The buzz around Upcoming Venom Film & TV Projects is hitting a fever pitch, and for good reason. Just when you thought you had a handle on Sony's peculiar corner of the Marvel universe, an exciting new report has dropped: a "Marvel movie focused around Agent Venom" is reportedly in development. This isn't just another rumor; it signals a potential broadening of the symbiote saga beyond Tom Hardy's charismatic Eddie Brock, introducing a fan-favorite character with a compelling, if complex, origin story.
While Venom: The Last Dance is confirmed to be the final chapter in the current Venom trilogy, don't mistake that for the end of the line for the gooey, brain-chomping alien—or its host. The symbiote's tendrils are stretching further than ever, reaching into the MCU, new Spider-Man films, and now, potentially, an entirely fresh narrative led by a different host.
At a Glance: What's Slithering Up Next for Venom
- Agent Venom Movie: Sony is reportedly developing a standalone film centered on Flash Thompson's Agent Venom, bringing a unique, government-controlled symbiote to the big screen.
- Venom: The Last Dance: The final film in the Tom Hardy trilogy is now in theaters, with Eddie and Venom on the run and facing "a devastating decision."
- Tom Hardy's Future: Despite The Last Dance concluding his trilogy, Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock/Venom may still appear in future MCU projects like Avengers: Secret Wars and Spider-Man 4.
- MCU Symbiote Seed: A piece of the Venom symbiote was left in the MCU by Tom Hardy's Venom in Spider-Man: No Way Home, hinting at a native MCU Venom.
- Spider-Man 4 Details: Tom Holland's next Spider-Man film, Brand New Day, is set for July 2026, featuring new cast members and Jon Bernthal's Punisher, with Venom rumored as a potential villain.
- Knull's Return: The symbiote creator, Knull, portrayed by Andy Serkis in The Last Dance, is expected to return in a future Sony/Marvel movie, potentially connecting to Agent Venom.
The Big Reveal: An Agent Venom Movie is in the Works
Hold onto your web-shooters, because a fascinating development is reportedly taking shape at Sony: a Marvel movie specifically centered on Agent Venom. Insider Daniel Richtman, known for his reliable scoops, first reported this, though details remain sparse beyond the core concept. But even the concept itself is monumental, promising to introduce a hero that’s a far cry from the classic Venom we know.
Who is Agent Venom? Unpacking Flash Thompson's Symbiote Saga
For those who might only know Flash Thompson as the high school bully to Peter Parker, prepare for a dramatic transformation. In the comics, Flash Thompson, after graduating and joining the United States Army, heroically serves his country but tragically loses his legs during the Iraq War. It's in this vulnerable state that he becomes a candidate for Project Rebirth 2.0. The U.S. government, having recovered the Venom symbiote, saw potential in using it as a controlled weapon.
Flash, an injured veteran with a strong moral compass and military discipline, was chosen as its host. Through a rigorous regimen of drugs and strict time limits to prevent the symbiote from fully bonding, he became Agent Venom. This iteration of Venom is a patriotic soldier, using the symbiote's power for good, but constantly battling its corrupting influence and his own struggles with addiction and trauma. It’s a nuanced, gritty, and deeply human take on the Venom mythos.
Why Agent Venom Matters: A Fresh Perspective on the Symbiote
A standalone Agent Venom film offers Sony an incredible opportunity to expand its "Spider-Man Universe" (SSU) beyond the comedic, anti-heroic dynamic of Eddie Brock and Venom. This character brings:
- A Military Angle: Introducing a government-sanctioned, weaponized symbiote opens doors to espionage, black ops, and a different kind of superhero narrative rooted in military operations and ethical dilemmas.
- A Heroic Venom: While Tom Hardy's Venom is an anti-hero, Agent Venom is unambiguously a hero, albeit one with a monstrous appearance. This shifts the perception of what a symbiote can be.
- Disability & Recovery: Flash's journey as an amputee who finds empowerment through the symbiote (while also battling its control) offers powerful themes of disability, overcoming adversity, and the psychological toll of war.
- New Mythology: It allows for exploration of different facets of the symbiote's abilities, its relationship with government agencies, and perhaps even its origins, potentially linking to Knull, the symbiote creator.
