Does Venom 3 Set Up Spider-Man 4, Sony’s Spider-Verse & The Future Of The MCU?

Does Venom 3 Set Up Spider-Man 4, Sony's Spider-Verse & The Future Of The MCU?

As a long-time comics enthusiast who’s seen more than a few twists and turns in the Marvel Universe, I must say that the organization behind Venom: The Last Dance is shrouded in mystery, much like the enigmatic xenophages. However, it seems to me that this group is pulling the strings from behind the scenes, similar to Strickland, who serves as Knull’s foot soldiers on Earth.


Contains spoilers for “Venom: The Last Dance”

In Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, it’s clear that the Venom series starring Tom Hardy has been the most triumphant experiment so far. Unlike other projects in this universe, there’s no actual Spider-Man and the future direction is somewhat ambiguous. Yet, viewers have stuck with this franchise since its debut. While films like “Morbius” and “Madame Web” gained notoriety for their meme potential, the Venom movies managed to steer clear of that. These movies have been financially successful even though they haven’t garnered much critical acclaim. However, Looper’s review for “Venom: The Last Dance” was generally favorable.

According to the title, this story appears to be Venom’s final farewell, and at the movie’s end, it certainly feels like the symbiote acted heroically. In a thrilling scene, Venom captures various xenophages within his ooze as acid surrounds them, effectively stopping Knull (portrayed by Andy Serkis) from obtaining the codex lodged in Eddie’s spine. The codex should now be destroyed, and the film ends with Eddie in New York City, cherishing the memories he’s accumulated as a lethal protector.

Although “Venom 3” may seem like a concluding chapter for Eddie Brock, it might not mark the end permanently. There are numerous storylines that can be continued in subsequent Sony films or even within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, given the multiverse’s infinite possibilities.

Venom 3’s Knull could become the next multiversal threat

Does Venom 3 Set Up Spider-Man 4, Sony's Spider-Verse & The Future Of The MCU?

It’s widely agreed that Knull, the deity of symbiotes in Marvel’s universe, is an incredibly intriguing new character. Unfortunately, his role thus far has been limited to delivering chilling speeches and dispatching xenophages to Earth to carry out his orders and find the codex. If he manages to obtain it, he could break free from his confinement and wreak havoc with darkness across the Multiverse. In essence, he’s a formidable adversary that should not be underestimated or confined to just one movie. There are numerous ways his storyline can be expanded upon in future plots.

One theory is that he’s effectively going to become the Thanos of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, bringing together all of the characters introduced so far to take him down. However, Knull may be too big for just the Sony-Verse. In Marvel Comics, he is a multiversal threat, possessing awareness of all realities and wielding power strong enough to take on some of the most powerful cosmic forces, Considering the MCU is in its Multiverse Saga, perhaps Knull could jump ship and play a role there.

As a fan who’s been following the Spider-Man saga closely, I can see how Marvel Studios and Sony’s collaboration for the films could pave the way for Tom Holland’s next adventure. However, there were whispers about disagreements between Marvel and Sony over the direction of “Spider-Man 4,” with some suggesting Sony aimed for a multiverse-centric plot while Marvel favored a more realistic take. If Sony insists on exploring the Multiverse to amplify the threat of Knull across franchises, but “Spider-Man 4” opts for a street-level narrative instead, Knull might stay confined within his own universe.

Eddie Brock is primed to join the Sinister Six after Venom 3

Does Venom 3 Set Up Spider-Man 4, Sony's Spider-Verse & The Future Of The MCU?

It appears that a “Sinister Six” film, a sequel to Sony’s superhero series, is yet to be produced but is being pursued. The goal of the studio would likely be to unite these villainous characters who have previously starred in their own movies for a grand event. At the end of “Venom: The Last Dance,” Eddie arrives in New York City, and it’s speculated that Morbius (played by Jared Leto), Madame Web (Dakota Johnson), and Kraven the Hunter (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) will also be present in the city.

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but speculate about Eddie Brock’s future in the Marvel universe. Though his criminal record has been wiped clean, he remains a fugitive, making it relatively straightforward for any of those characters to locate him. If they were to extend an invitation for him to join their squad, I wouldn’t be surprised if he accepted!

It appears that “Venom 3” is being suggested as the last solo Venom film, but actor Tom Hardy has expressed his enthusiasm for continuing in the role. In an interview with IGN, he stated, “I’ve enjoyed every moment of Eddie and Venom, and I have a soft spot for them. I’d be happy to play them anytime because there’s a part of me that wants to embody those characters, no matter where or how they’re used.” Given his fondness for the role, it’s possible that if the “Sinister Six” film ever materializes (and that’s uncertain), Hardy might be included.

