How does Venom: The Last Dance connect to previous Venom movies?

The Evolution of Venom: A Trilogy of Symbiotic Bonds

The Venom franchise, which began with the 2018 film starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, has evolved significantly over the years. The series has expanded to include Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) and now concludes with Venom: The Last Dance (2024). Each installment builds upon the previous one, weaving a complex narrative that explores the symbiotic relationship between Eddie and Venom, as well as the broader universe of symbiotes.

Establishing the Symbiote Universe

The first Venom film introduced audiences to Eddie Brock, an investigative journalist who becomes the host for the alien symbiote known as Venom. This initial movie laid the groundwork for the symbiote’s nature and its bond with Eddie, showcasing a unique blend of action and dark humor. The film’s success paved the way for the sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, which further explored the dynamics between Eddie and Venom while introducing new characters like Carnage.

The Introduction of Carnage and the Multiverse

Venom: Let There Be Carnage marked a significant shift in the franchise by introducing Cletus Kasady, a serial killer who bonds with a part of the Venom symbiote to become Carnage. This film not only escalated the stakes by showcasing a more dangerous and chaotic symbiote but also hinted at the multiverse through its mid-credits scene. In this scene, Venom and Eddie are transported to a different universe, setting the stage for potential crossovers with other Marvel properties, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)[1].

The Multiverse Connection: Bridging Venom to the MCU

The multiverse concept, first explored in Venom: Let There Be Carnage, was further developed in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). This MCU film featured a pivotal moment where Eddie Brock and Venom appeared in the MCU universe, only to be sent back to their own after a brief encounter. A piece of the Venom symbiote was left behind, suggesting that Venom’s presence could continue in the MCU[1].

The Significance of Spider-Man: No Way Home

Spider-Man: No Way Home played a crucial role in confirming the existence of the multiverse in the MCU, providing a framework for how characters from different universes could interact. This setup laid the groundwork for potential future crossovers, including the possibility of Venom facing off against Spider-Man. Although Venom: The Last Dance does not directly feature Spider-Man, it leaves open the possibility of such a confrontation in the future[3].

The Last Dance: Concluding the Trilogy and Setting Up the Future

Venom: The Last Dance concludes the story of Eddie Brock and Venom on an emotional note, bringing closure to their symbiotic relationship. However, the film also sets the stage for future stories within the Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU) by introducing new symbiotes and leaving unanswered questions that could be explored in upcoming movies.

The Introduction of Agony and Future Directions

One of the key setups in Venom: The Last Dance is the introduction of Agony, a symbiote from the comics that becomes the sole surviving symbiote in the SSU. This character could play a central role in future films, offering a fresh perspective on symbiote stories beyond Eddie Brock’s narrative[2]. The survival of Agony hints at a new direction for the SSU, potentially focusing on the psychology and motivations of other symbiote hosts.

The Potential Return of Venom

Despite Venom’s apparent death in The Last Dance, the film suggests that this might not be the end for the character. With pieces of the Venom symbiote scattered across the multiverse, there is a possibility for Venom to return in some form, perhaps bonding with a new host or even reuniting with Eddie Brock in a different universe[2][4].

/images/2502/1738560977350-qx9ysu.webp

Exploring the Multiverse and Future Crossovers

The concept of the multiverse, as established in Venom: Let There Be Carnage and expanded upon in Spider-Man: No Way Home, opens up numerous possibilities for future crossovers. These events could involve not just Venom but other characters from the SSU interacting with the MCU or other universes. The success of Spider-Man: No Way Home in bringing together characters from different universes demonstrates that such crossovers can be both creatively fulfilling and commercially successful[3].

The Role of Knull and Future Threats

Venom: The Last Dance introduces Knull, the god of symbiotes, as a significant threat. Although the film concludes with the defeat of Knull’s minions, the setup leaves room for future exploration of Knull’s character and the symbiote universe. This could involve delving deeper into the mythology of symbiotes and their origins, potentially setting up larger conflicts within the SSU[4].

The Legacy of Venom: Impact on the Sony Spider-Man Universe

The Venom trilogy has been instrumental in establishing the Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU), a separate entity from the MCU that explores different aspects of the Spider-Man mythos. By focusing on symbiotes and their hosts, the franchise has carved out a unique niche within the broader Marvel universe.

Future Directions for the SSU

With Venom: The Last Dance concluding the story of Eddie Brock and Venom, the SSU is poised to expand in new directions. Upcoming films like Kraven the Hunter and potential spin-offs featuring other Marvel characters will continue to build upon the universe established by the Venom films. The introduction of Agony and the potential return of Venom ensure that symbiote stories will remain a central part of the SSU’s narrative[2][4].

The Multiverse as a Narrative Tool

The multiverse concept provides a versatile narrative tool for exploring different storylines and characters across various universes. This setup allows for creative crossovers and interactions between characters from different franchises, offering endless possibilities for future films. The success of Spider-Man: No Way Home and the groundwork laid by Venom: The Last Dance suggest that the multiverse will play a significant role in shaping the future of both the SSU and the MCU[1][3].

The Cultural Significance of Venom

Venom, as a character, has captivated audiences with his complex anti-hero persona. The Venom films have managed to balance action, humor, and emotional depth, making them appealing to a wide range of viewers. The character’s popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of comic book characters and their ability to evolve in different media formats.

The Performance of Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock has been a defining aspect of the Venom franchise. His performance has brought depth and nuance to the character, making Eddie’s journey both compelling and relatable. The chemistry between Hardy and the voice of Venom (also provided by Hardy) has been a highlight of the series, adding a unique dynamic to the films[5].

The Impact on Comic Book Adaptations

The Venom films have demonstrated that comic book adaptations can thrive outside the traditional superhero genre. By focusing on darker themes and complex characters, these movies have shown that there is a market for more mature comic book films. This approach has influenced other adaptations, encouraging a more diverse range of storytelling within the comic book genre.

The Future of Symbiote Stories

With Venom: The Last Dance concluding the trilogy, the future of symbiote stories in the SSU looks promising. The introduction of new symbiotes like Agony and the potential for Venom’s return ensure that the franchise will continue to explore the complex world of symbiotes. The multiverse setup provides a rich backdrop for future crossovers and interactions, potentially leading to exciting new narratives within the SSU.

Exploring New Characters and Storylines

The survival of Agony as the sole symbiote in the SSU opens up opportunities for new storylines focused on her character. This could involve exploring her powers, backstory, and potential as either a hero or a villain. Additionally, the possibility of Venom returning in some form keeps the door open for future adventures involving Eddie Brock or other hosts[2][4].

The Multiverse Saga and Beyond

The multiverse concept, as explored in Spider-Man: No Way Home and hinted at in Venom: The Last Dance, suggests that future films will delve deeper into interactions between different universes. This could lead to a broader multiverse saga, where characters from various franchises interact and influence each other’s stories. The success of such crossovers will depend on creative storytelling and the ability to balance different narrative threads[3].

Conclusion: The Legacy of Venom and the Future of the SSU

Venom: The Last Dance marks the end of an era for the Venom trilogy but sets the stage for a new chapter in the Sony Spider-Man Universe. By connecting to previous films through character arcs, multiverse connections, and symbiote lore, the movie ensures that the legacy of Venom will continue to influence future stories. The SSU is poised to expand with new characters and crossovers, offering a rich and diverse universe for fans to explore. As the franchise moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the complexities of the multiverse and the ever-evolving world of symbiotes.