Who Could Wear the Symbiote Suit? Past Flashes and Future Hopes
The question of who would portray Flash Thompson as Agent Venom is already sparking debate. Several actors have brought Flash to life on screen:
- Joe Manganiello (Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy): The original cinematic Flash, Manganiello has publicly expressed strong interest in playing Agent Venom, even specifically mentioning Avengers: Secret Wars in February 2024. His physical presence and experience could make for a compelling, seasoned Flash.
- Tony Revolori (MCU's Spider-Man films): Revolori's comedic, initially antagonistic, then surprisingly friendly portrayal of Flash in the MCU has earned him a place in fans' hearts. He showed interest in returning for Spider-Man 4 in September 2024. Seeing his Flash evolve from privileged bully to war hero and then Agent Venom would be a truly incredible arc, albeit a dark one for a character initially played for laughs.
- Chris Zylka (The Amazing Spider-Man): Zylka played Flash in the Andrew Garfield era, another more traditional jock take.
Each actor brings a different flavor, but the intensity and gravitas required for Agent Venom's later story would be a significant shift for Revolori's character, or a powerful legacy performance for Manganiello. The choice will speak volumes about the film's intended tone and connection (or lack thereof) to existing Spider-Man universes.
Venom: The Last Dance – The End (or Just the Beginning?) of the Tom Hardy Era
While the Agent Venom news looks to the future, the present belongs to Venom: The Last Dance, now playing in theaters. This film marks the third and final installment in the incredibly successful Tom Hardy-led Venom trilogy, which has been the jewel in Sony's Spider-Man Universe crown.
The synopsis paints a grim but exciting picture: Eddie and Venom are on the run, hunted by unknown forces, and ultimately "forced into a devastating decision." This finality implies high stakes and potentially a definitive, heartbreaking conclusion to their chaotic bromance.
What's Next for Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock?
Even with "The Last Dance" in the title, it might not be the absolute end for Tom Hardy's portrayal of Eddie Brock and his gooey partner. Rumors persist that Hardy's Venom could make appearances in larger, multiversal Marvel events. Specifically:
- Avengers: Secret Wars: This massive multiversal crossover event (scheduled for December 2027) is a prime candidate for bringing together characters from across different cinematic universes, making Tom Hardy's Venom a strong possibility.
- Spider-Man 4: With Spider-Man 4 set for July 2026, and Venom often being a crucial Spider-Man antagonist (or ally), a cameo or a more significant role for Hardy's Venom isn't out of the question, potentially bridging the SSU and MCU further.
This potential continuation suggests that while the trilogy concludes its specific narrative arc, the character and performance are simply too valuable for Sony and Marvel to let go of entirely. Hardy has infused the character with such unique energy that shelving him permanently would be a missed opportunity.
The Shadow of Knull: Symbiote Creator's Looming Return
Venom: The Last Dance introduces a critical figure from the comics: Knull, the primordial creator of the symbiotes, portrayed by none other than Andy Serkis (who also directed Venom: Let There Be Carnage). Knull is an ancient, cosmic entity with immense power and a deep connection to the symbiotes.
His appearance in The Last Dance isn't just a cameo; he's expected to return in a future Sony/Marvel movie. This is where the Agent Venom film could intersect significantly. Knull's agenda typically involves spreading his dark influence across the universe and reclaiming his creations. Agent Venom, a symbiote controlled by humans, would be a direct affront to Knull's will and a potential target for his cosmic wrath. The introduction of Knull truly opens the door for Explore the all-new Venom saga on an epic, universe-spanning scale.
The Symbiote's MCU Connection: A Lingering Threat for Spider-Man
Remember that little piece of the Venom symbiote left behind in the MCU's mainline universe? It happened in 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home, thanks to Tom Hardy's Venom inadvertently leaving a sample before being transported back to his own universe. This wasn't just a throwaway moment; it was a deliberate seed planted for future stories.
Insider Alex Perez of The Cosmic Circus believes that this specific symbiote fragment will interact primarily with Spider-Man and, intriguingly, Scorpion. This sets the stage for an entirely native MCU Venom, one that doesn't rely on bringing Hardy's version back (though that's still possible for multiversal events).
Implications for the MCU's Future
- A New Venom: This fragment means the MCU can develop its own unique Venom, potentially bonding with a different host entirely, or even with Peter Parker himself before moving on to another.
