Sony’s Spider-Man Universe has been a divisive addition to the Marvel movie landscape, but it did produce some effective features. From compelling character relationships to awe-inspiring action sequences, Sony has managed to get several things right, adding unique layers to Spider-Man’s extended mythology. By exploring Spider-Man’s universe from alternative angles, these films provide fresh narratives that enrich the lore surrounding the web-slinger’s world.
The SSU began in 2018 with Venom, a film that surprised many by becoming a box office success despite its mixed reviews. Since then, Sony has expanded the universe with Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Morbius, Kraven the Hunter and Madame Web. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the SSU primarily focuses on antiheroes and villains, offering a darker, more unconventional approach. The decision to exclude Spider-Man as a central figure has allowed for unique storytelling opportunities. With Sony’s Spider-Man Universe officially over, it’s worth noting the few highlights the franchise proffered.
8
The Relationship Between Venom And Eddie Brock
Venom, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Venom: The Last Dance
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One of the standout elements of the SSU is the relationship between Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and the symbiote Venom. Their dynamic is the emotional and comedic backbone of the Venom films, offering a unique twist on the superhero genre. Instead of a typical heroic journey, Eddie and Venom’s story is a bizarre buddy comedy infused with moments of genuine heart. This evolved even further in Let There Be Carnage into a warped rom-com-style relationship.
Tom Hardy’s performance – essentially a duet with himself – brings this relationship to life with an absurd charm that audiences have come to love. Tom Hardy voiced Venom from Let There Be Carnage onwards, highlighting their symbiotic relationship even further. Whether they’re bickering over Eddie’s life choices or teaming up to fight enemies, their dynamic feels organic and entertaining.
The symbiote’s possessive yet oddly endearing bond with Eddie is a fresh take on duality, making their interactions both hilarious and relatable. This relationship evolves in surprising ways across the films, offering heartfelt moments that balance the chaotic action. It’s a testament to Hardy’s talent and the writing’s strength that their bond feels so genuine.
7
The Fight Scenes In Kraven The Hunter Were Amazing
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Kraven the Hunter brought an intensity to the SSU’s action sequences that elevated the franchise. The visceral fight choreography displayed Kraven’s feral fighting style, blending brutal hand-to-hand combat with his expert hunting skills. The use of practical effects and minimal reliance on CGI lent a grounded, gritty feel to the battles, making them stand out from the often over-the-top action seen in other superhero films.
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One standout scene featured Kraven facing off against a group of poachers in a dense jungle. The sequence, shot with long takes and fluid camera movements, captured the raw energy of Kraven’s animalistic rage. The fight choreography highlighted his predatory instincts, with clever nods to his comic book origins, such as his iconic lion’s head vest making a symbolic appearance.
The prison fight scene was another highlight that showed the antihero’s versatility and dynamic combat skills. The film’s action sequences were not only thrilling but also deepened Kraven’s character, showing him as a man driven by primal forces and a deep connection to nature. While the movie itself lacked narrative heft, the fight scenes almost make up for it.
6
The Spider-Women Costumes Were Impeccable
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The costumes for the three Spider-Women in Madame Web were nothing short of spectacular. They boasted meticulous attention to detail that captured the essence of their comic book origins while adding modern flair. Each costume distinguished the characters visually and symbolically, hinting at their unique personas and histories.
Julia Carpenter’s black-and-white ensemble paid homage to her role as the second Spider-Woman, with sleek lines and a reflective finish that emphasized her stealthy and mysterious nature. Anya Corazon’s costume is a stylish inversion of the classic Spider-Woman costume, using bold silver instead of the classic white. Meanwhile, Mattie Franklin’s costume blended youthful energy with practicality, combining her signature red and blue elements with a streamlined, athletic design perfect for her dynamic fighting style.
Unfortunately, the SSU squandered these characters despite the well-crafted visuals. Instead of granting them substantial arcs or meaningful interactions, the film relegated them to supporting roles, missing an opportunity to explore their rich backstories and relationships. While their costumes hinted at greatness, the writing failed to match the visual storytelling, leaving fans yearning for the depth and agency these characters truly deserve in future adaptations.
