Venom sequel starring Tom Hardy in the works, Kelly Marcel returning to pen script

Following the box office smash of Venom, Sony pictures is spinning the wheels for its second installment. According to sources, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Venom starring Tom Hardy as the antihero is developing a second sequel with Kelly Marcel writing the script. Marcel who is also among the co-writers of the first Venom installment also has Disney's upcoming Cruellaas among her credits. This news came about when in November, Sony reportedly set aside July 10, 2020 and October 2, 2020 for two yet-confirmed superhero movies from their slate. Given Venom‘s extraordinary October success in 2018, making $855 million globally, it is pretty close to set in stone that a sequel will fall nicely into that October 2 slot. The other slot is likely going to the Morbius movie adaptation starring Jared Leto as Marvel’s “living vampire”.

Tom Hardy will reprise his role as the eponymous symbiote. As sequels go, the studio is looking to cash in on the box office success of the antihero franchise, despite its bad reviews.

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The insiders said although an exact amount could not be revealed, Marcel's deal was a significant one.  She will also executive produce the follow-up. Marcel was also a producer on the first picture.

A director has not been decided yet. As per the sources, Sony might look for a new name as Venom director Reuben Fleischer will be busy shooting the sequel to its Zombieland. Venom, although received mixed reviews last October and went on to earn global success. The pic starred Tom Hardy as the Spider-Man anti-hero Venom and included a  by Woody Harrelson as Cletus Kasady, a serial killer who in the comics becomes Venom's archnemesis Carnage. Harrelson is expected to return to expand the role in a follow-up, and Hardy and Michelle Williams are expected back, as well.