Sony Developing Spider-Man Spin-Off Movie With 'Venom'
The 'Orlando Sentinel' reports that the studio has commissioned a script for a movie based on the character, who was played by Topher Grace. Planning ahead for the aging 'Spider-Man' franchise, Sony is hoping the character can extend outside the Spider-Man universe to give it another 'tentpole' franchise. Word is the movie would star another actor in the role as the studio isn't convinced that Topher Grace can carry a possible franchise. Probably a wise decision, especially if they want the character to distance itself from the disaster that was 'Spider-Man 3'. It's reported the idea came about as part of the licensing deal between Marvel and Sony for the Spider-Man movies, which allows the studio to make spin-offs based on other Spider-Man characters. You could say that Sony is doing exactly what Fox is doing with Wolverine from 'X-Men' by giving the character its own movie. However, the big difference is that Venom is a villain, while Wolverine is not. Wolverine was also an established character with major roles in the 'X-Men' movies, and you certainly can't say the same for Venom. Venom first appeared in the Spider-Man comics in December 1984. It was originally portrayed as a mute and lonely creature craving the company of a host. But more recently, it has been shown as increasingly evil and abusive of its hosts. Perhaps Sony is looking to capitalize on the current interest in villains thanks to Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' but it doesn't sound like a great idea to us. Meanwhile, a fourth 'Spider-Man' movie is planned for 2011 and Sam Raimi, director of the first three movies, says they are currently working on a screenplay for the feature.
Sony is moving forward with development on a movie based on 'Venom', one of the villains in 2007's 'Spider-Man 3'.
August 1, 2008 | |