5
The Dynamic Application Of Symbiote Powers
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The SSU has explored the capabilities of symbiotes in ways that feel innovative and thrilling. From Venom’s tentacle-like appendages to Carnage’s chaotic, shape-shifting attacks, the franchise depicts the symbiotes as more than just gooey parasites – they are dynamic, adaptive entities with unique abilities.
In the first Venom movie, Riot transforms into axes and deadly weaponry. Later, in Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Carnage’s ability to manipulate his form into weapons added an extra layer of menace to the character. The creative use of these powers during fight scenes, such as Carnage’s prison breakout, highlighted the symbiotes’ terrifying potential. Similarly, Venom’s lighter, almost playful use of his abilities, like swinging through the city or protecting Eddie, emphasized the range and versatility of these alien beings.
These culminated in Venom: The Last Dance and the numerous symbiotes with varying powers and abilities. These powers were not only visually spectacular but also served to enhance the storytelling, showing the symbiotes as both tools of destruction and extensions of their hosts’ personalities.
4
Kraven The Hunter Boasted Several Classic Spidey Foes
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One of the surprises in Kraven the Hunter was its inclusion of several iconic Spider-Man villains, cleverly woven into the narrative. By positioning these characters as either allies or adversaries to Kraven, the film created a richer tapestry of interconnected stories within the SSU. The appearance of villains like Chameleon and Rhino added depth to Kraven’s world, hinting at his complex history with other rogues.
Chameleon’s imitation skills provided an intriguing counterbalance to Kraven’s brute force, while Rhino’s towering presence made for a formidable opponent in the climactic showdown. These characters didn’t just feel like Easter eggs; they played integral roles in shaping Kraven’s arc. The inclusion of classic foes not only delighted long-time Spider-Man audiences but also hinted at the potential for future crossovers and conflicts within the SSU.
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The SSU would have been wise to introduce these familiar foes earlier in the franchise. However, their inclusion in the final installment was undoubtedly thrilling. This approach enriched the film’s narrative and expanded the possibilities for storytelling in the universe.
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The Symbiotes Vs. The Xenophages
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The introduction of the Xenophages, a race of alien hunters who prey on symbiotes, was a bold move that expanded the SSU’s mythology. This storyline added a cosmic dimension to the franchise, pushing it beyond Earth-bound conflicts. Venom fought the Xenophages in several thrilling scenes, but the symbiotes’ final battle against the Xenophages in Venom: The Last Dance was a visual and narrative highlight.
The high-stakes conflict forced Venom to team up with other symbiotes, creating a dynamic ensemble of characters. The Xenophages’ design – grotesque and insect-like – contrasted sharply with the fluid, organic appearance of the symbiotes, making their clashes visually striking. This arc explored themes of survival and unity, showing Venom as a reluctant but capable leader.
Each symbiote has its moment to shine, exploring their dynamic abilities and potential. By broadening the scope of the SSU to include extraterrestrial threats, this storyline demonstrated the franchise’s ambition and willingness to take creative risks. Unfortunately, the SSU didn’t complete the narrative with Knull’s invasion of Earth, but the final battle was a franchise highlight.
2
Ezekiel Sims Was a Chilling Villain
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Madame Web introduced a very creepy rendition of the Spider-Man villain Ezekiel Sims. This version was a former colleague of Madame Web’s mother, who killed her after acquiring spider-based powers in Peru. Sims also gains prophetic visions depicting his demise at the hands of the Spider-Women.
Played with quiet menace by Tahar Rahim, Ezekiel’s portrayal in the SSU added psychological depth to the franchise. Ezekiel’s obsession with hunting the teenage Spider-Women was genuinely sinister and brought out themes of predatory masculinity. Sims was the most effective villain in the SSU, with many others feeling underwhelming, like Carnage, or just plain goofy, like Rhino and Milo Morbius.
