As the curtain prepares to fall on the Venom franchise, actors Tom Hardy and director Kelly Marcel reflect on their journey, sharing insights into the trilogy's inception, their creative partnership, and the emotional significance of bringing this beloved story to a close.

Closing the Book on a Symbiotic Saga

A Trilogy Destined from the Start

From the very beginning, the creative minds behind the Venom franchise knew that this would be a trilogy, a three-act story that would culminate in a grand finale. "We knew it would be three," says director Kelly Marcel, "and we knew it would end like this from the beginning." This sense of purpose and direction has guided the team's approach, ensuring that each installment builds upon the last, leading to a satisfying and impactful conclusion.

Passing the Directorial Torch

For the third and final installment, "Venom: The Last Dance," Marcel has taken on the role of director, a natural progression in her journey with the franchise. "Sony asked me to, and I was like, 'Oh, okay then,'" she recalls with a hint of surprise. "I have been on the first two movies, and it felt like we knew that this was the third and final one, and knew that this one was going to be both a blast but emotional as well." This transition has allowed Marcel to fully immerse herself in the creative process, guiding the story to its ultimate conclusion.

A Symbiotic Collaboration

The partnership between Hardy and Marcel has been the driving force behind the Venom series, with the actor co-writing the story for the latter two films. "I feel like Tom and I, having spent the better part of seven years working on this, really wanted to bring this one home from inception to the finish line," Marcel shares. "It felt like the right time to step up and the right movie to do it with." Hardy's unwavering support and creative input have been instrumental in shaping the franchise, and their shared vision has been the key to its success.

Honoring the Fans' Perspective

As the Venom saga reaches its climax, Hardy has acknowledged the importance of his son's feedback in shaping the character's journey. "Comic books exist differently for children, in many aspects," the actor explains. "There is no filter on the child; they'll tell you what they feel [and] what they think because the characters are super important to them." This insight has allowed Hardy to balance his own "grown-up baggage" with the pure, unfiltered perspective of his teenage son, ensuring that the final chapter resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

A Missed Opportunity: The Venom-Spider-Man Crossover

One storyline that fans have long craved but did not come to fruition is a crossover between Venom and Spider-Man. Both Hardy and Marcel are quick to express their enthusiasm for a potential collaboration, with Hardy naming Tom Holland as his preferred Spider-Man. "Tom Holland. All day. Best Spider-Man ever," he declares, while also acknowledging a fondness for the 1970s portrayal by Nicholas Hammond. Though this crossover remains elusive, the creative team's openness to the idea suggests that the door may not be entirely closed on a future encounter between these iconic Marvel characters.As the curtain prepares to fall on the Venom saga, Hardy, Marcel, and the entire creative team have poured their hearts and souls into crafting a finale that will leave a lasting impact on audiences. With a deep understanding of the characters, a collaborative spirit, and a keen eye for the fans' perspective, they have set the stage for an emotional and thrilling conclusion to this beloved trilogy.