hands, so Variety describes the character.
Driven to maintain his grip on his title, he ingests a serum that gives him super-strength and stamina, and slows down his aging considerably. His signature wardrobe consists of a jacket seemingly made from a lion's head and mane, with nothing much underneath.
In the comic books, he has had encounters with Venom and Black Panther among many others, and is one of Spider-Man's best known and most formidable enemies.
"Kraven the Hunter" has J.C. Chandor, who is best known for writing and directing films like "Margin Call", "All Is Lost", "A Most Violent Year" and "Triple Frontier", on board as director. Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are producing, with the screenplay written by Art Marcum, Matt Holloway and Richard Wenk.
According to Deadline, Taylor-Johnson grabbed the attention of studio execs with his scenes in upcoming action film "Bullet Train". Convinced by his performance which sees him sharing screen with Brad Pitt in particular, the studio acted fast to get him on the phone with Chandor. The actor and the director reportedly hit off after just one call and a deal was sealed fairly quickly.
This, however, won't be the first time Taylor-Johnson stars as in a comic-book adaptation. He headlined 2010's "Kick-Ass" and even portrayed Marvel's superhero Quicksilver in 2015's "Avengers: Age of Ultron". The latter role was a one-time though, because his character's storyline ended in the same movie.
"Kraven the Hunter" is currently slated for January 13, 2023 release in the United States.
