Black Panther MCU Movie Nearly Featured This Spider-Man Villain

Ryan Coogler recently revealed that Sony prevented a surprise character from appearing in Black Panther.

What character did Ryan Coogler want to be in Black Panther?

Speaking to Josh Horowitz in a recent interview, Coogler was asked about the rumor that he wanted Kraven the Hunter to be in 2018’s Black Panther. Coogler acknowledged that it was actually true, and that the original idea for Black Panther referenced writer Christopher Priest’s run on the Black Panther comics, which included a fight between the superhero and Kraven.

Unfortunately for Coogler, he said that the idea was quickly shot down by the higher ups at Sony.

“I’m a big Spider-Man fan, especially Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Kraven’s great in that,” said Coogler. “He’s also great in the books, so I was like ‘Can I have Kraven in this movie?’ and they were like ‘We don’t think so, but let us check right quick,’ so they hit Sony, and Sony was like ‘Absolutely not.'” 

Coogler noted that he is now happy about the decision as it led to Andy Serkis appearing in the film as Ulysses Klaue and the director getting the chance to work with him in the MCU. As for Kraven, he would end up getting his own solo movie years later, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson starring as the titular in a 2024 film that was not received well.

After directing 2025’s smash hit Sinners, Coogler is gearing up for a return to the MCU. After serving as an executive producer on the Disney+ series Ironheart, Coogler is getting ready to direct a third Black Panther film. Currently, little is known about that, but it is rumored to include another star-studded cast, including the potential addition of legendary actor Denzel Washington. 

Originally reported by Anthony Nash for SuperHeroHype.

Source: Comingsoon.net