If you were hoping to see Tom Hardy return for Venom 4, the latest updates suggest you may be waiting a while—if it ever happens at all. Venom 3 (The Last Dance) was released on October 25, 2024 and Sony Pictures has made no official announcement regarding a fourth installment in the franchise.
“Venom: The Last Dance” ended up grossing a total of $478.9 million worldwide, with $139.8 million domestically and $339.2 million internationally, making it the lowest-grossing film in the Venom franchise. With the momentum trending downward in the series (with costs going up) there just doesn’t seem to be an appetite to continue it. So it’s likely that the story ends in a trilogy, closing the book on Eddie Brock’s current arc.
A Financially Successful Yet Conclusive Trilogy
The Venom trilogy has been one of Sony’s most financially lucrative ventures outside of its core Spider-Man films:
- Venom (2018): $856 million worldwide
- Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021): $507 million
- Venom: The Last Dance (2024): $477 million
While The Last Dance saw a modest drop compared to its predecessors, it still performed well given the crowded release window and shifting audience preferences in the superhero genre. However, Sony positioned it as a finale, not a springboard for more direct sequels. The film’s title alone was a clear signal: this was Eddie and Venom’s last waltz—at least for now.
What Happened in The Last Dance
The third installment tied up loose threads from both Let There Be Carnage and the multiverse chaos of Spider-Man: No Way Home, with Eddie and Venom now fugitives navigating a world that increasingly views them as unstable threats. The tone was darker, more reflective, and aimed to give emotional closure to the Brock-Venom bond that had been the heart of the series.
Could Venom Return in Another Form?
Despite the trilogy’s conclusion, the door isn’t entirely closed on the character. Tom Hardy has publicly expressed interest in continuing the role, especially in the form of a long-rumored crossover with Spider-Man. In a 2024 interview, Hardy admitted that a Venom-Spidey encounter “got close,” but never materialized due to shifting studio priorities and timelines.
Sony still holds the cinematic rights to Spider-Man and the associated Marvel characters (including Venom, Morbius, and Kraven), and is continuing to build out its “Sony Spider-Man Universe” (SSU). This leaves room for the symbiote to reappear, even if not in a Venom 4 film. Some fans speculate that spin-offs or a multiverse event could revive Eddie Brock or introduce alternate-universe symbiotes like Agent Venom, Toxin, or even Knull, the god of symbiotes.
What About Secret Wars?
One of the more tantalizing possibilities is a Venom appearance in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Secret Wars (scheduled for May 2027). If Marvel and Sony find a way to coordinate, that film could serve as a playground for multiverse cameos—including Tom Hardy’s Venom—especially given how the character was briefly featured in a post-credits scene of No Way Home.
Fan Speculation and Hope Remain Strong
Though there’s no Venom 4 on the docket, the fan base is far from giving up. Fan-made trailers like the viral “Venom 4: King in Black” continue to generate buzz on YouTube, fueling hope that Hardy’s symbiote days aren’t entirely over.
For now, Sony seems focused on its upcoming projects, including Kraven the Hunter, a Spider-Woman project, and the long-developing Sinister Six. Whether Venom finds his way back into that mix is still a big question—but in the comic book movie world, no goodbye is ever truly final.
Key Takeaways
- No Venom 4 movie is currently in development following the completion of Tom Hardy’s trilogy with “The Last Dance.”
- The Venom franchise has been financially successful, with the original film earning $856 million worldwide.
- Sony might explore other symbiote characters or storylines while Eddie Brock’s journey appears to have reached its conclusion.
History of the Venom Franchise
The Venom franchise began in 2018 and quickly established itself as a significant player in superhero cinema despite mixed critical reception. Sony’s gamble on the Spider-Man villain paid off financially through three films starring Tom Hardy.
Origin and Evolution
The character of Venom first appeared in Marvel comics in 1988 as a Spider-Man antagonist before evolving into an anti-hero. Sony acquired the film rights to Spider-Man and related characters in the 1990s, but Venom didn’t receive his standalone film until 2018.
