Tom Hardy's return as Eddie Brock and the alien symbiote Venom in "Venom: The Last Dance" has propelled the film to the number two spot on Netflix's most-streamed movies list. This success marks a significant streaming achievement for the sci-fi action film.
"Venom: The Last Dance" is the third film in the "Venom" franchise, which began in 2018. Hardy plays both Eddie Brock and the sentient alien Venom, a performance noted for its unconventional and charming commitment to the dual roles. The franchise has garnered a cult following, with fans particularly embracing the dynamic between Brock and Venom.
While other films in Sony's Spider-Man Universe, such as "Morbius" and "Madame Web," have faced critical and commercial disappointment, the "Venom" series has maintained its popularity. "Venom: Let There Be Carnage," released in 2021, continued to lean into the relationship between the titular characters. "The Last Dance" is now positioned as the conclusion of Hardy's tenure as the character.
Despite Hardy's statements indicating that "The Last Dance" will be his final outing as Venom, speculation persists among fans regarding future appearances. A post-credits scene in "Spider-Man: No Way Home" briefly placed Eddie Brock and Venom within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, leaving a symbiote fragment behind. The potential for Hardy to reprise the role in future MCU projects, such as "Avengers: Doomsday," remains a topic of fan discussion.
Beyond potential MCU appearances, Hardy is attached to an animated "Venom" film currently in development at Sony, serving as a producer. Kelly Marcel, who wrote the "Venom" trilogy and directed "The Last Dance," is also involved in the animated project. "Venom: The Last Dance" is currently available for streaming on Netflix.