Key Insights
- Tom Hardy has confirmed he will conclude his role in the Venom trilogy, but the character’s journey is far from over.
- A fan speculation indicates that Flash Thompson could take on the Venom persona in the upcoming Spider-Man 4.
- Introducing Flash Thompson as Agent Venom could provide a unique narrative while steering clear of repetitive plots.
It seems that Tom Hardy’s tenure as Eddie Brock is drawing to a close. When Venom: The Last Dance premieres, it’s likely to be Hardy’s final outing with the Marvel symbiote under Sony’s banner. However, does that spell the end for the iconic character? It’s doubtful. One of Marvel Comics’ most intriguing characters—the transformation from villain to hero—will likely persist in some capacity.
Although Tom Hardy has stated he will step back from any further Venom films after the trilogy is completed, there seem to be no intentions to retire the character entirely. The director of Venom: The Last Dance has suggested that the film’s primary antagonist is merely at the beginning of a larger arc. Moreover, if there are indeed plans for Knull, this implies extended narratives involving the Venom symbiote. The critical inquiry now revolves around whether Sony intends to retain the rights to the character or potentially transition him into the MCU—and if so, who will inherit the mantle of the symbiote in future stories.
The Venom Character’s Longstanding Legacy
A user on Reddit, Zeldatroid, has theorized a scenario that could unfold in Spider-Man 4. This theory suggests that the Venom symbiote may initially bond with Peter Parker, resembling classic comic and movie storylines. However, upon Peter’s separation from the symbiote, it might subsequently attach to Flash Thompson.
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Venom: The Last Dance |
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Starring |
Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Peggy Lu, Alanna Ubach, Stephen Graham |
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Kelly Marcel |
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Directed By |
Kelly Marcel |
The Redditor noted, “Flash in the MCU idolizes Spider-Man, aspiring to be his friend, essentially wanting to emulate him. What better way to achieve this than through the symbiote?”
Moreover, comic lore backs the possibility of Flash transforming into Venom. He actually becomes a government-sanctioned version known as Agent Venom, engaging in various space missions and even collaborating with the Guardians of the Galaxy!
This theory holds promise, although challenges remain. Foremost among them is the fact that Flash Thompson is portrayed as a relatively minor character within the MCU, frequently serving as comic relief. However, there exists an antagonistic yet friendly rapport between him and Peter. In the initial Spider-Man film, Flash played almost a bully-like role, whereas subsequent films revealed a shift towards camaraderie. Should Flash bond with the symbiote, it might draw out his more villainous traits. Additionally, the complication arises that Flash is unaware of Peter’s superhero identity, setting the stage for potential conflict between the two superpowered entities.
Another consideration is the backstory of Agent Venom, where Flash Thompson enlists in the military to work alongside the symbiote. Flash, however, doesn’t fit the military archetype, but with both he and Peter heading to MIT, an alternative storyline emerges. He could potentially encounter the symbiote in a scientific context, thus bypassing Peter Parker altogether, which would streamline the plot and clarify the MCU’s direction for the character.
Flash Thompson as Agent Venom: Preventing Narrative Repetition in Spider-Man 4
One narrative arc that both Spider-Man 4 and Secret Wars should steer clear of is Peter Parker’s descent into darkness due to the black suit. This plot has been explored in previous Spider-Man adaptations. Audiences have also witnessed the symbiote learn to adopt a heroic persona alongside Eddie Brock. Revisiting this storyline would likely feel like a waste of time.
In contrast, having Flash Thompson be the first to truly embrace the symbiote in the MCU may introduce a complexity where he becomes somewhat morally ambiguous, particularly if the symbiote finds in him a potent vessel to exert control and unleash chaos.
While it’s improbable that Flash’s entry into the MCU was initially crafted with the intention of him eventually stepping into the role of Agent Venom, recent developments suggest the pieces are aligning. Fans have anticipated this evolution for quite some time, and shying away from it could be seen as a missed opportunity once Venom: The Last Dance has come and gone.
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