New Venom 2 set photos offer the best look yet at Woody Harrelson as the serial killer Cletus Kasady and his new pre-Carnage haircut. The sequel to the first Venom - itself, a box office smash-hit that failed to impress critics two years ago - will pay-off that film's credits scene by bringing Harrelson back as the deranged murderer Kasady. Tom Hardy, who's also reprising his role as journalist Eddie Brock in the sequel, has already posted a pair of official set photos showcasing Kasady's new look in the movie. In addition, a video leaked from the set this past week, revealing Harrelson filming what appears to be a scene where Kasady transforms into the symbiote villain Carnage (pre-CGI, naturally).
Somewhat infamously, Harrelson wore a wig in the first Venom that - depending on who you ask - was either terrible-looking or perfect for a psychopathic killer who greets Eddie by painting a message in his own blood in his prison cell (if not both). For the sequel, however, he's adapted a far more regular haircut, if one that's still appropriately weird for the Cletus Kasady character. Now, a fresh set of photos have leaked from the Venom 2 set, providing an even better glimpse of his new hairdo.
The latest Venom 2 set photos were posted by Just Jared and highlight Harrelson's appearance as Kasady in the sequel (among other things). You can see for yourselves below and click the tweet below to check out additional images.
Although it's far from a perfect match, Kasady's haircut in Venom 2 is definitely closer to his typical red hairdo in the Marvel Comics universe than the (marvelously?) unconvincing wig Harrelson wore in the original Venom. The comic book iteration of the character isn't really known for wearing a memorable outfit when he's not transformed into Carnage either (unless his prison jumpsuit counts), so his casual attire in the sequel is more or less in line with that. Harrelson, of course, is revered for his range as a actor and is just as good at playing down-to-earth individuals like Marty Hart from True Detective as he is over the top antiheroes like Zombieland's Tallahassee. He's even played eccentric murderers before (see also: his role in Natural Born Killers), making a villain like Kasady well within his wheelhouse.
With Andy Serkis directing from a script by Venom writer Kelly Marcel (not to mention, a story Hardy was actively involved in crafting), it will be interesting to see just how dark Venom 2 gets when it comes to Kasady and his story. The first movie incorporated elements of body horror, but keep things strictly PG-13 and hewed closer to a cheeky B-movie than a grim and serious action film. Serkis, however, is known for making darker popcorn fare as both a director and actor, and producer Matt Tolmach has even teased Venom 2 could be R-rated after Joker's success last fall. So who knows: Harrelson's Cletus Kasady may prove to be even more twisted than his ever-changing haircut.
Source: Just Jared
