I’ve figured out the perfect way for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe to be saved after the release ofVenom: The Last Dance. Set to premiere on October 25 and following on from his experience in theMCUinSpider-Man: No Way Home,Venom: The Last Danceis expected to mark the end ofTom Hardy’s journey as Eddie Brock, a.k.a. the host of the alien Symbiote known as Venom. Venom’s adventure ending could spell bad news for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, but I reckon Sony could make a bold choice to save their Marvel franchise.
Venom: The Last Danceis the final movie in Tom Hardy’s trilogy as Eddie Brock, pitting him against a new supervillain after his battles with Riot, Carnage and Shriek. I was shocked to see Knull appear inVenom: The Last Dance’sfinal trailer.I didn’t expect Sony to adapt such an influential and powerful villain, especially after several disappointing releases, includingMorbiusandMadame Web. However, I thinkKnull’s introduction inVenom: The Last Dancepresents Sony with the perfect chance to redeem itself and create stronger connections to the MCU.
Venom 3 Won’t Be The End For Knull
Knull Is One Of Marvel’s Most Notable Villains
Little is known about Knull’s role inVenom: The Last Dance, down to who is actually playing the supervillain for his live-action debut. However, Knull’s debut inThe Last Dancehas me very excited about the upcoming movie, especially asKnull has made a significant impact on the world of Marvel Comics, even in the short time since his first appearance in 2018’sVenom (Vol. 4) #3. Because of this, I was thrilled whenVenom: The Last Dancedirector Kelly Marcelconfirmed that this is"just the introduction to Knull"at this year’s NYCC.
In Marvel Comics, Knull is a primordial deity who was dubbed the King in Black by the Celestials, tasked with maintaining the multiverse from within. After renouncing this position,Knull created an army of Symbiote soldiers to wage war against the Celestials, one of which being the Symbiote who bonds with Eddie Brock, Venom. Knull’s prominent role inVenom: The Last Danceand the SSU’s futurehas me thinking that a drastic and game-changing plan to refocus the entire franchise could be the way to go.
I Think Sony Should Focus On Its Symbiotes After Venom 3
Sony Has Introduced Many Symbiotes Since 2018’s Venom
While it may seem drastic, I think a complete refocusing of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe onMarvel’s symbiote characterswould be the best move for the franchise. This would remove the distraction of lackluster characters such as Morbius, Madame Web and more, while putting the likes of Venom, Riot, Carnage, Toxin and their Symbiote cousins front-and-center.There are so many Symbiote characters in Marvel Comics that it would be easy for Sony to build an entire franchise around them, and this could give Knull a significant role in the SSU’s future.
It never made sense to me that Sony branded its Marvel franchise as Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, since the franchise still hasn’t introduced itsown version of Peter Parker’s Spider-Man.I reckon transforming the franchise into Sony’s Symbiote Universe would be a much better choice, putting Knull in the middle of the action and making his Symbiote creations the franchise’s central characters. Since theVenommovies have always been the SSU’s most successful, this may be a surefire way to ensure more hits than misses.
Sony’s Venom Movies Have Been Its Most Successful Installments
Venom & Venom: Let There Be Carnage Are The SSU’s Most Popular Movies
Venom: The Last Danceis the thirdVenommovie in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, and is expected to continue the film series' successful streak. While there have only been four movies currently released in the SSU,the two formerVenommovies have been the franchise’s most successful installments, withVenomandVenom: Let There Be Carnagegrossing $856.1 million and $506.9 million, respectively. Comparatively,MorbiusandMadame Webwere abysmal and heavily criticized, so I think focusing on developing theVenomfranchise would be best for the SSU.
2018
$856.1 million
2021
$506.9 million
2022
$167.5 million
2024
$100.5 million
TBD
According toDeadline,Venom: The Last Danceis projected to gross around $70 million in its opening weekend, which is lower than both its predecessors. However,Venom: The Last Danceis estimated for a total grosssomewhere between the box office totals ofVenomandVenom: Let There Be Carnage, which would make the threequel a success story for the SSU. I would love for this to happen, asSony needs a win afterMorbiusandMadame Webbecame abject failures, and this would emphasize just how important Symbiotes and Venom are to the faltering franchise.
Focusing On Symbiotes Would Benefit Both The SSU & The MCU
Marvel Studios' Spider-Man Stories Could Benefit From This Change, Too
Sony restructuring its Marvel movie franchise around Symbiotes and Knull would not only ensure that it delivered more consistently-successful projects, but this would also benefit the MCU proper, too.Removing characters such as Morbius, Madame Web, the Spider-Women and Kraven the Hunter from the SSU would allow them to debut in the MCU,instead. We’ve seen Marvel Studios adaptSpider-Man-related characters from Marvel Comicsmore successfully than Sony time and again, so I think this would be the best choice for both franchises.
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Folding the SSU’s failed characters into the MCU would set up some fantastic stories forTom Holland’s future as Spider-Man. Michael Keaton’s Vulture could return to the MCU, while Morbius' reinvention in the MCU could provide another piece to the Midnight Sons puzzle.Madame Web could become an actual mentor to Spider-Man, while Peter Parker could join forces with Spider-People from across the multiverse. Of course, Sony and Marvel Studios could still crossover afterVenom: The Last Danceto pit Spider-Man against Symbiote villains, who I’d love to see get stronger development in a brand-new franchise.
Venom: The Last Dance
Cast
Venom: The Last Dance is a film directed by an undisclosed director, featuring the character Venom in a thrilling narrative. The movie explores the alien symbiote’s latest challenges and transformations as it navigates through a world full of danger and new adversaries.
