Venom: The Last Dance is a 2024 American superhero film directed by Kelly Marcel, concluding the trilogy that began with Venom (2018) and Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021). This final installment in Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU) stars Tom Hardy reprising his role as Eddie Brock and his symbiote, Venom.
Plot Summary
In Venom: The Last Dance, Eddie Brock and Venom find themselves on the run, hunted by both human authorities and alien adversaries. Their journey leads them to confront Knull, the god-like creator of the symbiotes, who poses a threat to the entire universe. Facing insurmountable odds, Eddie and Venom must make a devastating decision to prevent Knull's reign of terror, culminating in a climactic battle that tests their bond and alters their destinies.
Cast and Characters
Tom Hardy as:
- Eddie Brock: An investigative journalist bonded with the alien symbiote Venom.
- Venom (voice and motion capture): A sentient alien symbiote sharing a body with Eddie, granting him superhuman abilities.
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Rex Strickland: A mysterious military figure pursuing Eddie and Venom.
Juno Temple as Dr. Camille Pazzo: A scientist intrigued by the symbiote phenomenon.
Rhys Ifans as Knull (voice and motion capture): The ancient and powerful creator of the symbiotes, posing a significant threat to Earth.
Stephen Graham as Patrick Mulligan: A detective with a complex history involving symbiotes.
Peggy Lu as Mrs. Chen: The owner of a local convenience store and confidante to Eddie.
Production Details
Following the success of the first two films, Venom: The Last Dance was officially announced in April 2022. Filming commenced in late June 2023 in Spain but faced interruptions due to industry strikes, resuming in November 2023 and concluding by February 2024. The film's title was revealed in March 2024, with Kelly Marcel, who co-wrote the previous installments, making her directorial debut.
Critical Reception
Upon its release on October 25, 2024, the film received mixed reviews. Critics praised Tom Hardy's performance and the dynamic between Eddie and Venom but criticized the convoluted plot and overreliance on CGI. Some reviewers noted that the film seemed intentionally campy, with Vulture commenting that it "showcases Tom Hardy's quirky performance but fails to present a coherent or engaging narrative."
Box Office Performance
Despite the mixed critical reception, Venom: The Last Dance performed well at the box office, grossing over $472.8 million worldwide.
Streaming Availability
The film became available for digital purchase and rental on December 10, 2024, on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. It is expected to stream on Netflix around February 2025, following Sony Pictures' distribution agreement with the platform.
Conclusion
Venom: The Last Dance serves as a conclusion to Eddie Brock and Venom's journey, delivering a blend of action, humor, and emotional stakes. While it has garnered mixed reactions, the film provides closure to the trilogy and sets the stage for potential future narratives within Sony's Spider-Man Universe.