The upcoming Kraven the Hunter movie will introduce Calypso in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, as seen in the recently released trailer. Who’s Calypso? And since the film’s protagonist is a well-known Marvel antihero, is Calypso siding with the bad or the good guys? Here’s what you need to know.
Who’s Calypso in Kraven the Hunter?
Calypso is the lover of the titular antihero in Kraven the Hunter.
Created by writer Denny O’Neil and artist Alan Weiss, Calypso is a voodoo priestess that often clashes with Peter Parker. While she isn’t one of the most prominent Spider-Man villains, she has been involved in several storylines where she used her voodoo magic to manipulate and torment Spider-Man and other heroes. The Haitian priestess first appeared in 1980’s Amazing Spider-Man #209. Broadway alum Ariana DeBose is now set to portray the first-ever live-action adaptation of the character. DeBose’s resume includes an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her efforts in West Side Story.
In the upcoming J. C. Chandor-directed movie, Calypso will team up with Sergei Kravinoff, a.k.a. Kraven the Hunter, to face a list of villains, including The Foreigner, Chameleon, and Rhino. Sony Pictures is creating its own universe of Spider-Man villains, who are receiving their standalone films, as seen in Venom and Morbius. It seems Calypso will join the team of antiheroes who are showing the best part of themselves by dealing with other (and minor) villains. At least until they end up clashing with Spidey himself, which will happen sooner or later.
Calypso has appeared in several Spider-Man animated series and video games, with Susan Beaubian, Angela Bryant, Angela V. Shelton, and Jennifer Hale alternating to voice the character.
Without spoiling too much for those who haven’t read the comics, the love affair between Calypso and Kraven has always been intense and arguably toxic. On October 6, 2023, fans will find out whether producers have taken a different route for the characters’ stories.
