The Venom franchise has captivated audiences with its unique blend of anti-hero complexity and symbiotic horror. As fans eagerly await the release of Venom 3, speculation is rife about who the next villain might be. The villain in a Venom film is not just an antagonist; they often reflect the darker aspects of Venom’s character, challenging him in ways that are both personal and philosophical. In this article, we will explore potential candidates for the villain role in Venom 3, their significance within the Marvel universe, and how they could impact the overarching storyline.
The Evolution of Venom: From Lethal Protector to Anti-Hero
Before diving into the potential villains, it’s crucial to understand how Venom has evolved over the years. The character, introduced in the comics as one of Spider-Man’s most dangerous foes, has transitioned into a more complex figure—a lethal protector with his own set of moral codes. This evolution was evident in the first two Venom movies, where Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy) struggles to coexist with the alien symbiote, leading to a partnership that is as much about survival as it is about combating external threats.
In Venom (2018), the primary antagonist was Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed), the head of the Life Foundation, who bonded with the symbiote known as Riot. The sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), introduced Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson) as Carnage, a far more dangerous and chaotic symbiote. Both villains were well-suited to the narrative arcs of their respective films, but the third installment presents a new challenge: how to introduce a villain that can elevate the stakes even higher.
See also: Who Will Play Spider-Man in Venom 3?
Potential Villains for Venom 3
1. Knull: The God of Symbiotes
One of the most popular theories among fans is the introduction of Knull, the God of Symbiotes. Knull is a relatively recent addition to the Marvel Comics universe, but his impact has been profound. Created by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman, Knull is an ancient god who predates the universe itself. He is the creator of the symbiotes and wields the All-Black, the Necrosword, a weapon of immense power.
Why Knull Could Be the Villain:
Knull represents the ultimate threat to Venom and the symbiote race. His introduction would not only tie together the lore of the symbiotes but also bring a cosmic-level villain to the franchise. Venom’s connection to Knull in the comics is deeply personal, as Knull seeks to reclaim the symbiote hive and plunge the universe into darkness. This would be a fitting escalation for the third film, taking the story beyond Earth and into the broader Marvel cosmos.
Challenges in Bringing Knull to the Screen:
However, introducing Knull poses several challenges. First, his backstory is complex, and condensing it into a single film would be difficult. Second, the character’s introduction would likely require significant CGI, which could be a costly endeavor. Additionally, Knull’s cosmic nature might clash with the more grounded tone of the Venom films, which have so far focused on street-level threats.
2. Toxin: The Symbiote Legacy Continues
Toxin is another symbiote from the comics with strong potential to be the villain in Venom 3. In the comics, Toxin is the offspring of Carnage, making him the grandchild of Venom. However, unlike Venom and Carnage, Toxin’s host is a police officer named Patrick Mulligan, who struggles to control the symbiote’s violent tendencies.
Why Toxin Could Be the Villain:
Toxin represents a middle ground between Venom and Carnage—he has the potential to be just as dangerous as Carnage, but with the moral conflict that makes Venom such a compelling character. The introduction of Toxin could also explore themes of legacy and identity, as Eddie Brock would have to confront the idea of a “grandchild” symbiote who could either be an ally or an enemy.
Challenges in Introducing Toxin:
The main challenge with Toxin is differentiating him from Venom and Carnage. The previous film already explored the dynamic of symbiote vs. symbiote with Carnage, so the writers would need to find a unique angle for Toxin to avoid retreading old ground. Additionally, Toxin’s character would require significant development to make him a credible threat, as his storyline in the comics often revolves around his struggle to be a hero rather than a villain.
3. The Life Foundation’s Return: Hybrid Symbiotes
The Life Foundation, first introduced in the 2018 Venom film, could make a return in the third installment with a new set of hybrid symbiotes. In the comics, the Life Foundation created several symbiotes, including Scream, Phage, Riot, Lasher, and Agony. These symbiotes were designed to be super-soldiers, each with unique abilities.
Why Hybrid Symbiotes Could Be the Villain(s):
The return of the Life Foundation with a new batch of symbiotes could provide a fresh threat for Venom. These hybrid symbiotes could be more dangerous and unpredictable than Riot, forcing Eddie Brock and Venom to confront multiple foes at once. This scenario could also expand the symbiote mythos, introducing new abilities and characteristics that differentiate these hybrids from their predecessors.
