It's safe to say that pretty much everyone was surprised to hear that Sony was producing a new movie starring everyone's favorite symbiote, Venom. With Tom Hardy attached to the project, the announcement came with a strong bit of credibility, the popular actor capable of bringing his very own brand of gravitas and intensity to a role that would demand a lot of dedication. Of course, such a film brought with it a lot of questions: with Sony and Marvel reaching an understanding to include Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, many started to wonder what that could mean for Venom.
Since there have been no official answers from either studio, this has sparked quite the number of fan theories. And since the movie's story is conveniently, and quite mysteriously, kept quite secret, this has only thrown more fuel on the fires of those theories. So far, there have been two trailers released for the film -- the first kept things close to the chest, while the second only slightly revealed its hand. There is much yet we still don't know about this vehicle, which means that it could go in many directions. Here, CBR lists 10 fan theories about Venom that might be true, and 10 more that are most definitely false.
20 TRUE: HARDY'S VENOM WILL EVOLVE INTO AGENT VENOM
While not much is known about the direction of the Venom movie, the second trailer of the film seemed to hint at a more heroic direction for Eddie Brock and his alien suit/partner. Together, they form Venom and while the symbiote may have a hunger for villainy, Brock appears to wish to steer it in the way of good. Perhaps the two will meet in the middle to form what the movie's trailer referred to as an “anti-hero.” The movie's apparent turn Venom is aimed as a force for good
That theory has led some fans to look at recent comic books for a bit of inspiration.
Agent Venom was the alter ego of longtime Peter Parker foil Flash Thompson. As a disabled war veteran, Flash came into possession of the Venom symbiote, shaping him as a volunteer to use the suit for military strikes. Now an anti-hero, Agent Venom was a super-soldier capable of taking on the most dangerous of missions. Since there have been a few set pictures of Tom Hardy in some form of combat-like outfit, some fans have been theorizing that the film could merge the story of both Brock and Thompson, creating one whole where Eddie becomes the ultimate super-weapon as Agent Venom. While we wouldn't expect this to be the direction of the film, it could make for one hell of a sequel.
19 FALSE: LIFE IS A VENOM PREQUEL
In 2017, Columbia and Sony released a movie starring Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal and Rebecca Ferguson called Life. The movie was set inside the International Space Station, and the astronauts on-board came under direct threat from a dangerous evolving alien parasite that threatened all life on planet Earth. The alien entity had some elements similar to the Venom symbiote – enough, in fact, to lead some fans to speculate on the wild theory that Life was actually a stealth origin film for Venom; a prequel of sorts before the alien parasite finds itself on Earth, and bonds with Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock.
Not only does the theory makes sense, it gains traction when considering that both movies fall under the production umbrella of Sony. Then, there is the villainous scientific corporation at the heart of the Venom film, a company called the Life Foundation. Life. It seems like all of the pieces would fall into place, and even the production crew of Life joined in on the fun. However, some were quick to shut down the rumor -- it's actually one that doesn't appear will ever come true. Sure, the theory is popular, but Venom is its own entity, and there would be no reason for Life to be revealed as a retroactive prequel.
18 TRUE: PETER PARKER WILL HAVE A CAMEO
Every Marvel fan rejoiced when Marvel and Sony finally reached a deal that would allow the inclusion of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with an appearance in Captain America: Civil War and a solo film, Spider-Man: Homecoming. Then, the announcement of Sony's Venom movie instantly led some to wonder if the symbiote movie would take place inside the MCU or not. While we don't have a definitive answer yet, many think that either way, we could end up seeing Tom Holland's Peter Parker as a cameo in Venom. No, not Spider-Man, just Peter Parker.
Some rumors seem to imply that since Marvel can use Spider-Man in its movies, and so can Sony.
This would mean that, if Venom really isn't a part of the MCU, Holland's Parker wouldn't necessarily have to be the MCU's Peter Parker, but just a version of the character. In fact, some fans already believe that Holland shot a scene for the movie, after he was spotted near the set of the film. Since Venom takes place in San Francisco, it's believed that Parker will appear as a high school student, visiting the scientific organization known as the Life Foundation as part of a school field trip. Even if he doesn't interact with Tom Hardy directly, it would still be a treat for fans to see Holland's Parker in Venom.