The first movie introduced Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) as a journalist who bonds with an alien symbiote. Their complex relationship formed the emotional core of the trilogy. Director Ruben Fleischer helmed the first film, while Andy Serkis took over for the 2021 sequel “Venom: Let There Be Carnage.”
The trilogy concluded with “Venom: The Last Dance” (2023), directed by Kelly Marcel, who had written the previous films. This final installment wrapped up Eddie and Venom’s journey together.
Box Office Performance
The Venom franchise proved remarkably successful at the box office despite pandemic challenges affecting the later films:
| Film | Release Year | Worldwide Box Office |
|---|---|---|
| Venom | 2018 | $856 million |
| Venom: Let There Be Carnage | 2021 | $507 million |
| Venom: The Last Dance | 2023 | $376 million |
The original film exceeded expectations with its impressive haul, establishing Venom as a viable franchise. The sequel performed respectably despite COVID-19 restrictions limiting theater attendance.
While “The Last Dance” showed a decline in revenue, the trilogy’s combined earnings topped $1.7 billion worldwide, making it a profitable venture for Sony Pictures.
Critical Reception
Critics initially responded harshly to the first Venom film, criticizing its uneven tone and script issues while praising Hardy’s eccentric performance. The first installment holds a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes but scored much better with audiences at 80%.
“Let There Be Carnage” received slightly improved reviews, with critics appreciating its lean runtime and commitment to comedy elements. The film embraced the odd-couple dynamic between Eddie and the symbiote that fans had enjoyed.
“The Last Dance” earned similar mixed reviews, though many critics acknowledged it as a fitting conclusion to the trilogy. Throughout all three films, Tom Hardy’s committed performance as both Eddie Brock and the voice of Venom consistently earned praise even from detractors.
Fan reception remained considerably more positive than critical response across the trilogy, creating a disconnect between reviewer opinions and audience enthusiasm.
No Current Plans for Venom 4
Despite the popularity of “Venom: The Last Dance” on Netflix after its October 2024 release, Sony Pictures has not announced any official development for a fourth Venom movie. The trilogy appears to have concluded Tom Hardy’s contracted portrayal of Eddie Brock.
Statements from Sony and Marvel
Sony has remained silent about continuing the Venom franchise beyond the third film. “Venom: The Last Dance” was marketed as the final installment featuring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock. Industry insiders note that Hardy was only contracted for three movies, making his return unlikely without a new agreement.
Neither Sony nor Marvel has issued formal statements about future Venom projects. This silence is particularly telling in an era when studios typically announce franchise continuations well in advance to maintain audience interest.
The studio’s focus appears to have shifted to other Spider-Man universe characters rather than extending the Venom storyline specifically.
Analysis of the Trilogy’s Conclusion
“Venom: The Last Dance” deliberately wrapped up Eddie Brock’s story arc while simultaneously introducing new concepts like the Codex – created when a symbiote resurrects its host. This narrative choice provides closure while cleverly leaving doors open for symbiote stories without Hardy.
The post-credits scene hints at potential future symbiote stories, but doesn’t necessarily indicate a direct “Venom 4” sequel. Instead, it suggests Sony might explore other characters or storylines within the symbiote universe.
The film’s Netflix success in February 2025 has renewed interest in the franchise, but this hasn’t translated to development announcements. The trilogy’s conclusion satisfies the character’s journey while allowing Sony flexibility for possible spinoffs or reboots rather than direct sequels.
Key Creative Minds Behind the Venom Films
The Venom trilogy has been shaped by a handful of talented filmmakers and writers who brought Eddie Brock and his symbiote companion to life on the big screen. Their creative decisions established the franchise’s unique tone that blends horror, comedy, and superhero elements.
Directorial and Production Insights
Ruben Fleischer directed the first Venom film (2018), setting the initial tone for the franchise with its blend of body horror and comedy. His background in zombie comedy with “Zombieland” influenced the film’s humorous approach to the symbiote-host relationship.
Andy Serkis, known for his motion capture expertise, took over directing duties for “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (2021). His experience with CGI characters helped enhance the visual portrayal of the symbiotes. Serkis focused on developing the dysfunctional “odd couple” dynamic between Eddie and Venom.
