My excitement for the return of Tom Hardy as both Eddie Brock – the most handsome investigative journalist in history – and his malevolent interloper isn't even down to the changes being made this time around.
Certainly, the arrival of Andy Serkis as director is potentially fantastic, and Woody Harrelson appears to be devouring the scenery with raucous aplomb as the other titular symbiote, but my anticipation is mostly driven by the fact that the first Venom, released in 2018, was actually very good.
The reaction to Venom on social media and in the critical fraternity seemed to be driven by expectations.
Devotees of the comic books see Venom as a cult anti-hero, whose comics represent the darker, edgier corner of Marvel. However, director Ruben Fleischer opted not to lean into the grime and grit, instead cranking up the dial on the character's inherent silliness. It got weird.
How's how that refreshing sweet spot was the secret to Venom's success, something the sequel will push even further releasing Carnage.
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