Sony is moving forward with an animated “Venom” film, according to TheWrap. Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, known for their work on “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” are set to helm the project.
Tom Hardy, who portrayed Eddie Brock in the previous “Venom” films, is also involved, though his specific role in this new project hasn’t been disclosed yet.
The “Venom” franchise has seen considerable success at the box office, with the 2018 film bringing in US$856 million globally, and its sequel, “Let There Be Carnage,” surpassing US$500 million despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. However, each instalment has experienced a decline in earnings, contributing to a total of US$1.76 billion across the franchise.
“Venom” has emerged as a key player in Sony’s Marvel strategy, alongside the Tom Holland-led “Spider-Man” films and the animated “Spider-Verse” trilogy. These efforts represent Sony’s attempts to leverage its rights to various Spider-Man characters.
While films like “Morbius” achieved modest success and “Madame Web” underperformed critically and financially, “Venom” thrived on the character’s popularity during a time when Marvel content was in high demand, especially amid the MCU’s Infinity Saga. Hardy’s unique portrayal added to the film’s charm, resonating with audiences and making “Let There Be Carnage” a fun escape during lockdowns.
Producers Amy Pascal, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach, who have worked on the live-action films, are also set to produce the animated project. Sony Pictures Animation is creating a writers’ room to craft the screenplay, though no writers are currently attached.
Lipovsky and Stein’s “Final Destination: Bloodlines” stands out as the highest-grossing and best-reviewed instalment in its franchise, raking in US$315 million worldwide. The duo is additionally developing a thriller titled “Long Lost” with Amblin Entertainment and Universal.
Verve, Ground Control, and Lichter Grossman represent Lipovsky and Stein.