For the final installment, “Venom: The Last Dance” (2024), Kelly Marcel stepped up from writer to director. This marked her directorial debut after being deeply involved with the character development throughout the trilogy.
Writers and Their Influence
Kelly Marcel has been the most consistent creative force behind the Venom trilogy. She co-wrote the first film, took on lead writing duties for the sequel, and both wrote and directed the third installment. Her increasing creative control shaped the franchise’s evolution.
Marcel’s writing emphasized the complex relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom. She developed their bond from reluctant partnership to something resembling friendship and even family.
Tom Hardy himself contributed to the story development for the sequels, receiving story credit alongside Marcel for “Let There Be Carnage” and “The Last Dance.” His involvement highlights his dedication to the character beyond acting.
The writing team balanced Sony’s desire for marketable PG-13 content with the inherently violent nature of the Venom character from comics. This creative challenge resulted in the trilogy’s distinctive tone that differs significantly from traditional Marvel films.
Character Studies and Story Arcs
The Venom franchise has developed complex character dynamics throughout its three films, with the symbiotic relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom at its core. Various antagonists have provided compelling counterpoints that challenge and shape our protagonists’ evolution.
Eddie Brock and Venom’s Relationship
Eddie Brock and Venom share one of the most unique partnerships in superhero cinema. Their bond has evolved from reluctant cohabitation in the first film to a dysfunctional but caring relationship by “Venom: The Last Dance.”
Tom Hardy’s portrayal captures the internal struggle of a man sharing his body with an alien entity. The character arc shows Eddie learning to compromise with Venom while the symbiote gradually adopts more human characteristics and emotions.
This relationship represents the heart of the trilogy, with each film testing their connection in new ways. Their rapport combines comedy with genuine emotional moments, creating a buddy dynamic unlike any other in the genre.
Through their shared experiences facing threats like Riot, Carnage, and Knull, the pair has formed an unbreakable bond that transcends their differences.
Antagonists and Their Development
The Venom films feature antagonists who serve as dark reflections of the Eddie-Venom relationship. Riot demonstrated a purely dominating relationship with its host, while Carnage and Cletus Kasady represented a more harmonious but destructive bond.
Knull, the god of the symbiotes, represents the ultimate threat in “The Last Dance.” As the creator of the symbiote race, he embodies the primal darkness from which Venom has gradually evolved away.
These villains challenge not just Eddie and Venom physically but philosophically. Each antagonist forces our protagonists to define what makes their relationship work and how it differs from more malevolent symbiote bonds.
The evolution of these villains across the trilogy shows increasing complexity. From simple monsters to characters with distinct motivations and personalities, they’ve added depth to the Venom universe.
Future of the Symbiote Universe
With Venom: The Last Dance now streaming on Netflix, the future of Sony’s symbiote-focused films remains uncertain. The introduction of the Codex concept has opened new narrative possibilities despite the apparent conclusion of Tom Hardy’s trilogy.
Potential Collaborations and Spinoffs
The most promising future for Venom may lie in crossovers rather than direct sequels. Spider-Man 4 presents a natural opportunity to incorporate the symbiote character, building on the brief multiverse connection established in previous films. Sony continues to expand its Spider-Man adjacent universe with projects like Kraven the Hunter and previous entries like Morbius.
The concept of the Codex, introduced in Venom: The Last Dance, provides a mechanism for symbiotes to resurrect hosts. This storytelling device could enable new symbiote characters to emerge without requiring Hardy’s Eddie Brock.
Marvel Studios and Sony might leverage their partnership to bring symbiote elements into the broader MCU. This approach could satisfy fans while allowing the studios to move beyond the standalone Venom trilogy.
Fan Theories and Speculations
Many fans believe Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock might appear in smaller supporting roles across Sony’s spider-verse. This would maintain the character’s presence without committing to full Venom sequels.
Other theories suggest focusing on alternative symbiote hosts like Flash Thompson’s Agent Venom or exploring Knull, the god of the symbiotes. These characters have rich comic histories that remain untapped in film.
