Venom 4: King in Black (2025) is an upcoming installment in the Venom film series, continuing the story of Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy) and his alien symbiote counterpart, Venom. Following the success of the previous Venom films, this sequel is expected to delve deeper into the darker aspects of the character’s story, potentially drawing inspiration from the popular Marvel Comics storyline King in Black, which featured Venom in a significant role.

Plot:

While specific details for Venom 4: King in Black remain scarce, it is widely anticipated that the film will adapt elements from the King in Black storyline, one of the most notable arcs in the modern Venom comics. In this storyline, Knull, the dark god of the symbiotes, arrives on Earth to conquer it, leading to a war between his symbiote army and Earth’s heroes. Eddie Brock, as Venom, plays a crucial role in the battle against Knull, struggling not only against the monstrous threat but also with the deepening complexities of his bond with the Venom symbiote.

In the film, it’s likely that Eddie and Venom will have to face the threat of Knull, who could potentially be the film’s primary antagonist. Knull’s arrival could signal the rise of an even greater threat to Earth, one that challenges not just Venom, but the entire Marvel universe. There may also be a focus on the evolving relationship between Eddie and Venom, as they continue to struggle with their symbiotic bond and the moral challenges of being both a hero and an anti-hero.

Cast:

Tom Hardy is expected to return as Eddie Brock/Venom, continuing his iconic portrayal of the anti-hero. His performance has been one of the major draws of the Venom franchise, and fans can expect more of his unique blend of intensity and humor in the sequel. There may be the return of key characters like Michelle Williams’ Anne Weying (Eddie’s ex-fiancée) and Woody Harrelson’s Cletus Kasady/Carnage, although the fate of these characters after Venom: Let There Be Carnage may impact their roles in this new chapter.

The addition of new characters is likely, especially with the introduction of Knull. The casting for this villain will be pivotal, as Knull is a complex, god-like entity, and his presence will require a formidable actor to bring him to life in a compelling way.

Direction:

Venom 4: King in Black will likely be directed by Andy Serkis, who helmed the previous film, Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Serkis’ experience with motion capture and CGI will be essential in bringing the massive and intimidating character of Knull to life. Given Serkis’ background in both performance capture and directing, fans can expect visually striking and intense action scenes. There will likely be a strong emphasis on the dark, almost horror-inspired aesthetic of the King in Black storyline, which will be reflected in the overall tone of the film.

Visuals & Animation:

Knull, the dark god of symbiotes, is a truly imposing and visual character, and his portrayal in Venom 4: King in Black will likely involve cutting-edge CGI. The symbiotes themselves, including Venom, will continue to be key visual elements, with their fluid, otherworldly forms. Expect epic, large-scale battles, with the film possibly incorporating dark and haunting imagery to reflect the apocalyptic nature of Knull’s arrival.

The action sequences are expected to be intense and chaotic, given the cosmic stakes of the storyline. The darker, more gothic atmosphere of King in Black could allow for some visually stunning and dramatic cinematography.

Themes:

The King in Black storyline is heavily centered on themes of power, control, and identity. Venom’s symbiotic relationship with Eddie Brock will likely be further explored, focusing on their bond and the evolving nature of their partnership. Eddie’s struggle with his dark side, along with his attempts to do the right thing, will continue to be a central theme. The movie will also likely dive into the broader mythology of the symbiotes, including their origins and the threat posed by Knull.

On a larger scale, Venom 4 will explore themes of survival, heroism, and sacrifice, with the fate of the world at stake. Knull’s invasion could serve as a test for Eddie and Venom, pushing them to their limits both as individuals and as a duo.

Anticipation:

Fans of the Venom franchise have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter, especially given the significant buildup to Knull’s potential arrival. Venom 4: King in Black promises to be a darker, more action-heavy installment in the series, with cosmic stakes and the introduction of a villain that could rival the symbiote in terms of power and malevolence. With the success of the previous films, there’s a high level of excitement around the return of Tom Hardy as Venom and the potential for exciting new characters and threats.

Final Verdict:

Venom 4: King in Black (2025) is shaping up to be an exciting and dark addition to the Venom franchise. With the potential introduction of Knull as the central antagonist, the film is likely to elevate the stakes and offer a larger-scale story. The combination of Hardy’s performance, Serkis’ direction, and the epic nature of the King in Black storyline suggests that this film will be a thrilling ride for fans of the symbiote saga. If executed well, it could be a high point in the Venom series and set the stage for future Marvel Cinematic Universe crossovers.