Venom 3: The Last Dance is set to bring Tom Hardy’s journey as Eddie Brock and Venom to an explosive conclusion when it hits theaters on October 25, 2024. Directed by Kelly Marcel, who also co-wrote the script with Hardy, the film promises to be a grand finale for this chapter of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU). This installment is widely expected to be Hardy’s final outing as the antihero Venom, wrapping up a trilogy that began with 2018’s Venom and continued with Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

Cast and Characters

Hardy returns as the lead, and he’ll be joined by some exciting new cast members, including Juno Temple and Chiwetel Ejiofor in key roles. Temple is set to play a scientist named Dr. Payne, while Ejiofor’s character remains under wraps but is expected to play a significant antagonist. Familiar faces like Peggy Lu as Mrs. Chen, Stephen Graham as Detective Patrick Mulligan, and Cristo Fernández are also back, continuing their roles from previous films.

The Plot: The Final Dance

Plot details have been kept mostly secret, but from what has been teased, Eddie and Venom find themselves on the run, hunted by both human forces and alien entities. The symbiote’s homeworld will play a much larger role this time, with the introduction of Knull, the malevolent creator of the symbiotes. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this arc, as Knull’s presence promises to take the stakes higher, with symbiotes potentially invading Earth in larger numbers.

The title, The Last Dance, hints at a major decision Eddie and Venom will face, possibly concluding their intertwined fate. Although the multiverse and Spider-Man connections have been teased (most notably in Spider-Man: No Way Home), it’s unclear how much of that will play into this film. However, don’t expect a Venom vs. Spider-Man showdown just yet, as the movie appears to be focused on Venom’s own saga and the symbiote mythology.

Production and Delays

Production faced challenges in 2023 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, halting filming in Spain and delaying the film’s release from its original July 2024 date to October 25. Filming resumed in late 2023, with Marcel making her directorial debut after working on the screenplays for the first two films. This continuity in creative vision should help maintain the tone and style fans have come to expect from the series.

Visual Effects and Action

Fans can expect more large-scale symbiote battles, with some unique twists, such as symbiote-infused animals (as teased in the trailers) and the introduction of Knull’s Hive Mind. The film promises to explore deeper symbiote lore, bringing in far-reaching sci-fi elements, and will feature visual effects from industry giants like Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Digital Domain. The film’s creative team is pushing the boundaries of what has been seen in previous Venom films, aiming for a more immersive, visually complex story.

The Future of Venom

While Venom: The Last Dance is expected to close the chapter on Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock, it might not be the end for Venom as a character. In the comics, Venom has bonded with several hosts, including characters like Flash Thompson and Mac Gargan. This leaves the door open for Sony to continue exploring the symbiote’s legacy in future SSU films. However, for fans of Hardy’s version, this might be the last time we see him in action as the beloved anti-hero.

In conclusion, Venom: The Last Dance is poised to be an epic, action-packed finale that delves into the rich symbiote mythology while delivering the witty banter and dark humor that have become hallmarks of the series. With Tom Hardy’s commitment to the role and the introduction of exciting new characters, the film promises to be a fitting farewell for this iteration of Venom.