The subway scene in Madame Web is also particularly effective, depicting the terrifying potential of Spider-Man, or similar characters, in a combat situation. Ezekiel Sims’ calculated actions positioned him as a cerebral antagonist as well as a physical one. This duality made him one of the SSU’s most captivating villains, proving that the franchise can excel in character-driven storytelling.
1
Venom: The Last Dance’s Beautiful Ending
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The final chapter of Eddie Brock’s journey in Venom: The Last Dance was a poignant and satisfying conclusion. The film’s ending saw Eddie and Venom making the ultimate sacrifice to save the world from a looming cosmic threat, solidifying their bond in a deeply emotional moment. Their heartfelt goodbye to each other was deeply moving, surprisingly so considering the franchise’s unfavorable reputation.
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Nevertheless, the pair’s decision to sacrifice themselves as the “lethal protector” was heartwrenching. It was compounded greatly when Venom nobly saved Eddie, killing himself to save his friend. Tom Hardy delivers a powerful performance that proves he was the SSU’s best cast member.
Accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful score, the moment captured the essence of their relationship: two outcasts who found purpose and belonging in each other. It was a fitting send-off that left audiences both teary-eyed and appreciative of the journey they had witnessed. By ending on such a powerful note, the SSU delivered one of its most memorable moments, cementing the legacy of Eddie and Venom as one of the franchise’s strongest emotional cores.
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27
8/10
Venom
PG-13
Sci-FiActionHorrorVenom is an action sci-fi movie that stars Tom Hardy as the titular Marvel anti-hero. When the Life Foundation begins experimenting on alien lifeforms they find on a comet that landed nearby, Investigative Journalist Eddie Brock begins to investigate them. When an infiltration goes wrong, Eddie finds that one of the aliens has bonded to him, forcing him to learn to live with his new uninvited host. Giving him superhuman powers, the two begin to work together to stop the rest of the symbiote’s invasive species.
Release Date
October 5, 2018
Runtime
112 Minutes
Cast
Woody Harrelson
, Jenny Slate
, Michelle Williams
, Scott Haze
, Tom Hardy
, Riz AhmedDirector
Ruben Fleischer
Writers
Scott Rosenberg
, Jeff PinknerStudio(s)
Columbia Pictures
, Marvel Entertainment
, Arad ProductionsDistributor(s)
Sony Pictures Releasing
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18
7.1/10
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
PG-13
Sci-FiActionAdventureVenom: Let There Be Carnage, directed by Andy Serkis, follows Eddie Brock, portrayed by Tom Hardy, as he struggles to coexist with the alien symbiote Venom. The film introduces the antagonist Cletus Kasady, a serial killer transformed into the menacing Carnage after becoming host to an alien symbiote.
Release Date
October 1, 2021
Runtime
97 minutes
Cast
Tom Hardy
, Woody Harrelson
, Michelle Williams
, Naomie Harris
, Reid Scott
, Stephen Graham
, Peggy Lu
, Sian Webber
, Michelle Greenidge
, Rob Bowen
, Laurence Spellman
, Little Simz
, Jack Bandeira
, Olumide Olorunfemi
, Scroobius Pip
, Amrou Al-Kadhi
, Beau Sargent
, Brian Copeland
, Stewart Alexander
, Sean Delaney
, Ed Kear
, Emma Lau
, Louis j Rhone
, Christopher Godwin
, Tiffanie Thomas
, Rocky Capella
, Sam Robinson
, Greg Lockett
, Sonny Ashbourne Serkis
, Otis Winston
, Vaughn Johseph
, Kristen Simoes
, Miguel Angel Arreguin
, Shaliz Afshar
, Reece Shearsmith
, Simon Connolly
, Rachel Handshaw
, Amanda FosterDirector
Andy Serkis
Writers
Tom Hardy
, Kelly Marcel
, Mark Bagley
, David Michelinie
, Tom DeFalco
, Todd McFarlaneStudio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony
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133
8.2/10
Venom: The Last Dance
PG-13
Adventure Sci-FiActionSuperheroVenom: The Last Dance is a film directed by an undisclosed director, featuring the character Venom in a thrilling narrative. The movie explores the alien symbiote’s latest challenges and transformations as it navigates through a world full of danger and new adversaries.
