Venom has added a new stunt team, with a combined pedigree featuring some of the biggest superhero and action films of the past few years. While the prospect of Sony once again attempting to make Spider-Man spinoffs was initially greeted with apprehension, general opinion has started to take a turn since Venom was first announced. Along with the news about Ruben Fleischer directing Tom Hardy in the lead role, the past few weeks have seen a flurry of casting updates.
Yesterday, word broke that Jenny Slate is circling a role in Venom. The SNL alum has spent the past few years making a name for herself in indie dramas, adding yet more prestige to the anti-hero film. Along with Slate, Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed are both said to be involved in the movie, meaning the Venom cast is quickly emerging as one of the best in the superhero genre in recent memory. Now, some smaller yet equally important players have been added to the movie's production crew.
Related: Who is Riz Ahmed Playing in Venom?
Omega Underground is reporting that Venom has just added fight coordinator Tom Connolly, along with stunt coordinators Chris O'Hara and Jack Gill, to its production team. Both Connoly and O'Hara worked together on John Wick and The Avengers, while their individual credits include Logan and Baby Driver, respectively. Gill, meanwhile, has worked on the four most recent Fast & Furious films, as well as last year's Captain America: Civil War.
While the addition of a stunt team may not seem to rival casting announcements, the right fight choreography is essential for a good superhero film. When it comes to Venom, the movie could easily fail with lackluster action, despite its impressive cast. Luckily, the work Connoly, O'Hara, and Gill have done more than speaks for itself. From blockbuster spectacle to more intimate violence, the team has run the gamut in their careers. Their hiring is yet another reason for fans to be excited about the film.
Of course, not all of the crew is inspiring hope in the film's prospect. Word broke yesterday that the latest draft of the Venom script is being written by 50 Shades of Grey writer Kelly Marcel. Given that the movie's original script draft was crafted by the minds behind The Dark Tower and this December's Jumnaji: Welcome to the Jungle, respectively, Sony is certainly sending mixed signals here.
While Marvel has certainly brought aboard some questionable writers to the MCU, it's been under the guidance of Kevin Feige and his team. For Sony, they have less goodwill in terms of their narrative oversight. But with such solid casting and stunt hires, perhaps it's worth giving the film the benefit of the doubt for now.
NEXT: Venom Production Update
Source: Omega Underground
