How Venom’s Integration into the MCU Could Be Crucial for Avengers: Secret Wars

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Venom’s role in the MCU could be crucial for the storyline of Avengers: Secret Wars.
The original Secret Wars comic storyline sees Spider-Man donning the Symbiote suit, paving the way for the emergence of Venom.
Although Tom Hardy has hinted at stepping away from the Venom role, he could be persuaded to return if the MCU comes calling.

Recent discussions have surfaced regarding the possibility of Tom Hardy’s Venom making an appearance in Avengers: Secret Wars. The character’s participation in what might be the most significant film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) could play a pivotal role in the overarching narrative. Fans familiar with the classic Secret Wars comic series will appreciate how essential Venom’s presence could be in successfully adapting this storyline for the MCU.

Over time, Venom has solidified his status as one of Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-Man’s, most formidable adversaries. His live-action debut was in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3, portrayed by Topher Grace, but that iteration has not aged well. In contrast, Tom Hardy has breathed new life into the character, portraying Eddie Brock in films like Venom and Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Hardy is also set to reprise his role in the upcoming Vernon: The Last Dance, which is rumored to be his swan song in the franchise. However, speculation continues that he might crossover into the MCU as Venom, a development that could be vital for weaving together the Secret Wars narrative within this cinematic universe.

The Importance of Venom’s Role in Avengers: Secret Wars

A promotional image featuring Venom from Marvel's Spider-Man 2, alongside Tom Hardy in character.

The pressing question is why is Venom’s integration into the MCU essential for the narrative of Avengers: Secret Wars? This largely hinges on whether Marvel Studios intends to adapt the original narrative from the classic comic. In the 1984 Secret Wars comic series, Peter Parker becomes bonded to the alien Symbiote, which leads to the transformation of his costume into the iconic black Spider-Man suit. This event occurs as he tries to repair his traditional suit after damage from a battle, accidentally using a piece of alien technology that releases the Venom symbiote, ultimately enveloping Peter and altering his appearance.

Parker initially dons the suit oblivious to its inherent dangers. Realizing the distress it causes him, he eventually seeks the expertise of Reed Richards from the Fantastic Four, who endeavors to separate the Symbiote from Peter. The procedure is successful, but the symbiote finds a new host in Eddie Brock, who becomes the infamous Venom and a continual threat to Spider-Man.

Importantly, the Secret Wars narrative serves as Venom’s introduction, making his involvement logical for the Avengers: Secret Wars storyline. Reports suggest that Kevin Feige is receptive to the idea of Hardy portraying the character in the MCU, and given the popularity of Hardy’s interpretation of this Marvel villain, it would be a natural fit for him to play a significant role in the upcoming film.

Tom Hardy’s Thoughts on Reprising the Role of Venom

Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock in the post-credits scene of Spider-Man: No Way Home.

With the possibility of Venom appearing in Avengers: Secret Wars, what has Tom Hardy communicated about continuing in his role post-Venom: The Last Dance? Is he keen on reprising the character? In a recent Instagram post, he conveyed sentiments that could suggest this might be the end of his tenure as Venom. He remarked:

That’s all she wrote for me and the big guy – we promise to make this the best of them all. We’ve loved creating these. Thank you for your ❤️ and support – come join us for the Last Dance. For those who enjoy a good time from all of us in the team – Let us entertain you.

Hardy appears to be signaling an end to his involvement, but he might be more focused on the franchise rather than the character itself. Should Marvel Studios reach out to Tom Hardy to reprise his role as Eddie Brock/Venom in Avengers: Secret Wars, it’s likely he would accept. His passion for the character is evident, and the prospect of returning to the MCU in such a monumental film could entice him to don the suit once more.

Avengers: Secret Wars is scheduled to hit theaters on May 7, 2027.

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