Venom 3 – or, to use its official and rather definitive title, Venom: The Last Dance– has already made its mark on the cinematic landscape, having been released in October 2024. This third instalment in Sony’s popular, albeit divisive, Venom Series sees Tom Hardy return as the chaotic duo of Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote, promising a high-stakes adventure that could potentially conclude their standalone story within the Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU).
Following the tumultuous events of Venom: Let There Be Carnage And the brief, reality-bending post-credits appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans have eagerly anticipated how this final chapter would unfold. This article delves into the plot, cast, and creative decisions behind Venom: The Last Dance, examines its critical and commercial reception, explores the latest trends and fan theories, and considers the potential implications for the broader superhero film landscape.
Venom 3 Plot Synopsis: On the Run from All Worlds
Venom: The Last Dancepicks up directly after the post-credits scene of Spider-Man: No Way Home, with Eddie Brock and Venom abruptly pulled back to their own universe from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). They find themselves in a precarious situation, now on the run and hunted by forces from both their own world and potentially beyond. The core of the narrative revolves around Eddie and Venom being tirelessly pursued, leading them to a “shattering last resort.”
The primary antagonists in The Last Dance Are revealed to be Xenophages, dangerous creatures unleashed by Knull, the ancient cosmic entity and creator of the symbiotes, also known as the King in Black. Knull, who has long been imprisoned, is seeking a powerful item called the “Codex,” which is forged when a symbiote resurrects its dead host, essentially combining two life forces. Venom is identified as the key to this Codex, making him and Eddie prime targets for the Xenophages, who are tasked with retrieving it to free Knull. This cosmic threat elevates the stakes significantly beyond the previous films’ more earthbound villains.
Adding to their woes, Eddie is blamed for the apparent murder of Patrick Mulligan (Stephen Graham), the detective last seen seemingly killed by Carnage in the previous film. This forces Eddie and Venom to journey to New York City to clear Eddie’s name, hoping to lie low. Meanwhile, a government agency called Imperium, led by General Rex Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and scientist Dr. Teddy Paine (Juno Temple), is also tracking the duo, seeking to capture and control symbiotes for their own purposes. Patrick Mulligan himself is revealed to be alive, having been revived by a symbiote, and serves as a key figure within Imperium, providing crucial information. The film culminates in a climactic confrontation where Venom, in a heroic sacrifice, destroys the Codex and battles the Xenophages, severing Knull’s immediate path to freedom but hinting at his eventual rise. The film features a definitive ending for the Eddie and Venom partnership, with Eddie seemingly free from the symbiote, though a post-credits scene hints at the symbiote’s lingering presence.
The Stars and Their Roles: Venom 3 Cast and Creative Team
The success of the Venom Franchise hinges largely on the unique chemistry between Tom Hardy and the titular symbiote, and The Last Dance Is no exception.
Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock / Venom
Hardy once again delivers his signature chaotic and often humorous portrayal of the struggling journalist and his alien companion. His performance continues to be the heart of the films, embodying the bizarre, co-dependent relationship between man and symbiote. Hardy also received a story credit for the film, indicating his continued creative input.
Kelly Marcel (Director and Writer)
A significant change for The Last Dance was Kelly Marcel, who previously served as a writer and producer for the first two Venom films, stepping into the director’s chair. This marked her directorial debut and brought a fresh perspective to the franchise, with Hardy reportedly co-writing the story with her.
Chiwetel Ejiofor as General Rex Strickland
Ejiofor’s inclusion as a new, formidable antagonist brought significant gravitas to the cast. As a commander for Imperium, his character is a determined force tracking Eddie and Venom.
Juno Temple as Dr. Theodora “Teddy” Paine
Temple plays a scientist for Imperium, haunted by personal tragedy, who is studying symbiotes. Her character adds another layer to the human efforts to understand and control the alien species.
Rhys Ifans as Martin Moon & Alanna Ubach as Nova Moon
These characters are introduced as eccentric alien enthusiasts, adding a touch of quirky humour and offering a different perspective on extraterrestrial life.
Stephen Graham as Patrick Mulligan: Despite his apparent demise in Let There Be Carnage, Graham reprises his role, revealing a surprising symbiotic revival and a pivotal role within Imperium. He also voices the green symbiote that bonds with Mulligan.
Peggy Lu as Mrs. Chen
The beloved convenience store owner, Mrs. Chen, returns, continuing her unique friendship with Eddie and Venom, providing moments of levity and heart.
Other Symbiotes:The film introduces several new symbiotes, many based on the Life Foundation symbiotes from the comics, who bond with Area 51 employees to join the fight against the Xenophages.
The blending of established favourites with new, high-calibre talent aimed to elevate the final instalment, giving it both familiar charm and fresh narrative impetus.
Production Journey and Release
The journey to Venom: The Last Dance Began shortly after the release of Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Sony Pictures officially confirmed the film’s development at CinemaCon in April 2022. Filming commenced in mid-2023, with principal photography taking place in various locations, including Spain. Production faced a temporary halt in July 2023 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike but resumed swiftly in November once the strike concluded. The film was completed by the end of February 2024.
The official title, Venom 3: The Last Dance, was revealed in March 2024, immediately sparking speculation among fans about the finality of Tom Hardy’s portrayal of the character. Sony also adjusted the release date, moving it forward from its initial November slot. The film premiered at the Regal Times Square theatre in New York City on October 21, 2024, and was released in the United States on October 25, 2024. For UK audiences, the release also aligned with this date, making it a simultaneous global event. The relatively swift production and release, especially considering the strike, demonstrated Sony’s commitment to delivering the film to audiences within a reasonable timeframe.
