Ryan Coogler Wanted Kraven the Hunter in Black Panther, But Sony Said No
Ryan Coogler’s vision for Black Panther almost included a legendary Spider-Man villain, but Sony Pictures had other plans. Discover which Marvel character was nearly part of Wakanda’s story and why the idea was ultimately scrapped.
Ryan Coogler once had a bold idea for his Marvel blockbuster. While developing Black Panther, he considered bringing in a notorious Spider- Man adversary to shake up the story. The film already featured two memorable antagonists—Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan, and Ulysses Klaue, portrayed by Andy Serkis. But Coogler’s original vision included a third, unexpected villain.
That villain was Kraven the Hunter, a character beloved by Spider-Man fans for his relentless pursuit and cunning tactics. Coogler saw potential in weaving Kraven into the fabric of Wakanda’s tale, imagining how the hunter’s presence could add a new layer of tension and excitement to the film’s dynamic.
Studio Roadblocks and Creative Hurdles
Despite Coogler’s enthusiasm, the plan hit a major snag. Sony Pictures, which holds the film rights to Kraven and other Spider-Man characters, stepped in. The studio was not willing to let Marvel Studios use Kraven in Black Panther. Instead, Sony had its own ambitions for the character, aiming to launch him in a standalone movie.
This decision forced Coogler and his team to rethink their approach. Without access to Kraven, they doubled down on the complex rivalry between T’Challa and Killmonger, as well as the chaos brought by Klaue. The absence of Kraven shifted the narrative, but the film still delivered a powerful story that resonated with audiences worldwide.
What Could Have Been
Fans have long speculated about what Black Panther might have looked like with Kraven in the mix. The idea of a master hunter challenging Wakanda’s king would have introduced a fresh dynamic, blending the worlds of Spider-Man and Black Panther in a way never seen before on screen.
Ultimately, Sony’s decision to reserve Kraven for his own feature meant that Coogler’s original plan never came to fruition. Still, the director ’s willingness to think outside the box highlights the creative risks that often shape the Marvel Cinematic Universe, even when those risks don’t always make it to the big screen.