Challenges in Reviving the Life Foundation:
One potential issue with revisiting the Life Foundation is that it could feel repetitive. The first film already explored the concept of corporate greed leading to the creation of symbiotes, so the writers would need to find a new twist to keep the storyline engaging. Additionally, introducing multiple symbiotes could dilute the impact of the villain, as the focus would be spread across several characters rather than a single, central antagonist.
4. The Hobgoblin: A Symbiotic Twist
While the Hobgoblin is traditionally associated with Spider-Man, there is potential for a new take on the character in the Venom franchise. In the comics, the Hobgoblin is a mantle taken up by several individuals, often using a combination of technology and the Goblin formula to enhance their abilities.
Why the Hobgoblin Could Be the Villain:
Introducing the Hobgoblin with a symbiotic twist could provide a fresh and unexpected direction for Venom 3. This version of the Hobgoblin could be a new character who acquires a symbiote, blending the classic elements of the Goblin character with the unique abilities of the symbiote. This would create a villain who is not only a physical threat to Venom but also a psychological one, as the Goblin’s legacy is tied to manipulation and madness.
Challenges with the Hobgoblin Concept:
However, this idea would require significant reimagining of the Hobgoblin character. Fans of the comics might be resistant to such a drastic change, and there is a risk of alienating audiences who prefer the traditional portrayal of the Goblin. Moreover, integrating the Goblin mythology into the Venom franchise could be difficult without the direct involvement of Spider-Man, who is a central figure in the Goblin’s story.
5. An Original Villain: The Element of Surprise
There is also the possibility that Venom 3 could introduce an entirely original villain, created specifically for the film. This approach would allow the writers to craft a character who perfectly fits the narrative and themes of the movie, without being constrained by existing comic book lore.
Why an Original Villain Could Work:
Creating an original villain could provide a fresh experience for both fans and newcomers. This character could be tailored to challenge Venom in ways that no previous villain has, offering new dynamics and conflicts. An original villain would also allow the film to explore new themes and ideas that might not be possible with an existing character.
Challenges with an Original Villain:
However, the risk with an original villain is that they might not resonate with audiences in the same way that established characters do. Fans of the comics often look forward to seeing their favorite villains on screen, and an original character might not carry the same weight or excitement. Additionally, the writers would need to ensure that this new villain feels like a natural fit within the Venom universe, rather than a forced addition.
The Impact on the Venom Franchise
The choice of villain in Venom 3 will significantly impact the direction of the franchise. A strong villain can elevate the film, providing a compelling antagonist who pushes Venom to his limits. Conversely, a weak or poorly conceived villain could undermine the film’s narrative, leading to a less satisfying experience for audiences.
Venom’s Legacy in the MCU
With the ongoing integration of the Venom films into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the choice of villain could also have broader implications. If Venom 3 introduces a character with ties to other Marvel properties, it could pave the way for future crossovers and collaborations. This could include potential appearances by Spider-Man, or even connections to other cosmic entities in the MCU.
Setting the Stage for Future Films
The villain in Venom 3 could also set the stage for future installments in the franchise. Whether it’s Knull, Toxin, or a completely original character, the events of Venom 3 could have lasting effects on Eddie Brock’s journey and the symbiote’s place in the Marvel universe. This could lead to new storylines, spin-offs, or even a larger role for Venom in the MCU.
Conclusion
As of now, the identity of the villain in Venom 3 remains a closely guarded secret. Each of the potential candidates—Knull, Toxin, the Life Foundation’s hybrids, a symbiotic Hobgoblin, or an original character—offers unique possibilities for the film. The choice will depend on the direction the filmmakers want to take, balancing fan expectations with the desire to push the story forward in new and exciting ways.
In the end, the villain in Venom 3 will be more than just an antagonist; they will be a reflection of Venom’s ongoing struggle with his own nature and the challenges he faces in a world that fears and misunderstands him. Whoever it may be, one thing is certain: Venom 3 will bring a new level of intensity and drama to the franchise, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
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