The Venom franchise, starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock and his symbiotic partner Venom, has captured audiences with its unique blend of antihero action and dark humor. As we approach the final installment of the trilogy, Venom 3, there’s a growing anticipation for how the series will address the increasingly toxic relationship between Eddie Brock and the Venom symbiote.
This dynamic, which is deeply ingrained in Marvel Comics, is hinted at but underexplored in the films. Where will we go with Venom 3’s final film when it’s time to delve deeper into this complex and tense partnership?
Will the Symbiotic Relationship Be Understood in Venom 3?
In the Marvel Comics universe, the relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom has always been fraught with tension. While the Venom symbiote initially provided Eddie with extraordinary powers and a chance to fight back against his enemies, the nature of their bond is inherently parasitic rather than symbiotic. The symbiote, while appearing to be Eddie’s ally, often prioritizes its own needs over Eddie’s well-being.
In the comics, Eddie was initially suffering from cancer when he bonded with Venom. The symbiote’s ability to keep Eddie alive came at a cost: Eddie became wholly dependent on the symbiote for survival. This dependency was a double-edged sword, as the symbiote’s influence also began to erode Eddie’s physical and mental health. The symbiote’s ultimate goal is self-preservation and domination, not altruistic heroism. This dynamic presents a stark contrast to the portrayal in the films, where Venom is depicted as an antihero with a somewhat ambiguous moral compass.
Venom’s Lethal Nature
The films, particularly Venom: Let There Be Carnage, attempted to frame Venom as a protector, albeit with a rather violent approach. Despite the seemingly heroic undertones, the reality is that Venom’s true nature is far more brutal. The character’s actions are often driven by a desire for chaos and destruction, with his protective actions being a byproduct of his more destructive tendencies.
In Venom: Let There Be Carnage, the conflict between Eddie and Venom becomes apparent as they clash over their methods of dealing with threats. Eddie’s moral compass drives him to act as a protector, while Venom’s instincts lean towards violence and killing. This discord highlights the fundamental issue in their relationship: Venom is not genuinely concerned with Eddie’s well-being but is more interested in pursuing his own agenda.
The Toxicity of the Bond
The toxic nature of Eddie and Venom’s relationship is a critical element that needs to be addressed in Venom 3. Unlike a true symbiotic relationship, where both parties benefit, Eddie’s connection with Venom is damaging. The symbiote’s presence is a constant strain on Eddie’s health and sanity. In the comics, Venom’s abandonment of Eddie, despite the latter’s deteriorating condition, underscores the symbiote’s self-serving nature.
The films have only scratched the surface of this toxic bond. By the time Venom 3 rolls around, it’s crucial that the story fully explores how the symbiote’s influence is detrimental to Eddie. The character’s struggles with maintaining his humanity and health while being tethered to a parasitic entity should be at the forefront of the narrative. This exploration could provide a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the relationship, aligning more closely with the comics’ portrayal.
Potential for Transformation
One of the most compelling aspects of Eddie Brock’s character arc in the comics is his eventual transformation into Anti-Venom. After being abandoned by the Venom symbiote, Eddie, who was on the brink of death, encounters Martin Li, also known as Mister Negative. Li’s powers inadvertently cure Eddie of his cancer, and when the Venom symbiote attempts to re-bond with him, it creates Anti-Venom, a new hero with the ability to counteract the effects of symbiotes.
This transformation represents a significant shift in Eddie’s character, moving from a tormented antihero to a more traditional superhero. Venom 3 could use this narrative arc as a potential path forward. By exploring Eddie’s realization of the symbiote’s true nature and his subsequent transformation into Anti-Venom, the film could offer a resolution to his toxic relationship with Venom and set the stage for a new chapter in his superhero journey.
The Path Forward for Eddie and Venom
As Venom 3 prepares to bring the trilogy to a close, it is imperative that the film addresses the toxic relationship between Eddie Brock and the Venom symbiote. The films have laid the groundwork for this exploration but have yet to fully dive into the complexities of their bond. By focusing on the parasitic nature of their relationship, the narrative can offer a more profound and satisfying conclusion to their story.
The potential for Eddie to transform into Anti-Venom provides an exciting avenue for resolving his struggles with Venom. It also sets up the possibility for a fresh start and a more heroic trajectory for Eddie Brock. As fans eagerly await the final chapter, the hope is that Venom 3 will not only wrap up the trilogy but also deliver a powerful exploration of the intricate and toxic relationship between its two main characters.