Release Date
October 25, 2024
Runtime
110 Minutes
Cast
Tom Hardy
, Chiwetel Ejiofor
, Juno Temple
, Rhys Ifans
, Stephen Graham
, Peggy Lu
, Clark Backo
, Alanna Ubach
, Cristo Fernández
, Jared Abrahamson
, Hala Finley
, Dash McCloud
, Andy Serkis
, Reid Scott
, Jack Brady
, Ivo Nandi
, Jake Allyn
, Otis Winston
, Jacob Tomuri
, Brooke Carter
, Fflyn Edwards
, Elijah Cook
, Norma Butikofer
, Elizabeth Cook
, Angie Hsu
, Martin McDougallDirector
Kelly Marcel
Writers
Kelly Marcel
, Tom HardyStudio(s)
Columbia Pictures
, Marvel Entertainment
, Pascal PicturesDistributor(s)
Sony
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10
2.8/10
Morbius
PG-13
DramaActionAdventureHorrorMorbius stars Jared Leto as the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius set in the Sony Pictures Marvel universe. Afflicted with a terrible illness since his youth, Michael has struggled until he met his new surrogate brother, Lucian, nicknamed Milo (Matt Smith), who shares the same disease. The two bond over the illness, and years later, Michael discovers a potential breakthrough by using a unique gene in vampire bats. When the experiment proves to be a success, it cures Michael of his ailment – however, it also turns him into a bloodthirsty vampire. While Michael aims to curtail his bloodlust, his brother, who has also taken the cure, does not share the same empathy. As a result, Michael will have to manage his powers while trying to stop his brother’s murderous rampage.
Release Date
April 1, 2022
Runtime
108 minutes
Cast
Adria Arjona
, Al Madrigal
, Jared Harris
, Matt Smith
, Jared Leto
, Tyrese GibsonDirector
Daniel Espinosa
Writers
Matt Sazama
, Burk SharplessStudio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony
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14
4.7/10
Madame Web
PG-13
Action Sci-FiSuperheroAdventureMadame Web is a superhero movie based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Taking place in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, the movie revolves around a clairvoyant woman who can look into different dimensions. Dakota Johnson stars in the lead role, with Sydney Sweeney, Adam Scott, Isabela Merced, and Celeste O’Connor comprising the rest of the cast.
Release Date
February 14, 2024
Runtime
116 Minutes
Cast
Dakota Johnson
, Emma Roberts
, Adam Scott
, Isabela Merced
, Sydney SweeneyDirector
S.J. Clarkson
Writers
Burk Sharpless
, Matt Sazama
, Kerem Sanga
, Claire Parker
, S.J. ClarksonStudio(s)
Columbia Pictures
, Di Bonaventura PicturesDistributor(s)
Sony Pictures Releasing
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71
7.1/10
Kraven the Hunter
R
ActionAdventure Sci-FiKraven the Hunter explores the origin story of Sergei Kravinoff, known as Kraven, as he navigates his tumultuous relationship with his father, Nikolai. This path of vengeance sets Kraven on a journey to become a formidable hunter with a reputation for fearsome brutality.
Release Date
December 13, 2024
Runtime
127 Minutes
Cast
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
, Russell Crowe
, Fred Hechinger
, Ariana DeBose
, Christopher Abbott
, Alessandro Nivola
, Levi Miller
, Chi Lewis-Parry
, Billy Barratt
, Jessica Zhou
, Michael Shaeffer
, Dritan Kastrati
, Greg Kolpakchi
, Elander Moore
, Filiz Fairweather
, Duran Fulton Brown
, Alex Skarbek
, Rachel Handshaw
, Preslav Shipkaliev
, Murat Seven
, Robert RyanDirector
J.C. Chandor
Writers
Art Marcum
, Richard Wenk
, Matt HollowayStudio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony
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