With Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Spider-Man: No Way Home intriguing audiences with their releases, one character that has a connection to both franchises is being overlooked. Flash Thompson is well known as Peter Parker's high-school bully, but he has also bonded to an alien symbiote in the pages of Marvel Comics.
For some, it seems unlikely that the Falsh Thompson seen on the screen will ever share this aspect of the character seen on the page. However, there is an argument to be made that the transition should still take place and might even be more compelling than what fans are familiar with.
Flash Thompson As Venom Exists In Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics fans are well aware that Eddie Brock isn't the only character to have taken on the Venom symbiote in the comics. Flash Thompson has also been a host for the alien creature and has portrayed a number of variations on the character.
From Venom to Agent Venom and even Anti-Venom, Flash Thompson has gone through an interesting redemptive journey that fans may want to see on the big screen. Applying some of these narratives to the Marvel Cinematic Universe will establish the full range of Flash Thompson while paying homage to the comics.
Peter Parker And Flash Thompson Have An Established Rivalry In The MCU
Marvel Comics fans know Spider-Man's rivalry with Venom is one of its most intriguing, so of course they want to see the cinematic versions of the characters meet. It would be compelling for Eddie Brock and Peter Parker to face off, but there's already a built-in history for Peter and Flash Thompson.
The fight between the two would be quite unexpected, but it would be established from years of bullying and passive aggression. Peter can also see the good in Flash, leading to an almost-friendship between the two. Having Venom bond with Flash could therefore lead to a lot of great conflicts.
The Multiverse Could Add Multiple Flash Thompsons To The MCU
The Multiverse is a perfect excuse to show Flash Thompson as Venom at least briefly in the MCU. Although the version seen in the Spider-Man franchise may not be quite what fans had in mind in comparison to the source material, the existence of other realities could result in a personality shift for the character.
Currently, the MCU Flash Thompson is quite a modern bully rather than the traditional jock seen in the comics. His snooty attitude and rich-kid demeanor doesn't totally line up with what Venom would need to be. However, a Flash Thompson from another timeline, portrayed by the same actor or a previous one, might have come across the symbiote and be in a totally different headspace. This is a great way to maintain continuity but give fans a peek at what could have been.
Flash Thompson As Venom Aligns With His MCU Character Development
Flash Thompson has evolved over the course of his few appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He clearly has a more tragic backstory than audiences originally realized and hides behind his wealth and popularity to shield himself from that pain.
The character's developing rage could be brought to the surface with the Venom symbiote. A connection between the two could lead to some more evolution for Flash and an excellent Venom story arc not too dissimilar to the comics. After all, the MCU Flash Thompson is already increasingly one of the most well-developed supporting characters in the Spider-Man franchise.
Flash Thompson's Military Career Could Fit Into The MCU
Flash Thompson's parents are unpredictable and could set in motion events that bring the on-screen character more in line with what audiences know from the comics. Flash joins the United States Army after college in the original source material.
It might be that Flash in the MCU is forced into the military by his own parents, leading to skills he needs to become Agent Venom. It's a story arc that might be out of the box, but it would be a twist for the character that allows the symbiote to become a catalyst for change in Flash's life. It also would bring a fascinating new hero into the MCU.
The MCU Flash Thompson Needs A Redemption Arc
Flash Thompson hasn't exactly been kind to Peter Parker in their time together. It may be that Flash is in need of a redemptive arc, one that allows him to fully appreciate Parker as Spider-Man as well as an opportunity to truly vent his inner turmoil.
Once again, a great reason for Flash to bond with the Venom symbiote in the MCU is because it could act as a catalyst to his redemptive arc. Flash looked up to Spidey, so getting an opportunity for him to play the hero himself might serve as a way to fulfill what he feels he is capable of without his family's wealth to prop him up.
The Modernized MCU Flash Thompson Would Make For A New, Modern Venom
The MCU's modernized version of Flash-Thompson-as-bully could actually put new twist on the Venom character as well. It would definitely have to be a new take if Flash bonded with the symbiote in the MCU.
The changes in the characterization of Flash would lead to changes in Agent Venom or Anti-Venom. The originality here could lead to a number of creative choices being made that might better the MCU overal or at the very least take audiences in a direction in which they have yet to go. Spider-Man's greatest villain would be unique in this setting.
Flash Thompson Could Provide A Fresh Introduction Of The Symbiotes To The MCU
There are so many questions about the Venom symbiote that need answering in the MCU. It could be that it's Eddie Brock who brings them to this timeline for the first time, but, alternatively, they could have been present all along. Flash Thompson could provide some of the answers.
If the symbiotes were drawn to Thompson like they are in the comics, then it would allow for the official debut of these characters in the MCU, which is an exciting prospect in itself. Flash Thompson is the perfect vessel for new introductions in this reality.
The MCU Flash Thompson Could Offer A Comedic Take On Venom
A major reason to consider Flash Thompson for a Venom-bonding in the MCU is that it might be funny. The MCU could take a comedic approach to the symbiote relationship much like the one between Eddie Brock and Venom, but Flash Thompson would be even more out of his depth.
It's difficult to know what Flash would actually do with a symbiote or whether the alien species would actually be impressed with his jackets and shoes. The dynamic could be unlike anything fans have seen before and provide a great moment of comedic relief in a movie packed with action.
A Flash Thompson Venom In The MCU Would Acknowledge Marvel Comics Readers
Venom saw the very brief creation of She-Venom, a character from the comics who appeared in the movie as more of an Easter egg than an ongoing character. The same idea could be applied to Flash Thompson.
Flash Thompson bonding with a symbiote in the MCU could be an extremely brief moment just to satisfy the comics' most devoted readers. Fans appreciate this kind of acknowledgment, and it would provide a fun nod to a partnership that Marvel Comics fans have come to love.