(Image Source: Sony Pictures, Marvel Studios)
Ryan Coogler, director of the "Black Panther" franchise, has been busy not only preparing for the third installment but also launching the awards season campaign for his new film, "Sinners." During his promotional rounds, Coogler inevitably faced questions about "Black Panther." Appearing on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, he was pressed on the long-rumored plan to introduce the iconic "Spider-Man" villain, Kraven the Hunter, into the first "Black Panther" movie. Coogler then shed light on why that particular plan ultimately fell through.
Coogler recalled that when he first became involved in developing "Black Panther," the villains had already been decided as Ulysses Klaue and Erik Killmonger. However, Marvel Studios was still uncertain about Klaue's inclusion. At the time, Marvel aimed to primarily adapt Christopher Priest's acclaimed "Black Panther" comic run, which notably featured a kitchen brawl between Black Panther and Kraven. Coogler, a keen admirer of Kraven, subsequently inquired with Marvel about the possibility of featuring the character in the film.
(Image Source: Marvel Comics)
Coogler recounted the exchange: "Marvel told me, 'We don't think this will work, but we'll quickly check for you.' So they contacted Sony, and Sony said, 'Absolutely not.' Then they came back and told me, 'It really won't work.' (laughs)" Coogler, however, stressed that he was ultimately glad Kraven didn't make an appearance. He explained that if Kraven had been included, it would have been at the expense of Klaue's role, meaning he would have missed the opportunity to collaborate with Andy Serkis, who portrayed the character.