17 FALSE: VENOM WILL NOT HAVE THE WHITE SPIDER
Ever since his comic book debut in 1988's The Amazing Spider-Man #300, Venom has had a classic and iconic look, covered head to toe in black, with a long, lizard-like tongue, sharp teeth and a white spider that stretches across his chest. This emblem was a direct connection to Spider-Man, who bonded with the symbiote before Eddie Brock would. Fused with Peter Parker, the symbiote emulated the powers of Spider-Man, as well as his look, and transferred them to Eddie Brock when he became its host. This led to Venom's classic look, complete with the spider logo, as well as powers that were quite similar to Spider-Man's.
However, from the trailers of the Venom film, we have already gotten confirmation that Spider-Man will play no part in the origin of Eddie Brock and Venom. Instead, Brock will instantly bond with the symbiote, without it finding residence on Peter Parker first. This means that the symbiote won't be emulating the powers and look of Spider-Man. For that reason, fans have begun to theorize that Venom will not have his classic look in the film, of a hulking black creature with the defining white spider on his chest. However, Venom's look is one that shouldn't be altered, and we sincerely hope that this theory is absolutely false.
16 TRUE: CARLTON DRAKE IS A VERSION OF CARNAGE
There is so little known about the Venom movie's plot that we don't even know which character will serve as the villain of the piece. Obviously, with the Life Foundation involved, we know that the villainous organization will certainly have an antagonistic part to play in the film. But to what extent? No one can be sure yet. This is why some fans have begun to theorize that actor Riz Ahmed's Carlton Drake will be revealed as the film's real villain. In the comic books, Drake is the leader of the Life Foundation, and his role seems to be the same in the film.
But what threat could a simple man pose to Venom? None really... at least not alone.
A popular fan theory speculates that the Life Foundation will find a way to clone or replicate the alien symbiote, and try to use it as a weapon. If the fight between Venom and the Foundation heats up, it's possible that Carlton Drake will see no alternative but to allow one of his cloned symbiotes to take control of him, subsequently creating an entirely new threat for Venom to face – a threat known as Carnage. Of course, Drake is not the host of the Carnage symbiote in the comics, but it's theorized that the symbiote Drake uses will eventually turn into the fan-favorite Spider-Man villain eventually.
15 FAKE: THE MOVIE TAKES PLACE IN A SEPARATE UNIVERSE
In which universe does Venom take place? That is the big question going into this movie, and it's one of the reasons some fans aren't too excited about the film. If it was confirmed beyond a doubt that the Tom Hardy-starring picture takes place inside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there would be a different buzz around the film. However, the simple fact that Marvel Studios doesn't appear to be attached to this film the way it was on Spider-Man: Homecoming makes some people think that Venom takes place inside its very own little universe. In fact, one fan theory that almost seems to be accepted by most is that Venom takes place in a separate universe from the MCU entirely.
Make no mistake, this theory does not refer to a simple bubble universe that takes place inside the MCU but never actually affects the main movies, like is the case for television series such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Inhumans or Netflix's various Defenders-related series. These television series are all allowed to reference events from the MCU movies, but they more or less take place inside their own little bubble that is never acknowledged in the movies. At least fans of these series can take comfort in the notion that they are still a part of the MCU. However, the theory for Venom is much different – it takes place in another Earth entirely. And we certainly hope that's not true.
14 TRUE: CLETUS KASADY WILL APPEAR
While we still don't know who the main villain in Venom will be, we do know that the film will be heavy on the matter of symbiotes. In fact, one of the more popular fan theories about the film stipulates that Riz Ahmed's character Carlton Drake will play a version of Carnage – but not exactly the one that fans know and love from the comics. In the source material, the host of the Carnage symbiote is a deranged killer named Cletus Kasady, who becomes an even more dangerous threat than Venom ever was. In fact, Carnage is so strong, his evil so great, that Spider-Man and Venom have to fight alongside one another to defeat the red-hued villain.
Since Venom and Carnage are so closely linked, it's not a stretch to imagine that Carnage will appear in some for or another.
But while many fans think that Drake will be first host of the Carnage symbiote, they believe he won't be the last. In fact, some theorize that, in an after-credits scene, we could see this red symbiote seek out a new host after Venom inevitably wins the day. In this theoretical scene, fans believe we could see the symbiote find its way inside a prison cell, where it will find Cletus Kasady waiting. In fact, an actor wouldn't even need to be cast. A simple namedrop or tag would be all that is needed to see that the real Carnage is coming.
13 FALSE: VENOM WILL JOIN THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
In the Marvel comic books, Venom is a character who has gone through many developments. He's been a hero, a villain, a plague on the world and a superhero. Yes, a superhero. In fact, when Venom was a part of Marvel's publishing line as Agent Venom, the character eventually found himself out in the far reaches of space, joining ranks with the Guardians of the Galaxy. It was a surprising departure for the character, but it also sort of made sense, considering that the symbiote is of alien nature and that Venom was already being used as a hero by that point. However, something that works on the comic book page doesn't necessarily work on the big screen.
