It's been four years since 2018's Venom, starring Tom Hardy, first oozed its way into theaters. The film itself was an action-packed thrill ride that merely dipped audiences toes into the world of the titular anti-hero. The character began as a simple Spider-Man villain that morphed slowly into one of Marvel Comics most nuanced characters. In following with the comics, the film presented Venom as kind of heroic, but also manic and depraved.
Even without Spider-Man himself, the character managed to leave a large enough impact on viewers that a sequel was announced fairly soon after the first film's release. After slow post-production due to COVID-19 and several delays in release, anticipation still remains high for this sequel. Venom: Let There Carnage will now hit theaters on September 24th, 2021. Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming film.
Carnage Is The Big Bad
Teased in the mid-credits scene of the first film, Cletus Kasady (played by Woody Harrelson) will indeed receive a symbiote of his own and become the monster known as Carnage. The history of this character is full of murder and death. Kasady is already a serial killer prior to bonding with the Carnage symbiote, and his reign of terror will only increase with his newfound abilities. While Eddie Brock and his symbiote have fought other symbiotes before, they have never faced an adversary as twisted as Kasady.
If he has even a modicum of his comic counterpart's warped mindset, Kasady will cause immense levels of chaos and destruction. The showdown between Venom and Carnage is guaranteed to be bombastic and explosive. There's telling how many innocents will be caught in the crossfire. If the first film is any indication, viewers are in for some attention-grabbing action sequences and plenty of symbiote insanity.
Kasady Will Not Be Alone
First appearing at the start of the massive 14-part epic crossover event "Maximum Carnage", Shriek is an ally and romantically connected to Kasady. Proving to be just as twisted as her partner, Shriek more than gave Spider-Man a run for his money. With Shriek and Kasady's combined strength and madness, Eddie Brock will be in for the match of his life. If he and the Venom symbiote find a way to work together as a team, he may stand a chance. Otherwise he will be left with few to no allies, and a small chance at victory.
On her own, Shriek may not be the most powerful Marvel villain. However, teamed with Carnage, the two may just succeed in causing death, destruction, and mayhem. Naomie Harris of 28 Days Later and Moonlight fame will play Shriek in the film.
Andy Serkis Takes Over Directing Duties
Ruben Fleischer, who directed the first Venom film, will not take the helm of its sequel. In his place is Andy Serkis, none other than the Gollum himself. This means that the Venom film series will embark on a bold, new direction. Serkis's expertise with mo-cap and CGI technology is sure to come in handy.
The symbiotes themselves are CGI, meaning that Serkis will have plenty of material ripe for his flairs and touches. If his previous film Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle is any indication, then audiences are in for a darker tone with plenty of astonishing CGI. This new take could elevate the Venom series to a status that is mostly reserved for Disney-based Marvel films. Once a trailer is released, audiences will be able to get a better sense of Serkis's vision. With his impressive track record, though, it should be safe to say that Venom is in good hands.
An Increased Focus On The Relationship Between Eddie Brock and Venom
While the action was great, one of the best parts of the first Venom film is the relationship between Eddie Brock and his symbiote. Equal parts hilarious, disturbing, and strangely heartwarming, this relationship is the heart of the film. With both roles being played by Tom Hardy, it is extremely impressive how both distinct both these characters feel to the audience. Tom Hardy put his all into the film, and no one can claim otherwise.
Producer Matt Tolmach has gone on the record and stated that the sequel will delve even deeper into their relationship. This will allow viewers the chance to not only see how their relationship has evolved, but where it could potentially go. Whether it will be enough to handle the demon that is Carnage, only time will tell.
Tom Hardy Has Already Signed On For A Third Film
Tom Hardy seems to be incredibly passionate about the Venom film series as he signed on for three films from the start. This bodes well for the series, as it seems to have a direction and focus. It also means that in this film at least, Eddie Brock will find a way to survive Carnage
However, there is no way he's leaving without any scars. Venom and Carnage are longtime adversaries (and part-time allies) with a hatred that runs very deep. The film will have its own take on this conflict. As a result, Eddie will most definitely be put through the ringer and come out a changed man.