Venom 3: Kelly Marcel to direct the next chapter of the Marvel franchise starring Tom Hardy

Venom writer Kelly Marcel is web-swinging from the writers’ room to the director’s chair for Venom 3. According to Deadline, Marcel will direct the threequel for Sony and Marvel Studios. She will also produce alongside Tom Hardy, who is reprising his role in the new film. Marcel is also writing the screenplay based on a story she and Hardy concocted. Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Amy Pascal, and Hutch Parker join the production effort.

Plot details remain a mystery, nor do we know if any characters from the first two Venom films will return for the sequel. Marcel is the third director to helm a movie in Sony’s Venom franchise after Ruben Fleischer (Venom) and Andy Serkis (Venom: Let There Be Carnage). Reports indicate Marcel has a great working relationship with Hardy, and the duo has plenty of great ideas for Venom 3. Both creatives have been driving forces in bringing Venom’s adventures to screens, not to mention securing boatloads of cash for Sony and Marvel.

Venom and Venom: Let There Be Carnage earned a total of $1.36 billion worldwide. With a number like that, it’s easy to see why Sony is interested in continuing the franchise. While we don’t know who will show up for Venom 3, there are plenty of characters who could star or cameo in the film. The most obvious choice is Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, who Venom became interested in during a post-credits scene for Spider-Man: No Way Home. Sony won’t say their plans for Holland’s Spider-Man after No Way Home‘s release, though he may swing in for a scrap with Venom in the newly-announced film. Please, don’t take my word as gospel. We’ll have to wait for more details to know for sure.

Are you excited to hear that Venom 3 is happening? Which characters do you think should join the sequel? Morbius? Kraven? Sin-Eater? Anti-Venom? Toxin? Jack O’ Lantern? As I said, several characters could join the fray.