Yes, some fans -- those who believe that Venom might secretly take place inside the Marvel Cinematic Universe -- think that, by movie's end, Brock and the symbiote will be recruited by the Earthbound Guardians of the Galaxy for a mission off in space. The theory was also cemented thanks to the fact that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and 2 director James Gunn said that, beyond Vol. 3, the team would see a few changes in its roster. However, this is one theory that likely won't ever come to pass.
12 TRUE: ITS ARRIVAL TIES INTO THE MCU
In Marvel's comic books, Spider-Man first comes into contact with the black goo that is the alien symbiote on a planet called Battleworld. This event took place in the 1984-1985 comic book event Secret Wars by Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck and Bob Layton, an event that saw many heroes transported to an alien planet. There, Spider-Man became the host of the symbiote, which transformed his suit black, and the webhead would eventually bring it home to Earth. It's safe to say that this is not the origin we will see come to life on the big screen in Sony's Venom. Instead, it appears as if the alien symbiote will find its way on Earth during some sort of spacecraft crash.
Could one of Thanos' ships contained the Venom symbiote?
In the movie's trailers, we do see flaming wreckage, one that appears to be either from a satellite, spaceship or perhaps even a space station of some sort. Of course, the simple answer is that this is just a routine space shuttle crash gone wrong. However, some fans have taken things further, by theorizing that we might be looking at some sort of MCU-related crash. For example, Avengers: Infinity War saw Thanos attack the Earth, with some of his spaceships coming down to Earth. One of them could have crashed off course, and this could lead the way for Venom.
11 FAKE: THE MOVIE IS CONNECTED TO THE SPIDER-VERSE
Many were surprised to hear the news that, outside of Spider-Man: Homecoming and Venom, Sony was also developing an animated movie focusing on the Miles Morales version of Spider-Man. In this film, titled Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, an older Peter Parker mentors a teenage Miles Morales into becoming the new Spider-Man. With a title referencing the Spider-Verse, it stands to reason that the film might hop from universe to universe, introducing many alternate version of Spider-Man like Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir and others like Spider-Ham.
So what's stopping a version of Venom from appearing in the film, as voiced by Tom Hardy? Nothing, according to some fans. They believe that Sony's animated film, which will feature alternate realities, could be connected to the live-action Venom film. This could either allow for Hardy's Venom to appear in a semi-sequel, while opening the door for the possibility of a live-action Miles Morales appearing in Sony's shared universe of Spider-Man-related outings. While this is all nice in theory, it doesn't seem likely to be true, considering the animated nature of the Into the Spider-Verse film. Besides, if the Venom film proves to be successful, Sony will want to produce a real sequel, not shuffle the character into the animated realm.
10 TRUE: FIVE EVIL SYMBIOTES WILL BE THE VILLAINS
Before the first trailer for Sony's Venom film was released, it was already confirmed that the film would take partial inspiration from the 1993 limited comic book series Venom: Lethal Protector by David Michelinie, Mark Bagley, Ron Lim and Sam DeLarosa. In this story, the evil organization known as the Life Foundation managed to extract five seeds from the Venom symbiote, and created five new villainous symbiote creatures that would become Lasher, Agony, Scream, Phage and Riot.
Since the film takes inspiration from this very comic, many believe that we will see these five symbiotes show up in Venom.
In fact, a certain fan theory posits that the Life Foundation, which has a role to play both in the comic and in the film, will either extract the symbiote seeds, or simply find more than one on the crashed spaceship. Whatever the actual movie origin will be, these fans believe that Venom will not battle Carnage, but instead five evil symbiotes that have taken hold of security personnel from the Life Foundation. This theory makes a whole lot of sense, because both the symbiote and the Life Foundation has such a big role to play in the film. And with Venom positioned as an anti-hero, he will need a few villains to fight.
9 FAKE: BROCK WILL ONLY BE VENOM BRIEFLY
Some fans don't have a whole lot of faith when it comes to Sony's Venom movie. In fact, they fear that the studio might not have learned the crucial knowledge that came with working alongside Marvel in order to make Spider-Man: Homecoming a worldwide hit. For some time now, there have been a few rumors circulating about Venom as a finished product. These rumors seem to theorize that the film will only feature Hardy's Brock as Venom for a brief amount of time, near the end of the film. While we have no way of knowing if this is true or not, the first trailer of the film, which didn't show Venom at all, didn't help matters.
