Chandorsays he found the origin story of Marvel’s iconic supervillainKraven the Hunterto be irresistible.
COLLIDER: What was it aboutKraven the Hunterthat made you want to direct your first comic-book film?
J.C. CHANDOR: There are a couple ways to answer that question.
Image via Sony Entertainment
At my core, I think Im a genre filmmaker.
I have kids who are now 19 and 14.
It wasnt complete at that time, but it was a great yarn.
Then I did a deep dive into the canon of Kraven, following it all the way through.
Its essentially this building of a villain.
Its obviously very tragic and sad.
Image via Sony Pictures
I was definitely reminded ofFirst BloodandPredator.
CHANDOR: [Laughs] Well, those are core films of my teenage years.
That’s the sweet spot right there.
Kraven the Hunter explores the origin story of Sergei Kravinoff, known as Kraven, as he navigates his tumultuous relationship with his father, Nikolai. This path of vengeance sets Kraven on a journey to become a formidable hunter with a reputation for fearsome brutality.
CHANDOR: I know.
Eunice Huthart is the second stunt coordinator and director.
Shes an amazing woman; she was actually Angelina Jolies stunt double for years.
I think shes the first woman ever to be a second unit director on a Marvel film.
There was no longer a law of gravity.
People were bouncing off shit.
This is just me bringing my teenage son and his friends to movies.
A long jumpers arc is really cool.
Its not perfect because its really hard to do this stuff, but its pretty damn close.
I think what youre reacting to is that gravity wins at the end of every stunt in this movie.
[Laughs] And thats from the books, too.
Kraven is always crashing into shit and falling through things.
Dont tell Aaron this, but Kraven is the self-proclaimed “greatest hunter in the world.
“He has his limitations, and thats what makes his interactions with other people so cool.
‘Kraven the Hunter’ hits theaters December 13.
In the footage I’ve seen, Kraven is quite sympathetic.
CHANDOR: Youre rooting for him.
Its what I hope makes the story somewhat human.
Its normally not one.
you’re able to make a bad decision and completely re-orient and correct yourself.
Well, that’s comforting to hear.
CHANDOR: I know, right?
He thinks hes doing all of this for the right reasons.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s physicality in this role is remarkable.
How much of his own stunt work did he perform?
CHANDOR: A lot.
His background is that, as a kid, he was a dancer.
He has unbelievable body control.
Kraven the Hunterhits theaters in the US on December 13.
