Sony is actively seeking a director to take over ‘Venom 2’. This isn’t a complete shock, as Ruben Fleischer helmed the first movie and it was loudly grumbled that it wasn’t a smooth process, with word even surfacing that things got pretty heated on the set between Fleischer and star Tom Hardy. But any on-set turmoil didn’t weigh down the finished product, as ‘Venom’ crushed expectations by making $855 million at the global box office. Add to that the fact that Woody Harrelson, who starred in Fleischer’s ‘Zombieland’ and its upcoming sequel, popped up in the post-credits stinger as Cletus Kasady, the serial killer who will become Carnage, and it seemed logical that all parties involved would set aside their differences and re-team for another outing.
But that doesn’t seem to be the case, as Discussing Film has divulged that Sony and Fleischer have parted ways, with the studio seeking a replacement.
With Fleischer no longer attached, it’s unknown whether or not Harrelson will reprise his role as Kasady, but Sony still plans to introduce Carnage in the follow-up. Producer Avi Arad discussed his inclusion and whether or not it meant that the sequel would get an R-rating:
“You know what? When you hear Venom…forget Venom. When you hear, Carnage, the only thing you can think of is R. But, if you know his story, if you really know the comic, there’s no R here. He’s a tortured soul. It’s not about what he does, because we never have to show the knife going from here to there, and the blood is pouring. What you have to show is, what is the motivation? Was he born like that, or it’s someone we should feel for, because if you are succeeding to make a villain someone you can feel for, jackpot.”
Bear in mind, this quote was made in October, and at the same time, Arad admitted to not knowing who Carnage even was.
In the meantime, Kelly Marcel is writing the script and will executive produce. The film is tentatively scheduled to be released on October 2, 2020.
With Ruben Fleischer out, who do you think should take over ‘Venom 2’?
