The Venom franchise, starring Tom Hardy as the iconic anti-hero Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote companion, has captivated audiences since its debut in 2018. With the release of Venom: The Last Dance in October 2024, fans are left wondering: is this truly the end of the road for Eddie and Venom, or is there more to come? Let’s dive into what we know about the possibility of a fourth Venom movie and the future of the symbiote saga.
The Current State of the Venom Franchise
Venom: The Last Dance was billed as the final chapter in the Venom trilogy, wrapping up Eddie Brock’s story with a mix of action, humor, and emotional depth. The film saw Eddie and Venom on the run from both human forces and the god of the symbiotes, Knull, culminating in a dramatic sacrifice by Venom to save Eddie and the world. Despite its mixed critical reception, the movie performed solidly at the box office, grossing $478 million worldwide.
However, the post-credits scenes left the door open for future stories. A broken vial containing a sample of Venom was teased, hinting that the symbiote could return. Additionally, Knull’s declaration of impending chaos suggests that the symbiote threat is far from over.
Tom Hardy’s Commitment to the Role
Tom Hardy has been the heart and soul of the Venom franchise, and his passion for the character is evident. Despite The Last Dance being marketed as the final installment, Hardy has expressed interest in continuing the story. At New York Comic Con, he stated, “I want to fight Spider-Man. I want to fight Spider-Man right now. I’m well up for it… Never say never.”
Hardy’s enthusiasm, combined with the unresolved plot threads, makes it clear that he’s not ready to say goodbye to Eddie Brock just yet. His willingness to return, especially for a crossover with Spider-Man, keeps hope alive for fans.
The Introduction of Knull and Future Villains
One of the most significant developments in The Last Dance was the introduction of Knull, the god of the symbiotes, played by Andy Serkis. Director Kelly Marcel described Knull as a “Thanos-level threat,” suggesting that his story is far from over.
Knull’s multiversal nature opens up exciting possibilities for crossovers, not just within Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) but potentially with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as well. This could pave the way for Venom to join forces with other Marvel heroes or even face off against Spider-Man in a future film.
Potential for Venom 4 or Spin-offs
While Venom 4 has not been officially confirmed, the groundwork has been laid for future stories. The broken vial in the post-credits scene hints at Venom’s return, and Knull’s looming threat suggests a larger narrative at play. Additionally, Sony’s plans for an interconnected universe of Spider-Man villains, including Kraven the Hunter and Madame Web, could provide opportunities for Venom to appear in spin-offs or team-up films.
Moreover, the comics offer a wealth of material to explore, including other symbiote hosts like Flash Thompson and Mac Gargan. This could allow the franchise to continue even if Eddie Brock’s story concludes.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the potential, Sony faces challenges in continuing the Venom franchise. The underperformance of recent SSU films like Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter has raised questions about the viability of the universe. However, Venom remains one of Sony’s most successful properties, and the character’s popularity could justify further investment.
A crossover with Spider-Man, whether it’s Tom Holland’s MCU version or Andrew Garfield’s iteration, could reignite interest in the franchise. Fans have long awaited a showdown between Venom and Spider-Man, and such a film could be a box office juggernaut.
Conclusion
While Venom: The Last Dance may have marked the end of Eddie Brock’s solo journey, the symbiote saga is far from over. With Tom Hardy’s enthusiasm, the introduction of Knull, and the potential for crossovers, the future of the Venom franchise is brimming with possibilities. Whether it’s Venom 4, a Spider-Man crossover, or spin-offs featuring other symbiote hosts, one thing is clear: the world of Venom is too rich and compelling to be left behind.
For now, fans can revisit Venom: The Last Dance and keep an eye out for updates on what’s next for the beloved anti-hero. The symbiote’s story is far from finished, and the next chapter could be even more thrilling than the last.
