Since its inception, Venom has captivated audiences with the complex character of Eddie Brock, portrayed by Tom Hardy, and his journey alongside the alien symbiote. Marvel fans are buzzing with anticipation as Venom 3: The Last Round approaches, eager to discover how, if at all, Spider-Man will enter this cinematic universe. With various interpretations by Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland, Spider-Man’s presence is well-embedded in Marvel lore. But will he show up in Venom 3? Here’s everything you need to know about the links between Venom and Spider-Man, what’s confirmed, and what might be in store.
Venom and Spider-Man: A Marvel Connection
Venom, originally introduced as a formidable antagonist for Spider-Man, is deeply tied to the Spider-Man universe. Marvel’s comics have long established Venom as one of Spider-Man’s most powerful and complex foes, symbolizing darker aspects of heroism and vengeance. Although Tom Hardy’s Venom has been primarily depicted in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU), distinct from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), fans are hopeful that Venom 3 could bridge this gap.
As IGN Brasil points out, despite the narrative separation, there are “consistent nods” to Spider-Man within Sony’s Venom films . Moreover, Marvel and Sony’s deal over character rights has occasionally allowed crossovers, as seen in Spider-Man: No Way Home. This has led some to wonder if Venom and Spider-Man will finally clash, as Hardy has hinted at a possible crossover scene in Venom 3 .
Will Spider-Man Appear?
In the past, Venom films have deliberately refrained from introducing Spider-Man, even as they expanded the story of Eddie Brock and the symbiote. However, rumors and fan theories have recently suggested that Venom 3 could hint at Spider-Man’s presence. One potential antagonist, Knull—the god of symbiotes—could serve as a narrative bridge. Described as the “God of the Abyss,” Knull’s origin story connects deeply with symbiote lore and may pull Spider-Man into Venom’s world, according to Omelete .
The inclusion of Spider-Man, however, may remain subtle, possibly appearing only in post-credit scenes. As AdoroCinema reported, Hardy’s recent interviews have teased the possibility of Spider-Man “entering Venom’s narrative, either by reference or a direct confrontation” .
Expanding the Spider-Verse: A Crossover in the Making?
Venom’s standalone journey has been a testament to Sony’s ambition to build a Spider-Man-centric universe of antiheroes and allies. Venom has paved the way for other characters like Morbius and Kraven, hinting at a larger network of stories. In Venom 3, this expansion might involve Spider-Man through shared villains or indirect references. Some analysts believe this shift signals a longer-term vision for a Spider-Verse, possibly involving Venom, Spider-Man, and their shared antagonists .
Future Prospects: Spider-Man and Venom’s Ultimate Clash?
Fans eagerly await news of an ultimate Spider-Man-Venom showdown. A character as pivotal as Venom—who has been described by Jovem Nerd as “the dark mirror of Spider-Man” due to their shared abilities—deserves an epic encounter with Spider-Man . By all indications, Sony’s strategy might be to keep audiences speculating for now, though the chances of this ultimate crossover are growing as the Marvel and Sony Spider-Man universes develop.
What to Expect in Venom 3: Release Date and Viewing Options
Venom 3: The Last Round is expected to release in late 2024. Sony and Marvel’s tight-lipped approach only fuels speculation, making this release one of the most anticipated for Marvel fans. Stay tuned to popular entertainment sources like IGN and Omelete for the latest updates.
In Venom 3, whether Spider-Man enters directly or remains an unseen force, his influence on Venom’s journey will be palpable. Sony’s Marvel Universe continues to push the boundaries, and this next chapter might just be the key that finally connects Spider-Man to Venom in a way fans have been eagerly waiting for.