However, the second trailer of the film seemed to want to put those rumors to rest, by showing that Brock comes into possession of the symbiote rather early on, and by featuring the awesome transformation into Venom that closed this second trailer. Still, some fans believe that the transformation glimpsed could very well only take place near the end of the film. The final look we had of Venom takes place out in the streets, at a time that doesn't appear to be the final confrontation of the film. Add to that a statement by Hardy himself that Venom has a big role to play in the film, and it appears as if this theory is nothing but false.
8 TRUE: THE MOVIE TAKES PLACE IN THE MCU'S FUTURE
There are many different theories that involve figuring out in which universe Sony's Venom movie takes place. Others believe that the movie is located inside the MCU but in its own little bubble universe like Marvel's various television series, while others think that the movie takes place in a completely separate universe. But then, there is another option entirely, a theory that could always end up being true. This theory stipulates that Venom will take place in the future of the MCU.
The events of Venom wouldn't take place concurrently with Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp et al., but rather a few years ahead.
This theory examines how Venom could take place a few years after the events of the untitled Avengers 4, and that that would explain why things appear to be quieter in the universe. This would also allow the symbiote's origins to be tied to whatever attack Thanos will unleash upon the Earth in May 2019's Avengers 4. Having Venom take place in the future of MCU would make sense, because it would be a way to have it be a part of the large tapestry while avoiding clashing with anything that is taking place in the current Avengers movies right now.
7 FAKE: SILVER SABLE AND BLACK CAT SPINOFF
Only a few months ago, it was reported that Sony was developing a Black Cat and Silver Sable team-up film tentatively titled Silver and Black. The movie would have brought two of the most important women in Spider-Man's life together on the screen, in an explosive movie filled with high stakes robberies and mercenary missions. Sony really seems keen on building a shared universe of its own, and it appears as if building it around Spider-Man is its best bet. But it all depends on the Venom film, and how well it performs.
For that reason, some fans have developed the theory that Venom is essentially Sony's version of Iron Man, the first film in a potential shared cinematic universe. They theorize that both Black Cat and Silver Sable will appear in the film in a cameo capacity, before being spun off into their own film. However, it was recently announced that Silver and Black was put on hold indefinitely. We don't know why – perhaps Sony wants to wait and see how Venom performs first, or perhaps the studio realized that without Spider-Man, it would be difficult to have a Spider-Man universe. Either way, it doesn't appear like this theory will come to pass.
6 TRUE: A SEPARATE ANTI-VENOM WILL BE CREATED
Venom's own little corner of the Spider-Man universe has taken on a life of its own in the comic books. It might have started with a black alien suit from another world, but it quickly turned into one of the most iconic and fan-favorite Marvel supervillains, which in turn led to the creation of other symbiotes like Carnage. But that's not all. In fact, more recently in the comics books, readers saw the creation of Anti-Venom, a creature similar to Venom but also quite different, in that one of its most obvious powers was to heal. The alter ego of Anti-Venom was, surprise, Eddie Brock.
At the time, Brock was no longer the host of the symbiote, but trace amounts of the alien parasite were still in his system. Eddie was suffering from cancer at the time, so the supervillain Mr. Negative used his powers to cure him -- but this affected the symbiote cells inside him, and Anti-Venom was created. Since we have already seen Hardy's Brock in the hospital in the film's trailers, some fans have theorized that the character might be suffering from cancer. If that is the case, then perhaps the film will borrow a page from the comic book and feature the creation of yet another symbiote.
5 FAKE: SHE-VENOM
Not only do we know very little about the general direction of the story of the Venom film, we also know very little about its cast. We know that Tom Hardy plays Eddie Brock, and that Riz Ahmed plays Carlton Drake, head of the Life Foundation. We know that Jenny Slate plays a Life Foundation scientist, and finally we know that Michelle Williams plays Ann Weying, Eddie's girlfriend. While we don't know much about the character's role in the film, she appears to be a lawyer, just like her comic book counterpart. In the case of the Venom film, she seems to be a lawyer for the Life Foundation, of all places.
To protect her, the symbiote bonded with her, and transformed her into She-Venom.
Of course, this has led to the theory that Ann might follow in the footsteps of her character in the comics. In the source material, Ann eventually came into possession of the Venom symbiote, for a brief period of time when her life was in mortal danger. To protect her, the symbiote bonded with her, and transformed her into She-Venom. Some fans believe that such a scene will occur in the film, that Ann's life will be in danger at the Life Foundation and that she will become She-Venom. However, with so much happening already in this film, we wouldn't bet on yet another symbiote host.
