After two high-octane movies, Venom: The Last Dance, also known as Venom 3, is set to hit theaters on October 25, 2024, bringing Tom Hardy's symbiote saga to a close. The third installment promises a wild ride that leans heavily into the series' signature blend of offbeat humor, action, and dark themes. Directed by Kelly Marcel, who also co-wrote the film with Hardy, the movie serves as both a conclusion and a culmination of the actor's commitment to the character. Marcel, known for writing Venom: Let There Be Carnage and collaborating with Hardy on Bronson, steps into the director's chair for the first time, promising a fresh vision for the final chapter.
What's New in Venom: The Last Dance?
The plot takes a turn for the intergalactic, as Eddie Brock and his alien companion find themselves on the run not only from earthly threats but also from a new set of extraterrestrial adversaries. While details remain under wraps, it's clear that “friends” from Venom's outer space past are headed toward Earth—though calling them “friends” might be a stretch. Fans can anticipate a symbiote-filled climax that expands the storyline beyond Earth's borders and explores Venom's cosmic connections.
The trailer alone teases a blend of absurdity and spectacle—there's even a glimpse of what looks like a “Venom horse.” This could be a sign that the film is embracing the chaos and unpredictability that fans have come to love, mixing outrageous elements with the gritty tone.
Returning Cast and New Faces
Tom Hardy reprises his dual role as Eddie Brock and the voice of Venom, ensuring the same gritty, unhinged dynamic that made the character iconic. Joining him is Doctor Strange star Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays an antagonistic soldier on the hunt for the Venom symbiote. Ted Lasso actress Juno Temple portrays a scientist with her own mysterious interest in Venom's unique biology, adding a layer of intrigue to the story.
Rhys Ifans appears in a supporting role, though it seems he won't be reprising his role as the Lizard from The Amazing Spider-Man films. Meanwhile, familiar faces Peggy Lu and Stephen Graham return as Mrs. Chen and Detective Patrick Mulligan, respectively. Mulligan, having acquired a symbiote of his own, adds an interesting twist to the dynamics at play.
Will We See Spider-Man?
Speculation around a Spider-Man appearance has swirled since the post-credits scene of Venom: Let There Be Carnage teased a connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, it's unlikely that Tom Holland's Spider-Man will appear in The Last Dance. While Eddie Brock's brief crossover into the MCU during Spider-Man: No Way Home hinted at future possibilities, it seems that this installment will focus on wrapping up the Venom trilogy without incorporating the wall-crawler. Still, a bit of the symbiote left behind in the MCU does leave the door open for potential future crossovers.
The Story So Far: Is Venom Part of the MCU?
The short answer is no, at least not definitively. At the end of Let There Be Carnage, Eddie Brock finds himself briefly transported into the MCU thanks to a spell by Doctor Strange, only to be sent back to his own universe. While the multiverse concept offers a tantalizing prospect of future crossover opportunities, Venom: The Last Dance looks to finish Eddie's journey in his own cinematic universe. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has expressed openness to a crossover, but nothing is set in stone.
Is Kelly Marcel the Right Choice for Director?
Kelly Marcel's transition from screenwriter to director brings a fresh but familiar perspective to the series. Her history with Hardy and her experience crafting character-driven stories in films like Bronson suggests that she's capable of delivering a compelling conclusion. Her directorial debut is ambitious, especially given the mix of genres and tones in the Venom series, but her longstanding collaboration with Hardy could ensure a satisfying blend of humor, horror, and humanity.
Personal Impression
The trailer for Venom: The Last Dance signals a satisfying end to Tom Hardy's journey with the character. The film's mix of absurdity, horror, and action makes it a fitting farewell to a trilogy that has always embraced its own eccentricity. Kelly Marcel's move to the director's chair adds a new flavor that could rejuvenate the series for its final act. However, whether or not it manages to deliver a truly memorable finale will depend on how well it balances its wackiness with meaningful character development.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Are you excited to see how Venom: The Last Dance concludes the trilogy? Do you think there's room for a future Venom-Spider-Man crossover? Share your thoughts in the comments!
