Sony shifts 'Kraven' to December; 'Karate Kid' to May 2025

Sony shifts 'Kraven' to December; 'Karate Kid' to May 2025
27 Apr 2024

Sony has officially announced the delay of two eagerly-awaited films, Kraven the Hunter and Karate Kid.

The next installment in the Spider-Man Universe—Kraven the Hunter—originally set for August 30, will now debut on December 13.

This adjustment comes after a previous postponement of nearly a year due to Hollywood strikes in 2023.

Concurrently, the premiere date for the new Karate Kid movie has been shifted from December 13 to May 30, 2025.

A strategic move to align 'Karate Kid' with TV spinoff
Strategic timing

Reports suggest that the decision to announce a new release date was made to enable Karate Kid to align with the final season of its television spinoff, Cobra Kai.

It's sixth and final season will premiere on Netflix.

The upcoming film marks a revival of the original franchise and features an impressive cast including Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Wyatt Oleff, Aramis Knight, and Ming-Na Wen.

Meanwhile, 'Kraven The Hunter' tells the story of Russian immigrant
Character development

Kraven the Hunter tells the story of Russian immigrant Sergei Kravinoff, who is determined to become the world's top hunter.

The film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Sergei Kravinoff/Kraven, Ariana DeBose as Calypso, and Fred Heichinger as Dmitri Smerdyakov/Chameleon.

Directed by J.C. Chandor, with a story crafted by Richard Wenk and a screenplay penned by Wenk, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway, the film is produced by Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and David Householter.

Blumhouse's 'They Listen' takes over 'Kraven's release date
Release calendar

Sony has also announced the addition of They Listen from Columbia Pictures and Blumhouse to the release calendar, positioning it on the original date earmarked for Kraven on Aug. 30.

The movie features John Cho, Katherine Waterston, Havana Rose Liu, Lukita Maxwell, David Dastmalchian, and Keith Carradine.

Written and directed by Chris Weitz, the film is produced by Jason Blum, Chris Weitz, and Andrew Miano.

Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds's 'Animal Friends' slated for August 15
New film

Meanwhile, Legendary Entertainment has scheduled Animal Friends for release on Aug. 15.

The film boasts a star-studded cast including Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Daniel Levy, Lil Rel Howery, Addison Rae, and Ellie Bamber.

It will blend live-action and animated characters—courtesy of the writing duo Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider.

Emmy-winning director Peter Atencio helms this R-rated road trip adventure.

Joining Legendary in production are Reynolds's Maximum Effort and producer Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios.