Sony Is Making an Animated Venom Movie: Here’s What We Know So Far
Venom is heading in a new direction.
After three live-action films led by Tom Hardy, Sony is officially developing its first animated movie centered on the fan-favorite Marvel anti-hero. The project is still in its early stages, but it already has two rising genre directors attached.
Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the filmmaking duo behind the recent horror hit Final Destination: Bloodlines, have been tapped to direct the animated feature. Their hiring signals that Sony is looking to bring fresh energy to the Venom franchise after mixed results with the later live-action installments.
Here’s everything we know so far about Sony’s animated Venom movie, the creative team involved, and what it could mean for the future of the franchise.
Who Is Directing the Animated Venom Movie?
Sony has chosen Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein to helm the project.
The directing duo recently revitalized the long-dormant Final Destination series with Final Destination: Bloodlines. The film not only performed strongly at the box office but also became one of the best-reviewed entries in the franchise. It grossed more than $300 million worldwide, proving that Lipovsky and Stein know how to refresh established brands.
Their ability to inject new life into an aging series likely made them an attractive choice for Sony, which is now looking to reimagine Venom through animation.
The pair have quickly become two of Hollywood’s in-demand genre filmmakers. Beyond Final Destination, they are collaborating with Chris Columbus on Gremlins 3 and are developing an original thriller titled Long Lost at Universal with Amblin Entertainment producing.
What About Tom Hardy?
Tom Hardy, who played Eddie Brock in the three live-action Venom films, is reportedly involved in some capacity. However, it is not yet clear how.
There is no confirmation about whether Hardy will produce the film, return as a voice actor for Venom, or simply serve in a consulting role. Given how closely audiences associate him with the character, his involvement could be key to maintaining continuity with the previous films.
Hardy starred in:
- Venom (2018)
- Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
- Venom: The Last Dance (2024)
While the first film was a massive financial success, earning $856 million worldwide, the sequels saw declining box office returns. Let There Be Carnage earned $506.8 million globally, and The Last Dance followed with $478.9 million.
Even so, Venom remains one of Sony’s most recognizable Marvel properties.
Who Is Producing the Project?
The animated Venom movie is still in early development, so many production details are not finalized.
Producers Amy Pascal, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach — all of whom were involved in the live-action Venom films — are expected to be part of the project. However, their official involvement has not yet been confirmed.
There is currently no writer attached. Sony Pictures Animation is reportedly assembling a writers room to develop ideas and shape the story.
That means the film is likely several years away from release, as animation development can be a long and detailed process.
Why Is Sony Turning Venom Into an Animated Movie?
A Fresh Start for the Franchise
Moving Venom into animation may be a strategic reset.
The live-action trilogy had a strong start but gradually lost some creative momentum and box office power. Animation gives Sony an opportunity to reinvent the character without being restricted by live-action budgets, tone, or continuity constraints.
Animation allows for:
- More stylized action
- Darker or more experimental storytelling
- Expanded cosmic and sci-fi elements
- Greater creative freedom
Venom’s alien symbiote form could look even more dynamic and comic-accurate in an animated format.
The Success of Spider-Verse
Sony Pictures Animation has already proven its strength in the superhero space with the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse films. Those movies earned critical acclaim and commercial success by embracing bold visuals and emotionally grounded storytelling.
While there is no confirmation that the animated Venom movie will connect to the Spider-Verse universe, Sony’s success in animation likely gave executives confidence to expand their Marvel-related properties in that direction.
A Quick Look at Venom’s History
Venom was created by writer David Michelinie and artist Todd McFarlane. The character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man No. 300 in 1988 as a villain and quickly became one of Spider-Man’s most iconic enemies.
Over time, Venom evolved from villain to anti-hero, gaining a loyal fanbase and eventually earning his own comic series in 1993.
Venom made his big-screen debut in 2007’s Spider-Man 3, directed by Sam Raimi and played by Topher Grace. However, it wasn’t until the 2018 standalone Venom film starring Tom Hardy that the character became a major box office force.
That first film’s $856 million haul surprised many industry analysts and sparked Sony’s larger plans for its Spider-Man-related universe.
What Could an Animated Venom Story Look Like?
Because the project does not yet have a writer, plot details remain completely under wraps. However, animation opens the door to new creative directions.
Exploring the Symbiote’s Origins
An animated format could dive deeper into the cosmic mythology of the symbiotes, exploring their alien origins in greater detail than the live-action films did.
Darker and More Stylized Tone
Lipovsky and Stein have experience in horror, and Venom’s darker, monstrous qualities could be amplified in animation. The character’s blend of humor and horror might find a perfect balance in a stylized animated world.
Standalone or Shared Universe?
Another big question is whether the animated Venom will exist in the same universe as the live-action films or operate as a separate timeline. Animation makes it easier to create alternate interpretations without disrupting existing storylines.
For now, Sony has not revealed its long-term plans.
Why Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein Make Sense for Venom
Lipovsky and Stein have shown they understand how to reboot familiar brands while keeping fans engaged.
With Final Destination: Bloodlines, they revived a franchise that had been dormant for more than a decade. The film became the highest-grossing entry in the series and received some of its strongest reviews.
Their ability to combine tension, spectacle, and character-driven storytelling could be exactly what Venom needs in animated form.
They are currently represented by Verve, Ground Control, and Lichter Grossman, and their rising status in Hollywood suggests Sony is betting on their creative instincts.
When Could the Animated Venom Movie Be Released?
Because the project is still in its earliest stages, there is no release date.
Animation production takes time. With no finalized script and a writers room just forming, the movie is likely several years away from hitting theaters.
Fans should expect a slow development process, especially if Sony wants to match the quality standards set by its previous animated superhero successes.
The Future of Venom at Sony
Venom remains one of Sony’s most valuable Marvel characters. Even though the live-action trilogy saw declining box office numbers, the character still has strong brand recognition and fan loyalty.
Going animated may be Sony’s way of:
- Refreshing the franchise
- Attracting new audiences
- Expanding storytelling possibilities
- Keeping Venom relevant in a competitive superhero market
Whether Tom Hardy returns or a new voice actor takes over, the animated format could mark a bold new era for the symbiote anti-hero.
For now, one thing is clear: Venom’s story is far from over.