4 TRUE: THE SYMBIOTE WILL TURN BROCK INTO A VILLAIN
Some fans were taken aback by the original announcement of Sony's planned Venom movie. The character has gotten his own solo comic book titles before, but having the character by himself on the big screen would definitely prove to be a challenge. With no Spider-Man, the one hope this movie has would be to embrace the character fully, as a villain. However, the two trailers that have so far been released for the film don't seem to be pointing at a villainous Venom. Sure, he looks like a monster, but the way he is portrayed, as well as the tag line referencing anti-heroes, indicates a more heroic Venom.
But this isn't to say that Eddie Brock's Venom will be a good-hearted hero in the film. While Brock can be heard saying that he wishes to use the symbiote to do good, some fan theories have begun surfacing that question if the symbiote's more dastardly nature will come to infect Brock. If it does, then perhaps this Venom will start out with good intentions, but turn into more and more of a villain as the movie progresses. Venom can be an anti-hero, sure, but he also needs to show why he is considered a true monster.
3 FAKE: WE WILL SEE A PLANET OF THE SYMBIOTES
During a comic book convention, Sony surprised the audience of its panel by introducing a short video featuring Tom Hardy on the set of Venom. There, the actor revealed that the movie would take inspiration not only from the Venom: Lethal Protector miniseries, but also the Amazing Spider-Man storyline “Planet of the Symbiotes.” From what we have seen, Lethal Protector seems to influence the story the most: the San Francisco setting, the Life Foundation, the prospect of other evil symbiotes. But what of “Planet of the Symbiotes?” So far, nothing from the trailers seem to be inspired by that specific story. This is why some fan theories have been focusing more on the second comic book inspiration of the film.
For the film, some fans believe that, just like in the comics, Eddie Brock might be teleported on a symbiote-controlled planet.
“Planet of the Symbiotes” was a five-part crossover written by David Michelinie and illustrated by five different artists. The story saw the symbiote unleashing a worldwide cry that brought many other symbiotes to Earth, before Spider-Man, Eddie Brock and the Scarlet Spider were all transported to another planet that was controlled by the alien race of symbiotes. For the film, some fans believe that, just like in the comics, Eddie Brock might be teleported on a symbiote-controlled planet. But given the gritty nature of the film, this theory doesn't appear to be likely.
2 TRUE: APPEARS IN SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING 3
Some fan don't really care if the Sony's Venom film connects to the Marvel Cinematic Universe or not. Whether the movie makes references to prior movies or not may not ultimately matter, at least not if this next fan theory is to be believed. Some fans think that, depending on the success of the Venom film, the symbiote, as well as Tom Hardy's Brock, will find themselves in Spider-Man: Homecoming 3. Now of course, Spider-Man: Homecoming 2 is still a year away, but it's already been said that Marvel plans on completing a trilogy with Tom Holland's Spider-Man.
Whatever happens in the sequel, the third movie could potentially feature the arrival of one of Spider-Man's greatest enemy, and a confrontation that fans would all love to see. If Venom doesn't give us a definitive answer as to which universe it takes place in, then the film could retroactively be connected to the MCU. If Brock and the symbiote next appear in the third Spider-Man sequel, then many fans would rejoice. This is a theory that could most definitely be true, and could potentially wash the old Spider-Man 3's Venom from the mouths of fans.
1 FAKE: WOODY HARRELSON IS CARNAGE
For a very long time now, we have known that Woody Harrelson had been cast in the Venom movie. However, his casting came with a lot of mystery. To this day, we still have no clue which character he plays, and the fact that we still haven't seen the actor in any promotional still or trailer from the film has obviously been enough to get the rumor mill going. Considering the high-profile nature of the actor, some fan theories speculate that Harrelson is playing an important role in the film, if not in size, then at least in terms of relevance to the comic books.
Naturally, fans believe that he will play Cletus Kasady, aka Carnage.
Of course, there is some traction to this theory. Why would Sony hire such a well-known actor, only to keep him a secret? It would seem there is only one possible answer, and that is because the actor will be playing a villain fans have waited a very, very long time to see on the big screen. But there is also the very real possibility that Harrelson is playing someone else entirely. It seems unlikely that with all of the characters and symbiotes involved that another one will turn out to have a big role. For that reason, this fan theory might not prove to be true. We'll just have to wait for the movie's release on Oct. 5 to find out.