Venom 3 Critical and Commercial Reception
Upon its release, Venom: The Last Dance Garnered a mixed reception, similar to its predecessors. Critically, it continued to divide reviewers. Many praised Tom Hardy’s committed performance and the continued odd-couple charm between Eddie and Venom, acknowledging that this unique dynamic remains the franchise’s strongest asset. The film’s embrace of its inherent absurdity and its focus on the bond between the two leads was generally well-received by those who enjoy the Venom Films’ distinct tone. The introduction of Knull and the Xenophages was also seen by some as a bold step towards larger cosmic stakes, offering a glimpse into the broader symbiote mythology.
However, common criticisms included a sometimes convoluted plot, a rushed pace in certain areas, and visual effects that, while ambitious, didn’t always hit the mark. Some critics felt that the film struggled to balance its comedic elements with the more serious, apocalyptic threat of Knull. Despite these critiques, many fans of the franchise appreciated the definitive conclusion to Eddie and Venom’s story, along with the action sequences and the continued exploration of their unconventional friendship.
Commercially, Venom: The Last Dance performed solidly at the box office, continuing the trend of the Venom films demonstrating strong global appeal despite mixed critical reviews. It delivered a robust global opening and maintained a respectable box office run, affirming the commercial viability of the SSU. Its performance underlined the enduring popularity of the Venom character and Tom Hardy’s portrayal, proving that a dedicated fan base can drive success even in a crowded superhero market. It received nominations at various awards, including the Saturn Awards for Best Science Fiction Film.
The Multiverse and SSU Connections
One of the most heavily discussed aspects of Venom: The Last Dance Is its place within the wider Sony’s Spider-Man Universe and its potential connections to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Eddie and Venom’s brief stint in the MCU, where a piece of the symbiote was left behind, fuelled immense speculation about a future crossover with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man.
The Last Dance directly addresses their return, with the plot necessitating their presence in their own universe to deal with the Knull threat. While the film provided a definitive ending for Hardy’s Venom in his standalone trilogy, the post-credits scene, showing a cockroach interacting with a remnant of the symbiote, left the door open for the character to return in some form. This ending, combined with Knull’s looming threat, has led to intense fan speculation about how Knull might eventually manifest in the MCU or other SSU films. Some theories suggest that Knull could be a major antagonist in a future Spider-Man Film, potentially leading to a major multiversal conflict that finally unites the various Marvel iterations. The film mostly avoids direct references to Spider-Man in its main narrative, maintaining the SSU’s distinct identity while acknowledging the broader multiverse.
Venom 3 Latest Trends and Fan Theories in 2025
As of mid-2025, Venom: The Last Dance continues to be a hot topic, particularly concerning its ending and future implications. Trending discussions and fan theories include:
The Symbiote’s Return
The most pervasive trend is the debate and speculation surrounding the cockroach post-credits scene. Fans are actively theorising how the Venom symbiote could re-emerge, who is next host might be (with Flash Thompson/Agent Venom and Mac Gargan/Scorpion being popular comic book choices), and whether this re-emergence could lead to an eventual MCU crossover.
Knull’s Future
The official introduction of Knull as the overarching villain has sparked intense interest. Discussions centre on where and when Knull will next appear, with many hoping for a major confrontation in future SSU films or even a direct clash with the MCU’s heroes. Theories about Knull’s escape from his prison and his wider multiversal plans are rampant.
Tom Hardy’s Future as Venom 3
Despite The Last Dance being marketed as the conclusion to his trilogy, fans are holding onto hope that Tom Hardy will return to the role, perhaps in a multiversal crossover. His continued popularity as Eddie/Venom fuels this desire.
“Venomverse” Expansions
The introduction of new symbiotes in Area 51 has led to speculation about future spin-offs focusing on other symbiote characters, expanding the “Venomverse” within the SSU, even without Eddie Brock as the primary focus.
The “Anti-Hero” Appeal
The enduring appeal of Venom as a morally ambiguous anti-hero continues to resonate with audiences, leading to discussions about the evolving nature of superhero narratives and the success of characters operating outside traditional heroic archetypes. Fan art and fan fiction exploring Eddie and Venom’s complex dynamic remain popular.
The conversations surrounding Venom: The Last Dance Reflect a fanbase deeply invested in the character’s future, eager for more symbiotic chaos and potential multiversal crossovers.
FAQs
What is the official title of Venom 3?
The official title of Venom 3 is Venom: The Last Dance.
When was Venom: The Last Dance Released?
Venom: The Last Dance was released in cinemas in the United States and the UK on October 25, 2024.
Who is the main star of Venom 3: The Last Dance?
Tom Hardy reprises his role as Eddie Brock and the voice of Venom in Venom: The Last Dance.
Who directed Venom 3: The Last Dance?
Venom: The Last Dance Was directed by Kelly Marcel, who also co-wrote the story with Tom Hardy.
What are the main threats faced by Eddie and Venom 3 in The Last Dance?
In Venom: The Last Dance, Eddie and Venom are hunted by Xenophages, creatures unleashed by the cosmic entity Knull (the King in Black), and also pursued by the government agency Imperium.
Final Thought
Venom 3: The Last Dance delivers on its promise of a high-octane, emotionally charged, and ultimately definitive conclusion to Tom Hardy’s time as the iconic symbiote and his human host. While the film maintains the unique blend of dark humour and chaotic action that defined its predecessors, it bravely delves into larger cosmic mythology, introducing a formidable new threat in Knull that has significant implications for the wider SSU. Despite a mixed critical reception, the film’s commercial success and the fervent fan engagement highlight the enduring appeal of this unconventional anti-hero. As the curtain falls on this particular symbiotic chapter, the whispers of the multiverse and the lingering presence of the symbiote ensure that Venom 3: The Last Dance is not merely an ending, but perhaps a catalyst for a new, even wilder, beginning in the ever-expanding world of comic book cinema.
To read more, Click here
