The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) have been expanding rapidly, bringing in both well-known and lesser-known characters from Marvel Comics. With the third installment of Venom on the horizon, speculation abounds regarding which characters will be featured. One recurring rumor is that Dr. Curt Connors, aka the Lizard, could appear in Venom 3. This article will explore the possibility of the Lizard making an appearance, examining the evidence, comic book connections, and potential plot implications.
The Lizard: A Brief Overview
Before diving into the speculation, it’s important to understand who the Lizard is and why he could be a significant addition to Venom 3. Dr. Curt Connors is a prominent scientist and herpetologist in Marvel Comics. His origin story revolves around a failed experiment to regrow his missing arm, which turns him into a massive, reptilian creature known as the Lizard. While Connors often tries to return to his human form, the Lizard is frequently portrayed as a monstrous villain with a mind of its own.
The character has appeared in various Spider-Man adaptations, most notably in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), where Rhys Ifans portrayed Dr. Connors. The Lizard was also featured in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), reprising his role alongside other classic Spider-Man villains.
The Connection Between Lizard and Venom
At first glance, Venom and the Lizard might seem like characters from entirely different spheres of the Marvel Universe. Venom, a symbiote that bonds with host Eddie Brock, represents a darker, more alien aspect of Marvel’s world, while the Lizard is grounded in the realm of science experiments gone wrong. However, their connection lies primarily in their ties to Spider-Man.
Both characters have been long-time foes of Spider-Man in the comics. Venom’s rivalry with Spider-Man is more well-known, stemming from the symbiote’s initial bond with Peter Parker before moving to Eddie Brock. On the other hand, the Lizard has a more personal connection to Peter Parker, having been one of his mentors as Dr. Curt Connors.
Given that Venom 3 is part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, it is plausible that characters connected to Spider-Man, like the Lizard, could make an appearance. However, since the SSU operates independently from the MCU’s Spider-Man-centric universe, how these connections are utilized remains uncertain.
What Has Been Confirmed About Venom 3?
While Sony has confirmed that Venom 3 is in development, very little concrete information about the plot or character lineup has been revealed. Tom Hardy is set to return as Eddie Brock/Venom, and the film will follow the events of Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) and his brief cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).
One important thing to note is that the post-credits scene of Venom: Let There Be Carnage teased a crossover with the MCU. In that scene, Eddie Brock finds himself in a universe that features Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. This moment hints at a larger narrative that could bring characters from both the SSU and the MCU together. While Venom was eventually sent back to his own universe, a small piece of the symbiote remained in the MCU, leaving the door open for future crossovers.
However, no official announcements have been made regarding which villains or additional characters will join Venom 3. As such, any discussions about the Lizard’s involvement are speculative at this stage.
Evidence for Lizard’s Inclusion in Venom 3
Several factors suggest that the Lizard could make an appearance in Venom 3. Let’s examine the most compelling points:
1. The Expanding Spider-Man Universe
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe is steadily growing. Characters like Morbius, Vulture, and even Kraven the Hunter have been confirmed to be part of this shared universe. Venom 3 could follow this trend by introducing another Spider-Man villain into the fold, and the Lizard would be a fitting choice.
The SSU has been focused on darker, anti-heroic characters who often straddle the line between good and evil. The Lizard fits this mold perfectly. Dr. Curt Connors, as a scientist and mentor, is often portrayed as a tragic figure who is not inherently evil but falls victim to his monstrous transformation. Venom, too, shares a similar dichotomy between its destructive symbiote nature and Eddie Brock’s desire to do the right thing.
2. Fan Demand for Familiar Villains
There has been considerable fan demand for the inclusion of more familiar villains in the SSU. While Venom has carried the first two films on his own, fans are eager to see him face off against other well-known characters. The Lizard is one of Spider-Man’s most iconic foes, and his presence could create a thrilling dynamic, especially given his scientific background.
Additionally, with Spider-Man: No Way Home having featured the Lizard alongside a rogues’ gallery of Spider-Man villains, the character is fresh in the minds of audiences. Capitalizing on this momentum would make sense from a marketing perspective.
3. The Multiverse and Crossover Potential
As mentioned earlier, the post-credits scene of Venom: Let There Be Carnage teased the potential for crossovers between the SSU and the MCU. Spider-Man: No Way Home further expanded the idea of the multiverse, introducing alternate versions of iconic Spider-Man villains, including the Lizard.
While the Lizard returned to his original universe at the end of No Way Home, the film’s use of the multiverse opens the door for future crossovers or even alternate versions of characters to appear. This would provide a convenient way to introduce the Lizard into Venom 3 without having to rely too heavily on the established MCU timeline.
