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As Cinematic Universes Stumble, Sony Leans Into Standalone Superhero Stories With ‘Madame Web’ and ‘Kraven the Hunter’


With "Madame Web," "Kraven the Hunter" and "Venom 3," Sony is this year's comic book film leader. But is it really developing a cinematic universe?

It’s a fallow, somewhat existential period for both banners: Between Marvel and DC, only two theatrical features — Disney’s “Deadpool 3” and Warner Bros.’ “Joker: Folie à Deux,” both with only tenuous connections to franchise canon — are slated for 2024. “They’ve talked about it before, and it didn’t work out.” So far, post-credits teasers bridging Sony’s spin-offs to Disney’s own continuity via interdimensional travel have been seen as half-hearted and, ultimately, unsuccessful. The gangster film is directed by J.C. Chandor, who has earned auteur cred for crime films like the buttoned-up potboiler “A Most Violent Year” and the gung-ho “Triple Frontier.” At last year’s CinemaCon, “Kraven” star Aaron Taylor-Johnson took the stage to bellow, “Fuck yeah, it will be rated R!” The trailer promises a bloody, macho romp — potential cause for fan celebration after some grumbling about the“Venom” franchise sticking to PG-13.

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