If you thought New York Comic Con was going to be low-key this year, you were very mistaken. Sony Pictures came in swinging at NYCC with exclusive first looks, some epic footage, and two iconic characters front and center: Venom and Kraven the Hunter. Fans were left buzzing by the action-packed panel featuring two of Marvel’s most intense antiheroes—there’s a reason why these characters make such a lasting impression.
Sony Pictures Dominates NYCC
The Sony Pictures panel was a showcase of raw, adrenaline-pumping action, as attendees were treated to sneak peeks from Venom: The Last Dance and Kraven the Hunter. Hosted by the charismatic Josh Horowitz, the panel wasted no time diving into what makes these upcoming releases must-sees.
J.C. Chandor, director of Kraven the Hunter, and the film’s lead star Aaron Taylor-Johnson talked about the brutal, grounded nature of Kraven. “This ain’t no peachy Craven,” said Chandor during the panel, hinting that this film will be as wild and savage as its titular character. The energy was palpable, with fans on the edge of their seats, knowing that they’re about to witness one of the most brutal renditions of a Marvel character.
First Footage of Venom: The Last Dance
Of course, the buzz didn’t stop with Kraven. Venom is back, and fans were floored by a special clip from Venom: The Last Dance. Featuring Tom Hardy as the lethal symbiote, the footage was a perfect blend of dark humor, explosive action, and the classic antihero vibe we’ve come to love. And let’s not forget, Venom has a certain flair for chaos—when you combine that with Hardy’s nuanced portrayal, you know you’re in for a wild ride.
Bringing Kraven to the Big Screen
For Kraven the Hunter, Chandor emphasized the character’s moral complexity, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s “animalistic” take on the role. Taylor-Johnson even quipped, “I really wanted to inhabit that physicality,” which had the crowd laughing before he continued on about the more serious layers Kraven brings to the Marvel universe. The panel highlighted that this isn’t your typical superhero flick—it’s a gritty, morally gray journey into the psyche of a hunter.
Karate Kid Legends Makes Its First Appearance
If the action wasn’t enough for you, Sony also dropped a surprise for fans of The Karate Kid. The panel revealed the first footage from Karate Kid Legends, a film that will unite Ralph Macchio‘s iconic Daniel LaRusso with Jackie Chan’s kung-fu master from the 2010 remake. For the first time, these worlds collide, bringing two different generations of Karate Kid fans together for an epic showdown.
Fan Reactions and the Path Ahead
The energy in the room at NYCC was undeniable. Fans were thrilled to not only see exclusive clips but also to hear from the directors and stars themselves. Kraven, in particular, seems poised to be one of the standout Marvel films in the coming year, with its grittier tone and morally complex storyline. As for Venom, it’s clear that Hardy’s portrayal of the symbiote remains as popular as ever, and the footage from Venom: The Last Dance promises an explosive continuation of Eddie Brock’s chaotic journey.
