Joe Manganiello imagined by new art as Kraven The Hunter in Tom Holland’s upcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming 3. The Spider-Man villain, a founding member of the Sinister Six in the Marvel comics, is one of the greatest villains in comic books and is seen as one of Spider-Man’s most challenging foes. In 2019, Manganiello said that Kraven The Hunter is his dream role, and with Sony’s rumored plans to introduce the character on screen, there is speculation that Manganiello could be cast.
The muscular actor is best known for starring in True Blood and playing one of the strippers in Magic Mike and its sequel Magic Mike XXL. He is also officially a part of the DC Extended Universe, appearing in one of the post-credits scenes in Justice League as Deathstroke, aka Slade Wilson, a role he is reprising in reshoots for Zack Snyder’s Justice League on HBO Max. Manganiello has actually appeared in the Spider-Man universe before. Long before Tony Revolori played the role in Tom Holland’s films, Manganiello played Peter Parker’s high school bully Flash Thompson in the 2002 Spider-Man when he was 26.
Now, digital artist ApexForm has created art of Manganiello as Kraven the Hunter for Looper. The art shows a contemporary, realistic take on the Marvel villain, with Manganiello wearing tactical gear in addition to a muted version of the fur collar he wears in the comics. He’s shown standing in New York City’s Times Square, with Holland’s Spider-Man swinging through the air in the background. You can see it below:
The fabulous art is the best case Manganiello can make for being cast in the role as it portrays the character perfectly. Even though it’s increasingly unlikely that Kraven will play a significant role in Spider-Man: Homecoming 3 – especially considering the movie is bringing back Jamie Foxx as Electro. However, Kraven could still be introduced in a smaller part or in a post-credits scene that sets up his solo film. If so, Manganiello will likely be hoping it’s him in the role.
The actor does seem suited to the role, not only physically, given his tall, muscular frame, but also because of his ability to act gruff and over-the-top, two things that are part of Kraven’s personality in the comics. Hopefully, Marvel and Sony have heard Manganiello’s pleas to play Kraven and consider him. He would be an incredibly popular choice with fans and make a strong opponent for Holland’s Spider-Man. And with shooting on Spider-Man: Homecoming 3 currently underway in Atlanta, perhaps Manganiello is already prepping for a cameo in the role.
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