Key Highlights
Returning to the Fold: Sony’s Animated Venom
And it looks like Venom fans will get their fix in yet another format. Sony Pictures Animation (SPA) has just announced that they are developing an animated movie based on the Marvel anti-hero, marking a significant step for the franchise. But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill adaptation; it’s bringing in some heavy hitters.
Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein: The New Guard
So, who is behind this ambitious project? Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the duo responsible for reviving the Final Destination franchise with “Bloodlines.” Their track record speaks volumes; they managed to breathe new life into a moribund series that hadn’t seen a fresh entry in over 14 years. That’s no small feat.
A Return to Familiar Territory
For those unfamiliar, Venom was first introduced as a villain in the 1988 “Amazing Spider-Man” No. 300 and quickly became one of Marvel’s most iconic characters. The live-action films directed by Ruben Fleischer were initially successful but took a downturn with the third installment. Despite the financial and creative challenges, the franchise still has a dedicated fan base that’s eagerly awaiting any new content.
A Producer’s Touch
Tom Hardy, who starred as Eddie Brock in the live-action trilogy, is not only attached to produce the animated feature but also serves as an executive producer along with Kelly Marcel. This move ensures that the character remains true to its roots while bringing a fresh perspective to the table.
Animation: A Long and Painstaking Process
While the animation route might seem like a logical choice, it’s worth noting that this process is anything but quick. SPA has found great success with their Spider-Verse movies, but the animation pipeline can be incredibly slow. With no writer attached to the project yet, Sony is opening up a writers’ room to develop the script or take.
Success and Challenges
Lipovsky and Stein’s previous work on “Bloodlines” has proven that they know how to bring new energy to tired franchises. Their ability to reinvigorate a long-dormant series could well be what Venom needs to regain its foothold in the market. However, with the script not even on the horizon, any Venom movie is years away.
Conclusion
So there you have it: Sony’s Venom franchise is making a bold move into animation, and they’re doing so with style. Whether this will be enough to salvage the character remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—it’s going to take time.