Venom: Sony Developing First Animated Movie – The Hollywood Reporter

Venom: Sony Developing First Animated Movie – The Hollywood Reporter

February 21, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Technology

Sony’s Venom Gets a Fresh Coat of Paint: An Animated Future

Sony is taking a bold step with its Venom franchise, shifting gears from live-action to animation. This move, spearheaded by directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein – the duo behind last year’s surprise horror hit, Final Destination: Bloodlines – signals a potential revitalization of the series.

Why Animation? Revitalizing a Superhero Icon

The Venom films, while initially successful, saw diminishing returns with each installment. Venom (2018) grossed an impressive $856 million worldwide, but subsequent films, Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) and Venom: The Last Dance (2024), earned $506.8 million and $478.9 million respectively. Switching to animation offers Sony a chance to refresh the character and explore new creative avenues.

Animation allows for a greater degree of visual spectacle and freedom in portraying Venom’s unique abilities and alien physiology. Sony Pictures Animation (SPA) has a proven track record of success with the critically acclaimed Spider-Verse films, demonstrating their ability to deliver innovative and visually stunning animated superhero stories.

Lipovsky and Stein: From Horror to Heroes

Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein’s success with Final Destination: Bloodlines is a key factor in their selection for this project. The film revitalized a seemingly dormant franchise, earning $315 million globally and becoming the highest-grossing and best-reviewed installment in the series. Their ability to inject new life into established properties makes them an ideal fit for Venom.

The directors are currently developing the project with a writers room, indicating a commitment to crafting a compelling narrative. While a screenwriter hasn’t been officially assigned yet, the early stages of development are underway.

Tom Hardy’s Potential Role and the Future of the Franchise

The future of Tom Hardy’s involvement remains uncertain. While reports suggest he may be involved in some capacity, whether as a producer or reprising his role as Eddie Brock through voice acting, is yet to be confirmed. His previous portrayal of Venom was central to the live-action films, and his continued involvement could provide a valuable link to the existing fanbase.

The Rise of Animated Superhero Films

The move towards animation aligns with a broader trend in the superhero genre. Animated films offer a different storytelling approach, appealing to a wider audience and allowing for greater creative experimentation. The success of the Spider-Verse films has demonstrated the commercial and critical potential of animated superhero movies.

Production Timeline and Challenges

Animation is a time-consuming process. With the script still in development, an animated Venom film is likely several years away from release. However, Sony’s investment in SPA and the proven talent of Lipovsky and Stein suggest a commitment to delivering a high-quality product.

FAQ

  • Will Tom Hardy be involved? His involvement is currently unconfirmed, but reports suggest he may participate in some capacity.
  • When can we expect the film? Given the animation process and script development, the film is likely several years away.
  • What made Sony choose animation? To refresh the franchise and explore new creative possibilities.
  • Who are Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein? The directors of the successful horror film Final Destination: Bloodlines.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Sony Pictures Animation’s announcements for updates on the Venom animated film. Follow industry news sources for the latest developments.

Explore more about Sony’s animated projects here.