Sony Developing Animated 'Venom' Film with 'Final Destination' Directors

Sony is developing its first animated film based on the Marvel character Venom. Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, known for their work on "Final Destination: Bloodlines," have been selected to direct the project.

Producers Amy Pascal, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach, who were involved in the live-action Venom movies, are expected to produce the animated feature. Tom Hardy is also understood to be involved in some capacity, though his role as a producer or voice actor has not been specified.

Sony Pictures Animation is forming a writers room to develop the script.

Background of the Venom Character

Venom was introduced as a villain in Marvel Comics' "Amazing Spider-Man No. 300" in 1988 by writer Bill Michelinie and artist Todd McFarlane. The character received a solo comic in 1993 and made an earlier big-screen appearance in Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man 3," portrayed by Topher Grace.

Venom was introduced as a villain in Marvel Comics' "Amazing Spider-Man No. 300" in 1988.

Live-Action Franchise Performance

The live-action "Venom" film, starring Tom Hardy, premiered in 2018 and generated $856 million globally. Subsequent films, "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" (2021) and "Venom: The Last Dance" (2024), saw decreasing box office returns of $506.8 million and $478.9 million, respectively.

The live-action "Venom" film starring Tom Hardy generated $856 million globally, but subsequent films saw decreasing box office returns.

Animation Strategy and Production Timeline

Shifting to animation is seen as a method to maintain the Venom content's relevance. Sony Pictures Animation has achieved success with animated "Spider-Verse" films.

Shifting to animation is seen as a method to maintain the Venom content's relevance, leveraging Sony Pictures Animation's success with "Spider-Verse" films.

The animation production process is typically extensive, indicating that a Venom animated movie would be released several years from now.

Directors Lipovsky and Stein previously revitalized the "Final Destination" franchise with "Bloodlines," which grossed $315.0 million and was well-received critically. They are also involved in other projects, including "Gremlins" and the original thriller "Long Lost."