Venom: Let There Be Carnage is an action fantasy film directed by Andy Serkis and written by Kelly Marcel. Released in theaters in 2021, this second installment centered on the Marvel antihero played by Tom Hardy pits Venom against the terrifying Carnage, played by Woody Harrelson. The film will be added to the Prime Video catalog on December 10, 2025.
Since merging with the Venom symbiote, journalist Eddie Brock has been struggling to learn how to coexist with this unpredictable entity. During an interview in prison with serial killer Cletus Kasady, a bite transforms the latter into the host of a new symbiote: Carnage, the embodiment of pure violence. Once escaped, he plunges the city into chaos, forcing Eddie and Venom to unite despite their ongoing tensions.
Filmed between San Francisco and London, the film accentuates the gothic and organic dimension of the Venom universe. Andy Serkis, a specialist in performance capture, focuses on the duality between Eddie and his symbiote, playing on the contrast between dark humor, controlled horror, and spectacular clashes. The confrontation with Carnage, inspired by the comics created by David Michelinie and Mark Bagley, reinforces the darker dimension of this sequel.
The production marks a change of director after the first Venom. Andy Serkis takes over from Ruben Fleischer and makes his mark with digital monsters and hybrid creatures, having played Gollum and Caesar and directed Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, among others. Tom Hardy, who has been involved since the beginning of the project, is participating in the character's development by collaborating on the script, thereby reinforcing the psychological aspect of the relationship between Eddie and Venom.
The music for Venom: Let There Be Carnage was composed by Marco Beltrami, who is no stranger to the world of superheroes after his work on Logan, Wolverine: The Fight of the Immortal, and Fantastic Four. The film is part of the "Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters," alongside Venom and Morbius, with the ambition of developing a series of stories centered on antiheroes and ambivalent figures from the Marvel universe.
Rated PG-13, the film is aimed at audiences who enjoy superhero movies with a horror twist, urban combat, and antihero stories. The prominence of Carnage, played by Woody Harrelson, reinforces the violent and chaotic nature of the confrontation, while the character of Shriek, played by Naomie Harris, enriches the gallery of antagonists. The film favors a fast pace and a tight running time, focusing on the escalation of the conflict.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
Film | 2021
Theatrical release: October 20, 2021
On Prime Video December 10, 2025
Action, fantasy | Running time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Directed by Andy Serkis | Starring Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams
Country: United States | Rated PG-13
Our opinion onVenom: Let There Be Carnage
Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a dynamic, fast-paced feature film that picks up the story of Eddie Brock and Venom where the first film left off. The plot, while effective and entertaining, remains fairly predictable and shallow.
We appreciate the cohesion of the characters—Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Reid Scott, as well as Woody Harrelson and Naomie Harris—who manage to breathe real energy into their roles. However, the film suffers from its short running time (1 hour 30 minutes), which limits the narrative development. The story remains very structured and sometimes lacks boldness, reinforced by acting that is at times too restrained.
Despite this, Venom: Let There Be Carnage remains enjoyable entertainment, ideal for a light-hearted viewing, supported by effective action sequences and unapologetic dark humor.
By delving deeper into the relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom, this sequel consolidates the franchise's offbeat and visceral tone while introducing Carnage as the central antagonist. With spectacular clashes, dark humor, and an exploration of the line between control and loss of self, Venom: Let There Be Carnage continues in the tradition of Marvel adaptations that focus on the antihero.
To go further, check out our selection of new Prime Video releases for December, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today's selection of What to watch today on streaming.
