Released in theaters on October 10, 2018, Venom is an action and science fiction film directed by Ruben Fleischer, with a screenplay by Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg. Led by Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, and Riz Ahmed, this feature draws inspiration from the Marvel comics universe and the iconic antagonist from Spider-Man. It will be available on Netflix starting March 15, 2026.
An ambitious yet impulsive investigative journalist, Eddie Brock finds his career and personal life spiraling out of control after a mission gone awry. While probing into the shady dealings of a major corporation led by Carlton Drake, he comes into contact with an alien entity: a symbiote capable of bonding with a human host.
Living together is instant—and volatile. Gifted with superhuman strength, exceptional agility, and rapid regeneration, Eddie transforms into Venom. But this power comes at a cost: sharing his mind with an unpredictable, violent, and sarcastic entity. As he teeters between loss of control and instinctual protection, the film delves into the blurry line that separates hero from monster.
Shot primarily in Atlanta and San Francisco, Venom showcases a strikingly vivid depiction of the symbiote, brought entirely to life through CGI. The production quickly dismissed traditional performance capture, as Venom's enormous, non-human form demanded a fully digital character capable of conveying both raw brutality and a sharp sense of humor.
Rated PG-13 in the United States, the film maintains an accessible tone, emphasizing entertainment over the darker edge some fans had hoped for this potentially rebellious character. Tom Hardy, who’s signed on for multiple installments, revealed that he was drawn to the dual nature of the role — and was motivated by his son, a big fan of the character. For Venom’s guttural voice, the actor drew inspiration from figures like James Brown, but also from unexpected sources such as Woody Allen and rapper Redman, to capture the neurotic and unpredictable essence of the duo.
By establishing a parallel universe focused on Spider-Man’s foes, Venom paves the way for a standalone “Venomverse” developed by Sony. This new universe is separate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while still maintaining ties to the broader world of modern superhero storytelling.
Venom
Movie | 2018
Released in theaters: October 10, 2018
Available on Netflix from March 15, 2026
Action, Science Fiction | Duration: 1h52
Directed by Ruben Fleischer | Starring Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed
Original title: Venom
Country: United States
Blending softened body horror, dark humor, and spectacular action scenes, Venom offers a more ambiguous take on the superhero film, focusing on a character whose goal isn't to save the world… but simply to survive as who he’s become.
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