During the end-credit scenes of the October 2021 Sony Pictures released sequel, Tom Holland as Spider-Man appeared in Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
Overview
After Sony Pictures released the trailer for Venom: Let There be Carnage in May 2021, it was confirmed that Tom Hardy would reprise his role as Eddie Brock, and that Woody Harrelson was set to portray the character of the antagonist, Cletus Kasady, also known as Carnage.
However, following the release of the trailer, the biggest question was whether the sequel would feature the cameo appearance of Tom Holland as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) character, Spider-Man. A fact which was only confirmed with the release of the film in October 2021, following multiple delays in the release thereof.
What is the premise of Venom: Let Be There Carnage?
According to IMDb, in Venom: Let There Be Carnage, “Eddie Brock attempts to reignite his career by interviewing serial killer Cletus Kasady, who becomes the host of the symbiote Carnage and escapes prison after a failed execution.”
In the comic books, which inspired the film adaptation, Spider-Man works with Venom in order to defeat Carnage. This led to speculations that Spider-Man would make a cameo appearance in the film. Before the release of the film, the matter was left as the looming question due to the contractual issues between Sony Pictures and MCU.
Did Spider-Man appear in Venom 2?
The curiosity surrounding Spider-Man possibly appearing in Venom: Let There Be Carnage was further fuelled by the multiple delays with the film’s release. Ahead of the 1 October 2021 premiere of the film, the blockbuster had been pushed back three times. First, it was initially meant for release in June 2021, then September 2021, and then it was initially thought to be released on 15 October 2021, rather than the official release date.
But following the release of the film, it would take sitting through the entire film and waiting for the end-credit scenes for Tom Holland as Spider-Man to make his cameo. In the end-credit scene, Eddie Brock, accompanied by his symbiote, Venom, travelled to an alternate universe. During their stay, as they were watching television, Spider-Man appeared on the screen, marking his official cameo in the film. Which confirmed a reached resolution between Sony Pictures and MCU to use the character.
Tom Holland on his cameo in Venom: Let Be There Carnage
Following the release of the film and confirmation that Tom Holland did have a cameo in the film as Spider-Man, Holland was asked about the experience to which he replied, “It was really exciting to be a part of that film. Obviously, Tom Hardy is one of the greatest actors in the world. I’m happy to say that he’s a lovely bloke.” Hardy in the same breath shared the same sentiments about featuring in the same film as Holland.
Will there be a Venom versus Spider-Man film?
Considering the mutual respect that Tom Hardy and Tom Holland have for each other as actors and their bankability as Venom and Spider-Man, there has been the question of whether we will ever see a Venom versus Spider-Man film. Holland stated that he does not know if a film with this narrative is in the works, considering that at the time he was working on Spider-Man: No Way Home. Hardy on the other hand has indicated that he is open to the idea, but is not aware if it is in the books.
What was the reception of Venom: Let There Be Carnange?
Following the release of the Venom; Let There Be Carnage, it has received mixed reviews on the plot of the film. However, the film is regarded as the biggest number puller from films released during the pandemic in 2021, when theatres were initially opened following the circulation of the vaccine. This means that despite contrary reviews, it was still a crowd puller for MCU and Sony Pictures fans.
Moreover, following Venom transitioning to the MCU, it seems that there will be a new actor who will reprise the role instead of Hardy, who has not been confirmed as of yet.
Conclusion
2021 sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage saw Sony Pictures’ Venom return to the Marvel Universe family. This was seen through the end-credit scene of the film, as Venom and Brock travelled to an alternate universe following an epic fight with Carnage.
It was during these end-credit scenes that the much-anticipated cameo of Tom Holland as Spider-Man occurred. While many believed this was a sign of a possible shadow between Spider-Man and Venom, it seems that it will actually mark the beginning of another Venom symbiote, who will be played by an unknown actor.