Michelle Williams to Star in ‘Venom’ Opposite Tom Hardy EDIT: First sentence of the article is, "Michelle Williams is in talks to star opposite Tom Hardy in Sony’s “Venom” movie." She's great, so I'm down with this. Never pictured her in a superhero movie.
The article also says that Riz Ahmed is definitely in, which I didn't think was official yet. Cool. Still super excited for this.
She's in negotiations. Sources say Slate will play a scientist. Article also says Michelle Williams is on board, so I'm taking that as official confirmation? Jenny Slate Joins Tom Hardy in ‘Venom’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Kelly Marcel is reportedly working on the script for this. Marcel's previous script work includes Saving Mr. Banks, Fifty Shades of Grey, and some uncredited work on Bronson. Apparently she and Tom Hardy became very close friends when Bronson was being made, so I imagine he's the one who brought her on to refine this script. While her body of work isn't all that compelling, I personally like the implication that Tom Hardy is pretty hands on with this whole project.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure production is still supposed to get underway by the end of the month. If you're asking because of the script news, it's worth noting that the new writer is someone with experience as an uncredited script doctor for Bronson. She's probably just refining what's already there while they wait for shooting to begin. A lot of the rushed aspects of this are worrisome, but with the quality of the cast and source material, I'm not too worried yet.
Unfortunately, I imagine the costumes will be at least partially CGI, which would mean we wouldn't get a real look until the first trailer drops. And, that likely won't be until at least Black Panther, if not New Mutants. Granted, there is still a decent bit of negativity around this not being in the MCU or having a Spider-Man, so maybe they'll try to get a good look out faster to drum up excitement. Still, I could see them taking their time and working towards an initial teaser that can pull in the skeptics. Either way, I'm likewise very eager, lol.
A teaser before the year is over would be a cool surprise, but being released next to New Mutants probably makes the most sense
Especially since New Mutants and Venom have seemingly similar tones. Plus, New Mutants started shooting roughly a year before the release date, like Venom did, and the New Mutants trailer came out 6 months before its release date. New Mutants comes out 6 months before Venom, so if Venom follows a similar schedule, that's perfect timing.
During an interview, Andy Serkis let slip that Tom Hardy is playing a performance capture role. Tom Hardy's Venom is a performance capture role, reveals Andy Serkis (exclusive)
I remember his origin in ASM #101 being surprisingly well fleshed out, in spite of being in flashback, so they could totally go full science fiction horror with the film, making it completely about the hubris of man and all that jazz. Like, no villains or other comic-book-y elements. Though, I kinda doubt they'll do that. Between Venom, Morbius, Lizard, Carnage, and Man-Wolf, Sony could really lean into the tone of classic Marvel horror, like a mix between the old Gerry Conway stuff and Todd MacFarlane's early 90s work. Too bad they didn't start doing this while they still had the rights to Ghost Rider, who would've fit quite nicely into this world.
I'd honestly love something in that vein. I just hope it doesn't hinge on him being a misunderstood anti-hero/villain who overcomes some crazy thing to be accepted blah blah blah. I think the Silver Sable/Black Cat film is going to say a lot about the direction they go moving forward. Venom is likely going to be successful no matter what, but these fringe characters are the real make or break films. I like the risks Fox and Sony are taking with their Marvel properties and hope they end up working out. As much as we talk about how good a roll Disney is on, the stories really aren't different enough.