Sony's Spider-Man Universe Casts Alessandro Nivola as Villain

By Richard Nebens Updated: March 04, 2022

Sony’s Spider-Man universe is set to expand yet again in early 2023 with a solo movie focused on the classic antagonist Kraven The Hunter. MCU veteran Aaron Taylor-Johnson will take on the lead role after first playing Quicksilver in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. While it’s unclear if filming has started, progress is being made toward the film being made.

Much of this is coming in the casting department, which has ramped up its activity over the last few weeks as 2022 pushes forward. Thor: Love and Thunder’s Russell Crowe took his second Marvel role as a member of Kraven's family while Academy Award nominee Ariana DeBose was cast as Calypso after her efforts in West Side Story.

With filming for the movie likely on the horizon, Sony is bringing together an expectedly top-notch cast for its third solo anti-hero after Venom and Morbius. Now, that cast finds itself with another new name, who will be taking on a villainous role opposite Taylor-Johnson's formidable leading man.

Sony Casts Villain in Kraven Solo Film

Kraven, Aaron Taylor Johnson movie — Marvel

Deadline revealed that Sony Pictures has cast Alessandro Nivola as the main villain in the upcoming Kraven the Hunter solo movie, which debuts in theaters on January 13, 2023. Nivola's specific role is still being kept under wraps, although he's confirmed to be the movie's main antagonist.

Kraven Cast Grows with Nivola's Villain

While it's still a mystery who Nivola will play in this mysterious solo movie, Nivola's resume matches up well with the rest of his high-profile co-stars.

The actor has a number of impressive projects on his 25-year resume, including appearances in Jurassic Park III as a young man and American Hustle about a decade ago. Now, he gets his first opportunity to join the world of superhero movies as he teams up with Taylor-Johnson, Crowe, and others in this new venture.

With filming looking to kick off in the near future, it may still be some time until fans learn who Nivola will play in this movie, which is still shrouded in mystery plot-wise. Even with the unknown still in play, his villain will be someone to keep a close eye on as Kraven the Hunter gets his first-ever story told via a live-action movie.

Kraven The Hunter is set to premiere in theaters on January 13, 2023.

- About The Author: Richard Nebens

Richard Nebens joined The Direct in March 2020, now serving as the site's Senior Writer and also working as an assistant editor and content creator. He started his journalism career as a hobby in 2019 and is passionate about sharing news and stories from the entertainment industry, especially comic book movies, comedy, and sci-fi. Richard looks to expand his knowledge about movies and TV every day, and he is eager to stay locked into the latest releases and breaking news at every opportunity.

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