Fri Dec 27 18:08:27 UTC 2024: ## Sony Blames Critics for Box Office Flop of Spider-Man Spinoffs
**Los Angeles, CA** – Outgoing Sony Pictures CEO Tony Vinciquerra is blaming negative press for the poor performance of the studio’s recent Spider-Man villain spinoffs, *Kraven the Hunter* and *Madame Web*. In an interview with the *Los Angeles Times*, Vinciquerra stated that the films, while not inherently bad, were “destroyed” by critics, leading to box office failure.
*Kraven the Hunter*, with a budget of $110 million, grossed a mere $43 million globally, representing one of the worst launches during Vinciquerra’s nearly eight-year tenure. *Madame Web* fared similarly poorly in theaters, although Vinciquerra noted its better performance on Netflix. He specifically cited a “negative campaign” launched by critics against both films, contrasting this with the success of the *Venom* franchise, which, despite critical scrutiny, still achieved significant box office success.
Vinciquerra’s comments highlight a significant challenge for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. While the first two *Venom* films were box office hits, subsequent attempts to expand the universe with *Kraven the Hunter* and *Madame Web* have failed to resonate with audiences. This lackluster reception, according to Vinciquerra, necessitates a re-evaluation of Sony’s strategy for future Spider-Man related films. He expressed concern that any further releases in the series would likely face similar critical backlash, regardless of quality. The future of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, outside of the Venom franchise, now hangs in the balance.
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