Russell Crowe joins the Spider-Man cinematic universe in Kraven the Hunter spin-off

(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Kraven the Hunter – one of the first major additions to Sony’s fledgling Spider-Man cinematic universe – has reportedly added Russell Crowe to its cast.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news, though his actual role is still under lock and key. The outlet did say, however, that "many of the main characters are said to be Kraven’s family members."

While this is set to be Kraven’s first on-screen appearance, the anti-hero – best known for burying Spider-Man alive in the comics – could have appeared sooner if Spider-Man: No Way Home’s multiverse mash-up didn’t pan out.

"For a long time, there was going to be a Kraven movie that was going to be the third movie because things weren’t working out and all sorts of different stuff," Holland said. "[Jon Watts] pitched me this Kraven movie, which actually was really cool."

Interestingly enough, Crowe is all set to appear in an upcoming Marvel film – this time in the MCU proper on Thor: Love and Thunder. He may have even spilled the godly beans on his as-yet-unconfirmed role, telling Australian radio station JOY 94.9 that "I shall be Zeus!"

Sony, meanwhile, is cooking up more projects to weave into its web of Spidey spin-offs. The most prominent of which for the moment appears to be Madame Web. The Lost Daughter actor Dakota Johnson has been tied to the role – a character who is traditionally depicted as an elderly, chairbound woman.

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.