Some enthusiasts speculate about a potential Secret Wars adaptation incorporating symbiotes. The storyline could unite various Marvel universes and provide a natural framework for symbiote integration.
The lukewarm reception to recent Sony Spider-Man universe films has tempered expectations. However, the consistent box office performance demonstrates ongoing audience interest in symbiote stories despite critical reviews.
Impact on Popular Culture and Media
Venom’s popularity extends far beyond the box office numbers, shaping trends in superhero storytelling and merchandise. The character has built a dedicated fanbase despite mixed critical reception of the films.
Influence on Superhero and Comic Book Films
Venom’s success demonstrated that anti-hero narratives could achieve commercial viability outside mainstream MCU storytelling. The first film’s $856 million global haul shocked industry analysts, proving audience appetite for darker comic book adaptations. This success encouraged Sony to develop its Spider-Man Universe with films like Morbius and Madame Web.
The symbiote’s physical design has influenced visual effects approaches in subsequent superhero films. Venom’s blend of horror and action elements created a template for PG-13 films that push boundaries without crossing into R-rated territory.
At conventions like New York Comic Con, Venom costumes and merchandise remain popular years after the initial film’s release. The character’s distinctive look and anti-hero status resonates particularly with younger audiences seeking alternatives to traditional hero narratives.
Venom’s Presence in Other Media Forms
The character’s popularity has translated into strong performance on streaming platforms. When Venom: The Last Dance arrived on Netflix in February 2025, it immediately claimed the #1 spot on the platform’s trending movies list, demonstrating continued audience interest.
Venom has maintained a significant presence in video games, appearing in titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, where the symbiote storyline was a central feature. The character’s distinctive visual design translates effectively across media formats.
Comic book sales featuring Venom have seen periodic increases following each film release. Marvel often times new Venom-centric storylines to coincide with movie premieres, leveraging the cross-media exposure.
Merchandise featuring the character continues to perform strongly, with action figures, clothing, and collectibles remaining popular items at retailers. The simple but striking black-and-white design with the character’s signature toothy grin has become instantly recognizable in pop culture.
Economic Aspects of the Venom Series
The Venom franchise has demonstrated significant financial patterns throughout its three-film run, with varying degrees of box office success despite consistent production budgets. Both merchandise sales and strategic brand partnerships have played crucial roles in the overall profitability beyond ticket sales.
Box Office Success and Failures
The first Venom movie stunned industry analysts by grossing approximately $856 million worldwide in 2018, despite mixed critical reception. This impressive performance established the franchise as a commercial powerhouse. However, subsequent entries showed a concerning downward trend.
“Venom: Let There Be Carnage” earned $507 million globally, while “Venom: The Last Dance” further declined to $477 million. Both sequels maintained production budgets of around $100 million, similar to the original film.
This gradual box office decline may partially explain Sony’s hesitation to immediately greenlight a fourth installment. The diminishing returns raise questions about the franchise’s long-term viability, despite each film remaining profitable relative to production costs.
Merchandising and Brand Partnerships
Beyond theatrical revenue, the Venom character has generated substantial income through merchandise and licensing deals. Action figures, clothing, and collectibles featuring the symbiote’s distinctive appearance have maintained consistent popularity.
Sony leveraged the character’s recognition through partnerships with consumer brands including snack foods, beverages, and video game promotions. These collaborations created additional revenue streams separate from box office performance.
The merchandise appeal has proven remarkably resilient even during periods between film releases. This ongoing income source likely factors into any decisions regarding the franchise’s future development.
While no official announcements about a fourth film have emerged, the established merchandising infrastructure represents a valuable asset that Sony might be reluctant to abandon entirely, regardless of box office trends.
Fan Engagement and Public Reception
The absence of a confirmed Venom 4 has sparked significant online activity and speculation among Marvel fans. Despite the trilogy’s conclusion with “The Last Dance,” fan communities continue to analyze potential futures for the symbiote character.
Fan Discussions and Forums
Online forums and social media platforms have become hubs for Venom enthusiasts speculating about the franchise’s future. Reddit threads and Twitter discussions frequently analyze Tom Hardy’s statements about his role as Eddie Brock ending with the third film.
