Key Takeaways:
– Aaron Taylor-Johnson features on Rolling Stone UK’s cover, talks about forthcoming movies in 2024.
– In promotion for “Kraven the Hunter,” Taylor-Johnson echoes Dakota Johnson’s statements about ‘Madame Web’ before its failure which ignites skepticism among fans.
– Sony’s bet on “Kraven the Hunter” as a part of Spider-Man Universe considered high-risk following Madame Web’s global failure.
– Dakota Johnson talks about the “Madame Web” downfall, has no immediate plans to join another high-profile project.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the 33-year-old British actor, has a busy year ahead. He graces the latest Rolling Stone UK’s cover and is set for a packed end to the year, according to information from FandomWire. His lineup includes the titular role in Sony’s ‘Kraven the Hunter,’ releasing on August 30, a key role in the horror movie ‘Nosferatu,’ slated for Christmas, and in David Leitch’s ‘The Fall Guy’ due on May 3.
Taylor-Johnson’s Upcoming Big Bet: Kraven the Hunter
Debuting as Sergei Kravinoff, a Russian immigrant with an ambition to be the world’s best hunter, in ‘Kraven the Hunter,’ Taylor-Johnson’s effort to breathe life into the character seems to alienate some fans. His promotional approach, mirroring Dakota Johnson’s tragically ineffective promotion of the failed Madame Web, has ignited skepticism among viewers. A flurry of Twitter users referred to Johnson’s déjà vu dialogs, sparking a sense of unease for Sony’s upcoming venture.
Failed Promotions: The Madame Web Discord
Earlier, Dakota Johnson faced considerable backlash following her promotional statements for the doomed ‘Madame Web,’ which bagged mere $100 million worldwide. Johnson admitted the experience taught her a lot about signing on to big projects and the potential for changes throughout production. Despite the harsh reviews, Johnson acknowledged an understanding of the fallout and harbors no immediate plans to work on another high-profile project soon.
Sony’s Risky Bet on Kraven the Hunter
With Madame Web’s fiasco still fresh, Sony’s gamble with ‘Kraven the Hunter,’ another installment in its Spider-Man Universe, seems substantial. The character, as one of Spider-Man’s most potent enemies, has a large comic fan base whose expectations Sony must fulfil. Taylor-Johnson’s recent statements, hinting at the same promotional strategy that tanked Madame Web, clearly worry long-standing fans.
Actor’s Strike Delay, New Releases
The actors’ strike reflected on the movie industry significantly and in Sony’s plans, with ‘Kraven the Hunter’ postponed from its original 2023 release date. The film is now slated to open on August 30, 2024, with a star cast of Christopher Abbott, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Russell Crowe, and Ariana DeBose alongside Taylor-Johnson. Meanwhile, ‘Madame Web’ is available for rent on Apple TV.
Sony, and in particular, Taylor-Johnson, need a win with Kraven the Hunter. Adopting a clichéd marketing approach similar to one that led to the downfall of another movie might not be received well. As the promotional momentum for ‘Kraven the Hunter’ builds, it remains to be seen how well Sony and Taylor-Johnson can convince the viewers and fans of this new venture’s worth.