- Scorpion's Symbiote: Mac Gargan, aka Scorpion, has a comic book history of bonding with the Venom symbiote, becoming "Venom-Scorpion." This could be a compelling villain arc for the MCU's Scorpion, last seen briefly in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
- Peter Parker's Dark Side: The symbiote famously amplifies its host's negative traits. If it initially bonds with Peter, it could push Tom Holland's Spider-Man into morally ambiguous territory, offering a darker exploration of his character.
This strategically placed symbiote ensures that Venom's presence won't be limited to Sony's separate universe; it's now firmly a part of the MCU's narrative fabric, ready to spawn new threats and anti-heroes.
Spider-Man 4: Brand New Day – A Path for Venom (and Punisher!)
The future of Tom Holland's Spider-Man is also shaping up, and it could very well intersect with Venom. The only revealed movie from Holland's potential second trilogy is Spider-Man: Brand New Day (often referred to as Spider-Man 4), scheduled for release in United States theaters on July 31, 2026.
This film is set to be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), with a screenplay by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, ensuring a blend of fresh vision and established comedic/emotional beats. Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal, Rachel O’Connor, and Avi Arad are producing, signifying the continued collaboration between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures.
New Faces and Familiar Fists
Spider-Man 4 is already building an intriguing cast. Sadie Sink (known for Stranger Things) and Liza Colón-Zayas are joining, hinting at new dynamics for Peter's post-identity-reveal life. Perhaps most excitingly, Jon Bernthal will reprise his role as Frank Castle, the Punisher. This marks a significant reintroduction of a beloved Netflix Marvel character into the mainline MCU, potentially setting a grittier tone for Peter's future challenges.
Venom as a Potential Antagonist for Peter Parker
Crucially for our discussion, rumored villains for Tom Holland’s potential second trilogy include Wilson Fisk, Tombstone, Hammerhead, Prowler, and Venom. Given the symbiote fragment left in the MCU and the ongoing popularity of the character, a full-fledged MCU Venom as an antagonist for Peter Parker feels inevitable.
- Why now? With Peter Parker now truly alone and unmasked to the world (at least to most), a Venom threat would be a deeply personal one, preying on his isolation and guilt.
- Different Dynamic: This wouldn't be the anti-hero Venom of the SSU; it would be a true threat, forcing Peter to confront a side of himself he might not know exists, especially if the symbiote tries to bond with him first.
- Multiversal Ramifications: While a native MCU Venom is likely, the possibility of Tom Hardy's Venom crossing over for Spider-Man 4 or Secret Wars would be a massive event, potentially leading to a clash between multiple Venoms.
Spider-Man 4 arrives just months before Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (December 17, 2027), placing it strategically within the larger MCU narrative. Any developments with Venom here could directly feed into the multiversal chaos of the Avengers films.
Crossing the Streams: How Agent Venom, Tom Hardy, and the MCU Might Converge
The landscape of upcoming Venom projects is complex, with multiple iterations and potential universes in play. It's not just about one symbiote anymore; it's about a sprawling narrative with various threads:
- Tom Hardy's Venom (SSU): Concluding his trilogy with The Last Dance, but potentially crossing over into the MCU for Spider-Man 4 and Secret Wars.
- Agent Venom (SSU/Standalone): A new film focused on Flash Thompson, operating as a government-controlled hero, likely within Sony's established universe, but with potential for broader connections, especially with Knull.
- MCU's Native Symbiote: The fragment left in No Way Home promises an entirely new Venom for Tom Holland's Spider-Man and perhaps other MCU characters like Scorpion.
The Multiverse as a Meeting Point
Avengers: Secret Wars is the ultimate stage for these disparate threads to converge. A multiversal war scenario could easily justify:
- Multiple Venoms: Imagine Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock, Flash Thompson's Agent Venom, and an MCU-native Venom all interacting (or clashing) on the same screen. This would be a symbiote fan's dream.
- Knull's Greater Threat: Knull, being a cosmic, multiversal threat, could be the connective tissue for all symbiote-related projects, his influence stretching across realities and driving various characters' motivations.
- Complex Character Dynamics: How would Eddie Brock react to another Venom? How would Agent Venom, a soldier, react to the chaos of the multiverse? These are rich storytelling possibilities.
The intricate relationship between Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios, though sometimes confusing for audiences, allows for these exciting, multiversal crossovers. It means that what happens in one universe can still have significant ramifications in another, weaving a truly interconnected narrative.
What This Means for the Future of Marvel on Screen
The sheer volume and diversity of Upcoming Venom Film & TV Projects signal a significant shift in how Marvel characters are being adapted.
