Sony's Venom is not going to be connected to Tom Holland's Spider-Man or the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The studio found another chance to reboot Spider-Man after agreeing to a deal with Marvel Studios to share the character. They brought Holland in as Peter Parker and he's made three appearances so far, but Sony wants more. They're developing multiple "Spider-Man spinoffs" that revolve around characters from Spidey's side of Marvel comics. To kick this off, Tom Hardy is set to take on his most iconic anti-hero.

Hardy is starring in Venom as the Eddie Brock version of the character. In the film, he's a journalist investigating a mysterious organization until he gains his new abilities. Thanks to Venom's ties to Spider-Man in the comics, there's been plenty of debate of whether or not the film will connect to Holland and the MCU in any way. There's been rumors of Holland appearing and even some confusing statements made by those involved, but it appears Venom will not have this connectivity.

Related: Venom Director Won't Confirm or Deny Spider-Man Cameo

EW released some new information and photos for Venom and in their coverage clarified the film's relation to the MCU. This lines up with most of the official word out of Marvel Studios, specifically from Kevin Feige, but some are still questioning the legitimacy. Based on this report, there will be no connection between the characters or universes. Here is the relevant excerpt from their report:

Venom is the first of Sony’s new films based on characters from the Spider-Man comics, although it’s a separate world from last year’s Spider-Man: Homecoming. (It’s also not part of the deal between Sony and Disney that allows Tom Holland’s Spidey into the Marvel Cinematic Universe).

Tom Hardy as Venom and Marvel Spider-Man

The confusion over Venom started when Amy Pascal said it and Silver & Black are adjuncts to the MCU. She later clarified her statement and said Venom isn't in the MCU though. Since then, she's only added to the misunderstandings by saying Venom takes place in the same reality as the MCU. She's even left the door open for Holland's Spider-Man and Hardy's Venom to crossover down the line.

This is not how those involved with Marvel Studios talk about the project however. Feige's said repeatedly that Venom isn't an MCU property and is strictly with Sony. He's made it clear that Venom isn't part of his growing cinematic universe, even to the point where he became a meme thanks to his surprised response to some of Pascal's statements. As of right now, most of the signs point to Venom being a standalone film from Sony with no connection to the MCU. Is it possible they're just trying to hide a surprise? Maybe, but this back and forth is a lot to go through just try and keep something a secret that has been rumored for a while. Then again, Marvel's also the studio that isn't confirming Phase 4 plans until after Avengers 4, so who knows. At this point, don't expect Venom to tie into the MCU when it comes out later this year.

MORE: Infinity War Directors Say Venom Isn't in the MCU

Source: EW

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