The superhero genre has been dominating the film world for years, with multiple studios attempting to create their own cinematic universes and compete for box office supremacy. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe continually breaks records, Sony was able to bring something unique to the table with Ruben Fleischer's Venom. Director/actor Andy Serkis was recently announced to be helming the project, and it looks like star Tom Hardy will be intimately involved in the project's writing.
Andy Serkis was confirmed as Venom 2's director just days ago, and shortly thereafter made an appearance at TCA to promote his role as the Ghost of Christmas Past in FX's A Christmas Carol. He also briefly touched on his forthcoming director's gig, revealing that the film's star has been helping to write Venom's sequel. As he put it:
Tom was very involved with the writing--with [screenwriter] Kelly Marcel--of the new story. So it's very much centered around their take.
Well, this is exciting. Tom Hardy was an executive producer on the first Venom movie, in addition to playing his dual roles as Eddie Brock and the symbiote title character. He clearly knows the budding franchise well, and helped in forming the mysterious plot of Venom's highly anticipated sequel.
CinemaBlend's Nick Venable was there for Andy Serkis' comments to TCA, which are sure to excite the many moviegoers who saw the first Venom in theaters. Heading into theaters, fans weren't sure what they were going to be in for with Venom-- especially given its poor critical performance. But Ruben Fleischer's blockbuster really resonated with audiences, and made a ton of money at the box office.
Venom 2 was all but a sure thing, especially given the post-credits scene featuring Woody Harrelson's Carnage. But it turns out that Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer wasn't returning to the director's seat, with the studio in need of a replacement for the follow-up movie. Andy Serkis was rumored for a few weeks before confirming it on social media.
Related: Why Andy Serkis Is The Best Option As Director For Venom 2
Just what Venom 2's script entails is a mystery, but it's exciting to see that the film's star is so intimately involved in the story. Obviously Carnage will be part of the narrative, although it doesn't look like Cletus Kasady had merged with that symbiote during Venom's mid-credits scene. It looks like we'll get another origin story in that way, while Eddie continues living with his alter ego in San Francisco.
Michelle Williams' Anne Weying is expected to return, having briefly merged with Venom herself. But she believes that Eddie is separated from his anti-hero partner, when he's truly out there killing criminals. That lie is sure to factor into the narrative too, although the overall plot is a complete mystery. But it's got Tom Hardy's approval, and Andy Serkis is clearly excited to be attached to the project.
Venom 2 is currently set to arrive in theaters October 2, 2020. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
