Ariana DeBose is stepping into the Marvel universe with Kraven the Hunter and couldn’t be more thrilled to share the screen with Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

“Who doesn’t wanna act opposite that man?” DeBose, 33, exclusively told Us Weekly on December 9, while discussing the upcoming Sony-Marvel film. “He’s glorious — and glorious in our movie.”

DeBose, who plays a pivotal role in the Spider-Man villain’s origin story, also expressed admiration for director J.C. Chandor. “I loved his film Margin Call,” she said. “He has a real understanding of how to potentially take some big risks in a universe — the Sony Marvel universe — that was already establishing itself, but wanted to try something different.”

Kraven the Hunter follows Sergei Kravinoff (played by Taylor-Johnson), a notorious Spider-Man adversary, as he rises to fame as the most ferocious and skilled hunter in the world. The role marks Taylor-Johnson’s return to Marvel after portraying Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron. This time, he trades super speed for super strength, and according to DeBose, his transformation was remarkable.

“I was very much in awe of his commitment,” DeBose shared. “To play a character like that, of course, there’s the work you do as an actor. But it was the first time I’d ever had the opportunity to see up close the level of commitment and dedication that goes into the physical preparation — changing your body, building muscle, toning muscle. There’s a real scientific process to it.”

DeBose, best known for her Oscar-winning role as Anita in West Side Story, continues to carve her path in Hollywood with dynamic performances and diverse roles. Stepping into a Marvel film is yet another milestone in her growing career.

For Taylor-Johnson, Kraven represents a new chapter in his journey within the superhero genre. Since his breakout role in Kick-Ass and his stint as Quicksilver, he has shown a flair for complex, physically demanding characters. His performance in Kraven promises to capture the essence of the iconic villain, showcasing his evolution as an actor.

The film, slated for release in 2024, aims to expand Sony’s Spider-Man universe by diving deeper into the backstories of its most infamous characters. With Chandor at the helm, DeBose’s enthusiasm, and Taylor-Johnson’s dedication, Kraven the Hunter is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the Marvel landscape.

“It’s an exciting project,” DeBose said. “The story, the action, and the performances — I think fans are going to love it.”