- Character Depth: We're moving beyond simple hero/villain tropes. Agent Venom offers a deeply psychological exploration of trauma, disability, and control. Tom Hardy's Venom is an anti-hero battling internal and external demons. The MCU's Venom will likely be a primal threat for Spider-Man.
- Multiversal Storytelling Maturation: The concept of the multiverse is no longer a gimmick but a foundational element, allowing for multiple versions of beloved characters and complex narrative connections across studios.
- Expanding the Definition of "Superhero": Agent Venom, in particular, pushes the boundaries of what a superhero can be—a government asset, a disabled veteran, a person battling addiction. This expands representation and thematic depth.
- Sony's Continued Ambition: Despite some mixed reactions to other SSU films, Sony is clearly not backing down from building its own universe around Spider-Man's rogues' gallery and associated characters. Agent Venom is a bold, exciting step in that direction.
These projects aren't just about big explosions and cool powers; they're about exploring the very nature of identity, heroism, and humanity in the face of incredible power and alien influence.
Your Burning Questions About the Symbiote's Future, Answered
Let's tackle some of the common questions likely swirling around your mind about these upcoming Venom projects.
Will Tom Hardy's Venom appear in the MCU's Avengers: Secret Wars or Spider-Man 4?
It's strongly rumored and highly probable. While Venom: The Last Dance concludes his solo trilogy, the multiversal nature of Secret Wars (December 2027) makes him a prime candidate for a cameo or more significant role. His connection to the MCU's No Way Home also leaves the door open for Spider-Man 4 (July 2026). It would be a missed opportunity not to bring his popular iteration into the larger MCU tapestry, even if only for a limited engagement.
Who will play Agent Venom?
The role has not been cast, but past actors who played Flash Thompson, like Joe Manganiello and Tony Revolori, have expressed interest. Manganiello is a strong contender given his physique and previous comments about playing Agent Venom in Secret Wars. Revolori would represent a huge character arc, going from MCU bully to military hero. The casting choice will depend on Sony's vision for the character's age, tone, and whether they want to tie him to a specific existing cinematic Flash.
Is Knull going to be a major villain in multiple upcoming films?
Yes, it appears so. Knull, portrayed by Andy Serkis in Venom: The Last Dance, is expected to return in a future Sony/Marvel movie. As the creator of the symbiotes, he is a cosmic-level threat capable of influencing all symbiote-related narratives. His presence could be a throughline connecting the Agent Venom movie, the future of Hardy's Venom, and even the MCU's native symbiote storyline.
How many Venoms can we realistically have on screen at once?
In a multiversal saga like Secret Wars, the answer is: as many as the story demands! It's entirely plausible to see Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock/Venom, Flash Thompson's Agent Venom, and an MCU-native Venom (or even a Peter Parker-Venom) all present. Each offers a distinct perspective and power set, making for potentially thrilling character interactions and conflicts. The key would be to ensure each iteration feels unique and serves a specific narrative purpose.
Will the Agent Venom movie be tied to Tom Holland's Spider-Man or other Sony films like Morbius or Madame Web?
While details are scarce, any Sony "Marvel movie" would inherently be part of their SSU in some capacity. Whether it directly crosses over with Tom Holland's Spider-Man (who is primarily an MCU character) is less certain, but not impossible given Sony/Marvel's shared character arrangements. It's more likely to exist within Sony's universe, potentially acknowledging or indirectly referencing events or characters from films like Venom or even Kraven the Hunter, but aiming for its own distinct tone and story.
Beyond the Veil: What We're Still Waiting For
The path ahead for the symbiote saga is clearly robust, vibrant, and incredibly complex. From the confirmed conclusion of Tom Hardy's trilogy to the nascent development of an Agent Venom film, and the lingering threat of an MCU-native symbiote, there's a lot to anticipate.
What we're still keenly awaiting, however, are concrete details: casting announcements for Agent Venom, official confirmations of Tom Hardy's potential MCU appearances, and a clearer roadmap for how these disparate (yet interconnected) projects will ultimately weave together. The intricate dance between Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios will dictate much of this, and fans worldwide are eager to see how the tendrils of this beloved alien entity will continue to spread across the silver screen.
Stay tuned, because the world of Venom is just getting started, and its future promises to be as thrilling and unpredictable as the symbiote itself.