Venom 2 Release Date, Cast, Trailer, Every Update

The first Venom film is intended to launch Sony's Spider-villain universe, and it's already been confirmed that the studio intends to begin work on Venom 2. Tom Hardy is officially signed up for three films, and the ending of Venom set up several key story-beats that could be explored in the sequel. Although Sony hasn't greenlit Venom 2 just yet, director Ruben Fleischer has admitted he already has plans. Here's everything we know so far about Venom 2.

Movie Title: Venom 2
Release Date: Unknown
Cast: Tom Hardy (Venom)
Director: Unconfirmed, likely Ruben Fleischer
Writers: Unknown

Last Update: October 6, 2018

Venom 2 Hasn't Been Officially Greenlit (Yet)

2018's Venom is the first movie to release in Sony's Spider-villain franchise, with a number of other projects in the works. Venom, however, appears to be the star attraction; the tongue-slavering antihero is tremendously popular, and Sony's Avi Arad in particular has been pushing for a Venom movie since at least 2007. It's likely Sony will hold off on a sequel announcement until they see how the first film performs in the box office. Although Venom hasn't exactly received critical acclaim, it's projected to beat off its rival A Star Is Born in a strong opening weekend. After that, the movie basically has all October with very little competition, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Venom prove to be a hit, which would make the sequel inevitable.

Venom 2 Will Introduce Carnage

Venom post-credits Carnage Woody Harrelson

The mid-credits scene of Venom teased the introduction of Cletus Kasady, an insane serial killer who's destined to possess the Carnage symbiote. According to Venom director Ruben Fleischer, this is intended as deliberate setup for a future film. Carnage is one of the most terrifying Spider-Man villains of all, a foe who revels in bloodshed and experiences an almost orgasmic joy when he hears a death-rattle. Woody Harrelson has been cast to play the part in the Sony movies, and has said that while his role in Venom was small, he'll be in "the next one." He became a personal friend of Fleischer's during the production of Zombieland, and the director chose him for the role in part because of his tremendous performance in Natural Born Killers.

Tom Hardy is Contracted for 3 Venom Movies

Franchise star Tom Hardy clearly had a blast playing Venom, and his performance is one of the film's highlights. Hardy says that he signed up for three films, although he seems open to extending that contract should the franchise do well. Hardy is no stranger to superhero movies, as he's already well-known for playing Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. However, Venom marks his first role as a superhero (well, sort of) protagonist.

Venom's Director Has Sequel Plans

Venom director Ruben Fleischer is a massive fan of Venom in the comics, and as such he's very much familiar with the character's potential. "We've definitely laid some groundwork for different directions that the franchise could go," he explained at SDCC 2018, "but obviously it all hinges on people's excitement about this film. I hope people will stay and see what seeds have been planted." The director still dreams of having his version of Venom cross paths with Tom Holland's Spider-Man, but hat will depend on any future negotiations between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures.

Venom 2's Release Date Could Be In 2020

The first Venom film had a fairly modest budget, and is believed to have only cost $100 million to produce (compare that with, say, Ant-Man & the Wasp's estimated $195 million budget, or Spider-Man: Homecoming's $175 million). Sony seem to be aiming to make their Spider-villain movies as inexpensive as possible, which means production won't take long. If that's also the case with the sequel, Venom 2 could release as soon as 2020.

Venom 2 Has No Other Cast Attached Yet

Tom Hardy is confirmed to be contracted for three films, and it's reasonable to assume that Michelle Williams - who plays Eddie's ex, Ann Weying - is also signed up to a multi-picture contract. If Carnage does appear in the sequel, then that would also mean Woody Harrelson will be on board. Other than that, though, no other names have yet been associated with the project.