Many fans express disappointment at the apparent conclusion of Hardy’s portrayal. Others remain hopeful, pointing to Marvel’s history of reviving successful characters despite definitive-seeming endings.
Fan theories about potential storylines for Venom 4 persist despite no official development plans. Some suggest a new host for the symbiote, while others propose crossovers with Spider-Man. These discussions often reference the post-credit scenes from previous films as evidence for future narrative possibilities.
Public Expectations for Future Films
Survey data indicates that viewers have mixed expectations about Venom’s cinematic future. Many fans understand the trilogy format but hope for the character’s integration into larger Marvel storylines.
Box office performance of the Venom films ($856 million for the original and $502 million for “Let There Be Carnage”) demonstrates the commercial viability of the character. This financial success fuels public speculation about Sony’s long-term plans for the symbiote property.
Fan petitions for Venom’s appearance in upcoming Spider-Man films have gained traction. The brief connection between the characters in “No Way Home” created significant excitement and heightened expectations for future crossovers.
Industry analysts note that Sony might explore spin-offs or reboots rather than direct sequels. This approach would maintain the property’s value while respecting the trilogy’s intended conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have many questions about the potential future of the Venom franchise after the release of “Venom: The Last Dance.” Current information suggests no plans for a fourth installment, with Tom Hardy likely concluding his role as Eddie Brock.
Has the production for a fourth Venom film been announced?
No official production announcement has been made for Venom 4. Sony Pictures has not confirmed any plans to develop a fourth installment in the Venom franchise as of February 2025.
The current film, “Venom: The Last Dance,” appears to be positioned as the final chapter in Tom Hardy’s trilogy. Marketing materials and the title itself suggest this marks the conclusion of this particular storyline.
Industry insiders have not reported any pre-production activities or script development for a potential fourth film.
What are the reasons behind not developing Venom 4 currently?
The primary reason seems to be Tom Hardy’s departure from the role of Eddie Brock. Hardy has indicated “The Last Dance” completes his character’s journey in the series.
Sony might be reassessing the direction of their Spider-Man Universe after completing this trilogy. The studio may be exploring other characters from their Marvel license rather than continuing with Venom immediately.
Box office performance and audience reception of “The Last Dance” will likely influence future decisions about the franchise’s continuation.
Who are the current confirmed members of the cast for the next Venom installment?
There are no confirmed cast members for a fourth Venom film since the project is not currently in development. Tom Hardy has completed his three-film contract and appears to be finished with the role.
Supporting cast members from previous films have not made announcements about returning for future installments. Any continuation would likely require new casting decisions.
If Sony decides to continue the Venom story, they might recast the character or focus on different symbiote characters within their universe.
Is there a planned release date or production timeline for Venom 4?
No release date or production timeline exists for Venom 4. With no confirmed development underway, scheduling predictions would be premature.
Sony Pictures has not included a fourth Venom movie in their publicly announced upcoming film slate. The studio typically announces major productions 2-3 years before targeted release dates.
Any potential Venom sequel would likely require at least 18-24 months of production time from announcement to theatrical release.
What potential storylines could be explored in the fourth Venom movie?
If Sony continues the franchise, they might explore the Knull storyline, the god of symbiotes from Marvel comics. This cosmic villain would expand the universe beyond Earth-based threats.
The multiverse concept introduced in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” could allow for a new interpretation of Venom or crossovers with other characters from Sony’s Spider-Man Universe.
Another possibility would be focusing on other symbiote characters like Toxin or Anti-Venom, shifting the narrative away from Eddie Brock while maintaining the franchise’s core elements.
Are there any official statements regarding the continuation of the Venom franchise?
Sony Pictures has not released any official statements about continuing the Venom franchise beyond the third film. The studio remains silent about future plans while promoting “The Last Dance.”
Tom Hardy has suggested in interviews that this trilogy completes his character’s story arc. His statements indicate the current narrative chapter is closed.
Producer Amy Pascal and director Kelly Marcel have focused their public comments on the current film rather than discussing plans for future installments.
