Why the Spider-Man Sony/Marvel Universe Was Doomed Before It Began

This review discusses plot points from both Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Kraven the Hunter, so proceed with caution if you haven't seen them. The films' interconnectedness, or lack thereof, is a key discussion point.

While both films exist within Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU), their narratives operate in relative isolation. Venom: Let There Be Carnage concludes with Eddie Brock and Venom seemingly stranded in the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a cliffhanger that felt significant at the time. However, Kraven the Hunter largely ignores this development, focusing on its own self-contained story. This lack of cross-pollination between the two films is a missed opportunity, leaving viewers wondering about the implications of Venom's MCU appearance. The potential for crossover events and shared villains feels unrealized.

The films' individual strengths and weaknesses also contribute to this feeling of disconnect. Venom: Let There Be Carnage, while visually striking and boasting strong performances, suffers from a somewhat incoherent plot. Kraven the Hunter, on the other hand, offers a more cohesive narrative, albeit one that is arguably less exciting. The difference in tone and quality between the two films further emphasizes their separate existences within the SSU.

Ultimately, while both films contribute to the broader SSU, their lack of interaction suggests a lack of overall planning or a failure to capitalize on the potential synergies between their stories. The experience leaves the audience with a sense of fragmentation rather than a unified cinematic universe. The promise of a connected universe remains largely untapped.