For the past few weeks, we've been hearing a lot of casting news and updates regarding Sony's Kraven the Hunter film which will be part of the Spider-Man Universe franchise. One of the main roles that the project was casting is Calypso in which actresses like Jodie Turner-Smith and Taylour Paige were reportedly in the running to play the character. Now, it looks like they have finally found the actress to play the role.
Deadline has reported that Ariana DeBose, who is currently Oscar-nominated for her performance as Anita in West Side Story, is set to play Calypso in Kraven the Hunter. She is joining the cast that already includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Russell Crowe, and Fred Hechinger. J.C. Chandor will direct the film with Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach serving as producers. Art Marcum & Matt Holloway and Richard Wenk are writing the screenplay.
In case you're not familiar with the character, Calypso is a powerful voodoo priestess who is known for granting Kraven his enhanced abilities and manipulating his obsession with Spider-Man to the point of driving him to suicide in the comics. She is also nefarious for escaping and reversing her own death.
DeBose's casting is coming off after her acclaimed role as Anita as West Side Story where she won a Golden Globe and SAG Award as well as nominated for Critic's Choice Award, BAFTA Award, and an Oscar. She is currently the frontrunner to win Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, which is set to be held at the end of the month. Prior to West Side Story, she also starred in the Netflix musical film The Prom and the Apple TV+ musical comedy series Schmigadoon!. She was also part of the original cast of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton.
Once again, Sony is casting yet again another rising talent in Hollywood who we might see win an Oscar very soon. As proven in her previous roles, DeBose is definitely one of the best young actresses in Hollywood at the moment and it is awesome that she's been cast in a high-profile project like Kraven the Hunter where she can showcase her talent beyond the musical roles that she has done so far. It is very interesting to see her take on Calypso and work alongside Taylor-Johnson.
Also Read: Kraven the Hunter: Russell Crowe's Mysterious Role Reportedly Revealed
Kraven the Hunter is currently scheduled to be released in theaters on January 13, 2023.
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