4. Rhys Ifans’ Return as the Lizard
Rhys Ifans, who portrayed Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), has expressed interest in reprising the role. In interviews following the release of No Way Home, Ifans discussed how much he enjoyed returning to the character and left the door open for future appearances.
If Sony and Marvel were to explore the Lizard further, it’s possible that Ifans could return as Dr. Connors in Venom 3. His established connection to the role and the audience’s familiarity with his portrayal would make him a logical choice to bring the character back to the big screen.
See also: Who Will Be The Villain In Venom 3?
Arguments Against Lizard’s Inclusion in Venom 3
While there is evidence to suggest that the Lizard could appear in Venom 3, there are also reasons to doubt his inclusion. Let’s explore some counterarguments:
1. Focus on Venom-Centric Villains
One of the main reasons the Lizard might not appear in Venom 3 is that the film could focus on villains more directly tied to Venom’s storyline. Thus far, the Venom films have concentrated on characters with deep ties to the symbiote, such as Riot in Venom (2018) and Carnage in Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021).
The Lizard, while a classic Spider-Man villain, has little connection to Venom in the comics. Introducing him as a major antagonist in Venom 3 could feel forced, particularly if the film is meant to explore Venom’s own lore. Fans of the character might prefer to see Venom face off against another symbiote or a villain more closely aligned with his story.
2. The Morbius Factor
Another potential reason for the Lizard’s exclusion is the ongoing development of the SSU, which already includes a number of characters. With Morbius (2022) and an upcoming Kraven the Hunter film, Sony may be hesitant to introduce too many new characters into Venom 3. Overcrowding the movie with villains or side characters could detract from Venom’s central arc, leading to a disjointed narrative.
3. Sony’s Plans for the Sinister Six
Sony has long been rumored to be working toward a Sinister Six movie, a team of Spider-Man’s most formidable foes. The Lizard has been a member of the Sinister Six in various comic iterations, and his appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home suggests that he could be part of Sony’s plans for such a team-up. However, this could mean that Sony is saving the Lizard for a future Sinister Six project rather than Venom 3.
Plot Implications if Lizard Appears
If the Lizard does appear in Venom 3, his presence could significantly shape the film’s plot. There are a few potential ways the character could be integrated:
1. Dr. Curt Connors as a Sympathetic Villain
The Venom films have excelled at portraying anti-heroes and sympathetic villains. Dr. Curt Connors fits this mold well, as he is often portrayed as a tragic character who transforms into the Lizard against his will. If Venom 3 were to explore themes of duality and internal conflict, Connors could serve as a mirror to Eddie Brock’s own struggle with the symbiote.
In this scenario, Connors could seek out a cure for his condition, leading him to cross paths with Eddie and Venom. Their encounter could escalate into conflict as Venom tries to stop the Lizard’s destructive rampages, even though Connors himself may not be entirely in control.
2. A Scientific Connection Between Connors and Venom
Another way the Lizard could be integrated into Venom 3 is through a scientific plotline. Dr. Connors’ expertise in genetics and biology could tie into the symbiote’s unique nature. Perhaps Connors is studying the symbiote in an attempt to cure himself, leading to unforeseen consequences that unleash the Lizard once again.
This plot could also introduce new elements to Venom’s lore, potentially exploring how the symbiote interacts with other genetic mutations like Connors’ transformation. A shared scientific background could create a natural connection between the two characters, setting the stage for a clash.
3. A Sinister Six Tease
If Sony is indeed building toward a Sinister Six film, Venom 3 could serve as a stepping stone by introducing or teasing some of the team’s future members. The Lizard’s inclusion in Venom 3 could set the stage for his involvement in a larger villainous group, potentially leading to a crossover event that brings multiple Spider-Man villains together.
In this scenario, the Lizard might not be the primary antagonist of Venom 3, but rather a supporting character who is being set up for future films. His appearance could help expand the SSU’s roster of villains while keeping the focus on Venom’s story.
Conclusion
While the possibility of the Lizard appearing in Venom 3 is still speculative, there are compelling reasons to believe he could be part of the film. The expanding Spider-Man Universe, fan demand, and the potential for crossovers all point to the Lizard being a viable candidate for a future Venom movie.
However, the lack of concrete evidence and the focus on Venom-centric villains suggest that if the Lizard does appear, it may be in a supporting or minor role rather than as the main antagonist. Whether or not Dr. Curt Connors makes his way into Venom 3, the film is sure to further explore the dark, anti-heroic world of Eddie Brock and his symbiote companion, continuing Sony’s efforts to build a unique corner of the Marvel Universe.
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