As Marvel fans eagerly await the release of Spider-Man 4, starring Tom Holland, discussions surrounding the film’s storyline and character appearances continue to ignite speculation. The highly-anticipated sequel will be directed by Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ Destin Daniel Cretton, stepping in for Jon Watts, who was the director of all three Spider-Man outings. The film, which is expected to hit theaters on July 24, 2026, will see Holland return as Peter Parker/Spider-Man and Zendaya return as MJ.
One of the most hotly debated issues is whether Tom Hardy’s Venom could show up given that his arc concluded in Venom: The Last Dance. But in this case, fans think the Venom anti-hero might meet Spider-Man. Such speculation was ignited following recent comments from Hardy, and then some of his more cryptic follow-ups — combined with a slight hint from Sony Pictures — but clarity seems to be out of reach.
Sony Japan Teases a Spider-Man and Venom Crossover
Sony Pictures Japan has teased a #Venom crossover in SPIDER-MAN 4 in an official press release:
“Tom Holland, who plays Peter, has already given his stamp of approval to the story… Is Tom Hardy, who plays Eddie in the ‘Venom’ series, ready to take part?”
(via @MyCosmicCircus) pic.twitter.com/qU2jANmnn5
— MCU – The Direct (@MCU_Direct) November 21, 2024
In a November 8, 2024, press release from Sony Pictures Japan, the company hinted at Tom Hardy’s possible involvement in Spider-Man 4. The translated release included the following statements:
“Tom Holland, who plays Peter (Parker), has already given his stamp of approval to the story! ‘This will be a real movie that fans can respect!’ Is Tom Hardy, who plays Eddie in the ‘Venom’ series.”
Hardy’s previous comments about his character’s future:
“Although it is the last film in the series, he [Tom Hardy] said, ‘In fact, I should not say goodbye to Venom, but welcome to the final stage (The Last Dance). Venom’s story is not over yet. He still has a lot to do.’”
The statement further teased fans’ favorite crossover:
“When asked about the crossover with Spider-Man, which fans are most interested in, he praised, ‘Tom Holland is the best Spider-Man,’ and showed his enthusiasm, saying, ‘I would like to work with him. If someone needs me, I’d be happy to participate.’”
This incited a veritable storm of speculation among fans, reminiscent of the pre-release hype surrounding Spider-Man: No Way Home — at least, here we saw Sony’s international branches accidentally ruin Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s returns several months before their continued existences were confirmed.
Tom Hardy Addresses the Speculations
I NEVER LOST HOPE 🥹💖
Thanks to Sony Pictures Japan (link in bio, and they’re the same ones who leaked Tobey Maguire & Andrew Garfield in No Way Home), we know Tom Holland’s Spider-Man 4 will be a Spider-Man & Venom film, and Tom Hardy will be with his Venom & Eddie Brock 🥳!!! pic.twitter.com/3HqQGE0fnw
— Irene 💍 (@TomHardyMyKing) November 22, 2024
Now, a new press release from Sony certainly set some hype flying but in a recent interview while on the promo campaign for Venom 3: The Last Dance, Tom Hardy is hitting pause on everyone’s excitement. In an interview with the Associated Press, Hardy also responded to the speculation that Venom could play a larger role in Spider-Man 4:
“I don’t see him in the next Spider-Man movie, because I’d have the script, and I don’t have that.”
However, as recently as this week Hardy seemed to imply he would be open to a crossover. In 2020, he teased the idea of a fight between Venom and Spider-Man by posting (deleted soon after) a comic panel showing the two characters on Instagram. In other words, some of those features are fun to imagine in an MCU setting, and Hardy and Venom 2 director Andy Serkis teased the merging of the two universes back in September. Serkis even remarked:
“We wanted the audience to know that these universes are going to somehow collide.”
Fans have made comparisons to the constant denials coming from Andrew Garfield about his role in Spider-Man: No Way Home only for him to be one of that film’s biggest surprises.
Those have speculated that Spider-Man 4’s story has been far more divisive among fans. Rumors early on indicated that Peter Parker would join forces with Charlie Cox’s Daredevil to face off against Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin, building off their confrontation from Daredevil: Born Again. New updates however have suggested that Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock could be at the center of a multiversal adventure. Even if Hardy himself is a bit more noncommittal, the teases from Sony Japan suggest that’s the case.
Will Venom Meet Spider-Man?
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Whether that means Venom will finally show up in Spider-Man 4 is an inviting prospect left dangling. While Hardy’s public comments give every impression there are no immediate plans, the actor’s obviously keen on a crossover… and that’s more than enough for the Sony suits at least. Given the history of surprises from Marvel Studios, fans are not likely to know the real story until as late as the film itself — or even after it is in theaters.
Spider-Man 4 appears poised to be yet another epic entry, even without Venom. We will see if Tom Holland and Tom Hardy end up on screen together someday because we know all of those Marvel fans have dreamed about it.
