Why the Venom Trilogy Fails to Do Justice to the Character

Note: The following content contains spoilers for Venom: The Last Dance.

Key Insights on the Venom Trilogy

Sony’s management of the Venom franchise fell short, lacking meaningful integration into a broader cinematic universe.
Characters like Knull and Carnage were not fully utilized, preventing a deeper exploration of the symbiote legacy.
In contrast, Marvel showcased a more engaging narrative around symbiotes in the Spider-Man 2 video game.

Conclusion of an Era: The Release of Venom: The Last Dance

The release of Venom: The Last Dance marks a pivotal moment for the Sony Spiderverse, concluding a trilogy that many believe was a missed opportunity. Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Eddie Brock and his alter ego, Venom, has spanned three films. However, Hardy has indicated a desire to step back, leaving a question lingering over the franchise’s future.

A Critical Review of Sony’s Venom Handling

With the closing chapter of this trilogy, it’s imperative to assess whether Sony effectively managed the Venom character. Although there was more attention afforded to Venom than to other properties within their Marvel film universe, it remains clear that the execution has fallen flat. The decision to confine Venom to three films without further exploration feels like a significant waste of potential.

Missed Opportunities: The Possibility of Integration with the MCU

One of the greatest disappointments of the Venom trilogy lies in the notable concepts that were introduced but never fully realized. Characters such as Knull, intended to rival the likes of Thanos, and Carnage, known for his chaos, could have added layers to the narrative. While there was an effort to bring Carnage to life with Woody Harrelson’s casting, the overall portrayal missed the mark, diminished by unnecessary subplots that detracted from the essence of the character.

#VenomTheLastDance First Reviews: Critics suggest if the first two Venom films didn’t resonate with you, this installment likely won’t either, though for devoted fans, it serves as a fitting farewell for Tom Hardy and his symbiotic counterpart. https://t.co/hrrcFn0p5e pic.twitter.com/YUFtDgXxkb — Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) October 24, 2024

Introducing a formidable foe such as Knull at the culmination of the trilogy without an established universe to connect with feels misguided. The hints left behind in post-credits scenes appear pointless if no clear narrative direction is planned for these characters. Furthermore, the prospect of the symbiote’s continuation post-Eddie Brock raises too many complications that could have been avoided had Sony collaborated with Marvel from the outset. The retention of Venom while relinquishing Spider-Man to the MCU is perplexing, especially since the trilogy hasn’t been critically acclaimed.

The Misfired Opportunities in the Symbiote Saga

It is regrettable to acknowledge that Sony has squandered the intricate potential surrounding Venom. This character had the capability to emerge as one of the most captivating antiheroes in modern superhero cinema. While comedic elements injected some lightness into the films, they often tipped the scale into absurdity, overshadowing what could have been profound storytelling. As we reach the conclusion of Venom: The Last Dance, it feels as though the series has purposefully undermined itself and one of the more fascinating aspects of the symbiote storyline.

Venom: The Last Dance
Cast	Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, Clark Backo, Alanna Ubach
Directed By	Kelly Marcel
Release Date	October 24, 2024

Reflecting on various factors, one can’t help but speculate how much improved the Venom narrative might have fared had it been under Marvel’s auspices. A climactic encounter where Knull unleashed an invasion of symbiotes against the Avengers could have provided a thrilling spectacle that was notably absent from the trilogy. Interestingly, the recent Spider-Man 2 video game explored similar themes more effectively than the films, highlighting an intriguing irony in storytelling quality.

In reflection, it is disheartening to witness a video game crafting a more compelling narrative around Venom than what the films have produced. The critical feedback surrounding the trilogy suggests a troubling trend: Sony’s primary focus appeared more about profiting from the Venom brand rather than delivering quality cinematic experiences.

With the unveiling of Venom: The Last Dance and indications that the franchise may conclude, it poses a crucial inquiry: How did Sony falter in utilizing one of Marvel’s most magnetic characters? Unlike characters such as Morbius or Madame Web, who occupy a more minor status, Eddie Brock’s saga was an opportunity lost.

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