Agony is still out there

Does Venom 3 Set Up Spider-Man 4, Sony's Spider-Verse & The Future Of The MCU?

In the lineup for a possible Sinister Six group in Sony’s Spider-Man universe, we have Venom, Morbius, Kraven the Hunter (with Michael Keaton joining the Sony-verse in “Morbius”), Rhino (played by Alessandro Nivola and confirmed for “Kraven the Hunter”), leaving one spot open. It’s uncertain who might fill that role, especially since plans for an “El Muerto” film featuring Bad Bunny have been put on hold. However, if Sony is determined to add a sixth member and quickly move forward with “Sinister Six”, Juno Temple’s character, Agony, could be the one to watch.

In “Venom: The Last Dance,” Temple takes on the role of Dr. Teddy Payne. Towards the end, to rescue Sadie (Clark Backo), she connects with a symbiote that seems to be Agony due to its purple hue and long locks. This symbiote grants her remarkable speed, but we’re left uncertain about her fate after the climax. Assuming she still possesses the symbiote within her body, she becomes an ideal candidate for future Sony films. Though she may not officially be part of the Sinister Six, she could prove to be a valuable asset, especially if Eddie Brock and Venom reunite again. If this happens, she might make a great ally.

Temple appears receptive to further superhero movies, as evidenced by her response when asked about potential spin-offs with co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor. When questioned if they might join future projects, she expressed enthusiasm, saying, “I adore my character and enjoy working with this team. I hope we can continue together. I’d be apprehensive to do it alone.” Given the success of “Venom: The Last Dance,” symbiotes may increasingly appear in the SSU.

What’s the Imperium and that shadowy organization?

Does Venom 3 Set Up Spider-Man 4, Sony's Spider-Verse & The Future Of The MCU?

Eddie and Venom face multiple adversaries in “The Last Dance,” including Knull who lurks ominously, Xenophages looking to feast on them, and Strickland (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) who aims to eliminate Eddie for Earth’s sake. Yet, it’s not just Strickland acting alone; he communicates with a mysterious organization that remains largely unknown to us. In essence, Strickland acts like the xenophages, serving as the foot soldiers while higher powers manipulate everything. Knull is somewhat familiar, but who exactly is this organization?

Strickland mentions a program called Imperium, a name that gives off a threatening vibe. In the comics, however, Imperium stands for the Shi’ar Empire, a powerful alien race known for its aggressive expansion plans. The issue lies in the fact that the Shi’ar are usually associated with the X-Men, and due to this link, their rights were previously owned by 20th Century Fox (now part of Disney). Sony might not be able to utilize them unless they manage to negotiate a deal with Marvel and Disney.

Despite not being definitively identified as the Shi’ar, this enigmatic group seems to have a global reach, swiftly discovering Eddie when he interacts with a camera. This unknown entity might be the one recruiting Eddie, Morbius, Kraven, and others to form the Sinister Six, a team assembled to safeguard Earth from an imminent danger, possibly Knull himself. The term “Imperium” may serve as a misdirection, hinting at something else entirely. It’s plausible that Sony intentionally left the organization’s identity vague, allowing it to take on various roles in future adaptations.

What could Venom: The Last Dance mean for Spider-Man 4?

Does Venom 3 Set Up Spider-Man 4, Sony's Spider-Verse & The Future Of The MCU?

Let There Be Carnage” and seeing Tom Holland’s Spider-Man on TV, they never had a chance to interact. In the post-credits scene from “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Venom was sent back to his own reality, as shown again at the start of “The Last Dance.” However, even though Venom is finished with multiverse drama, the multiverse might not be done with him yet.

Although Sony’s connected universe is often referred to as “Sony’s Spider-Man Universe,” there’s currently no Peter Parker character present. However, in the upcoming movie “Madame Web” (set in the early 2000s), we might expect to see him appear, which would mean he should be around during “Venom 3.” Since Sony’s world is distinct from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this Spider-Man would be different. However, if “Spider-Man 4” explores the Multiverse concept, it’s possible that Venom could return to the MCU for a showdown with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man.

In essence, “Venom: The Last Dance” lays the groundwork for potential future stories in the SSU or MCU. Although it’s uncertain when these storylines may reappear, there are plenty of possibilities to explore in upcoming films. For now, audiences can appreciate “Venom 3” as a fitting farewell for Tom Hardy, but who knows? He might follow in Hugh Jackman’s footsteps and continue portraying this character until he reaches the ripe age of 90.

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2024-10-25 05:00