Sony's Spider-Man Universe was a divisive addition to the Marvel cinematic landscape, but it produced some effective features. From compelling character relationships to awe-inspiring action sequences, Sony managed to get a lot of things right, adding unique layers to Spider-Man's sprawling mythology. By exploring the Spider-Man universe from alternative angles, these films provide new narratives that enrich the lore surrounding the web-slinger's world.
SSU started in 2018 with Poisona film that surprised many by becoming a box office success despite its mixed reviews. Since then, Sony has expanded the universe with Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Morbius, Kraven the Hunter and Lady Teia. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe, SSU focuses primarily on antiheroes and villains, offering a darker, more unconventional approach. The decision to exclude Spider-Man as a central figure allowed for unique storytelling opportunities. With Sony's Spider-Man universe officially over, it's worth noting the few highlights the franchise offered.
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The relationship between Venom and Eddie Brock
Venom, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Venom: The Last Dance
One of the standout elements of SSU is the relationship between Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and the Venom symbiote. Their dynamic is the emotional and comedic backbone of the Poison films, offering a unique spin on the superhero genre. Instead of a typical heroic journey, Eddie and Venom's story is a bizarre comedy filled with moments of genuine heart. This evolved further into Let there be carnage in a twisted rom-com style relationship.
Tom Hardy's performance – essentially a duet with himself – brings this relationship to life with an absurd charm that audiences have come to love. Tom Hardy voiced Venom in Let there be carnage on, further highlighting their symbiotic relationship. Whether they're arguing about Eddie's life choices or teaming up to fight enemies, their dynamic feels organic and fun.
The symbiote's possessive yet strangely endearing bond with Eddie is a new take on duality, making their interactions hilarious and relatable. This relationship evolves in a surprising way throughout the films, offering exciting moments that balance the chaotic action. It's a testament to Hardy's talent and the strength of the writing that their bond feels so genuine.
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The fight scenes in Kraven The Hunter were incredible
Kraven the hunter
Kraven the Hunter brought an intensity to SSU's action sequences that elevated the franchise. THE Visceral fight choreography showcased Kraven's fierce fighting stylecombining brutal hand-to-hand combat with your expert hunting skills. The use of practical effects and minimal reliance on CGI gave a grounded, gritty feel to the battles, making them stand out from the often over-the-top action seen in other superhero films.
One standout scene showed Kraven facing off against a group of poachers in a dense jungle. The sequence, filmed with long takes and fluid camera movements, captured the raw energy of Kraven's animalistic rage. The fight the choreography highlighted his predatory instinctswith clever references to his comic book origins, like his iconic lion head vest making a symbolic appearance.
The prison fight scene was another highlight that showcased the antihero's versatility and dynamic combat skills. The film's action sequences were not only thrilling, but also delved deeper into Kraven's character, showing him as a man driven by primordial forces and a deep connection with nature. Although the film itself lacks narrative weight, the fight scenes almost make up for it.
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Spider-Woman's costumes were impeccable
Lady Teia
The costumes of the three Spider-Women in Lady Teia were nothing short of spectacular. They boasted meticulous attention to detail that captured the essence of their comic book origins while adding a modern twist. Every fantasy distinguished the characters visually and symbolicallysuggesting their unique personalities and stories.
Paid Julia Carpenter Black and White Set homage to her role as the second Spider-Womanwith elegant lines and a reflective finish that emphasized its stealthy and mysterious nature. Anya Corazon's costume is a stylish inversion of Spider-Woman's classic costume, using bold silver instead of classic white. Meanwhile, Mattie Franklin's costume combined youthful energy with practicality, combining her signature red and blue elements with an athletic, streamlined design perfect for her dynamic fighting style.
Unfortunately, SSU wasted these characters despite the well-crafted visuals. Instead of giving them substantial arcs or meaningful interactions, the film relegated them to supporting roles, missing the opportunity to explore their rich stories and relationships. While their costumes suggested grandeur, the writing failed to live up to the visual storytelling, leaving fans yearning for the depth and agency these characters truly deserve in future adaptations.
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The dynamic application of the symbiote's powers
Venom, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Venom: The Last Dance
SSU has explored the capabilities of symbiotes in innovative and exciting ways. From Venom's tentacle-like appendages to Carnage's chaotic, shape-shifting attacks, the franchise portrays symbiotes as more than just sticky parasites – are dynamic and adaptive entities with unique capabilities.
In the first Poison film, riot transforms into axes and deadly weapons. Later, in Venom: Let There Be CarnageCarnage's ability to transform his form into weapons added an extra layer of threat to the character. The creative use of these powers during fight scenes, such as Carnage's prison break, highlighted the terrifying potential of the symbiotes. Likewise, Venom's lighter, almost playful use of his abilities, like swinging around the city or protecting Eddie, emphasized the range and versatility of these alien beings.
These culminated in Venom: The Last Dance and the numerous symbiotes with varying powers and abilities. These powers were not only visually spectacular, but also served to enhance the narrative by showing the symbiotes as tools of destruction and extensions of their hosts' personalities.
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Kraven the Hunter boasted several classic Spidey enemies
Kraven the hunter
One of the surprises Kraven the Hunter was the inclusion of several iconic Spider-Man villains, cleverly woven into the narrative. By positioning these characters as Kraven's allies or adversaries, the film created a rich tapestry of interconnected stories within the SSU. The appearance of villains like Chameleon and Rhino added depth to Kraven's world hinting at his complex history with other criminals.
Chameleon's mimicry abilities provided an intriguing counterbalance to Kraven's brute strength, while Rhino's imposing presence made him a formidable opponent in the climactic showdown. These characters didn't just feel like Easter eggs; they played pivotal roles in shaping Kraven's arc. The inclusion of classic enemies not only delighted Spider-Man's longtime audience, but also hinted at the potential for future crossovers and conflicts within the SSU.
The SSU It would have been wise to introduce these familiar enemies sooner in the franchise. However, its inclusion in the final edition was undoubtedly exciting. This approach enriched the film's narrative and expanded the possibilities for storytelling in the universe.
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The symbiotes vs. The Xenophages
Venom: The Last Dance
The introduction of the Xenophages, a race of alien hunters who prey on symbiotes, was a bold move that expanded the SSU mythology. This storyline added a cosmic dimension to the franchise, taking it beyond Earth-bound conflicts. Venom fought the Xenophages in several exciting scenes, but the final battle of the symbiotes against the Xenophages in Venom: The Last Dance It was a visual and narrative highlight.
The high-stakes conflict forced Venom to bond with other symbiotes, creating a dynamic set of characters. The Xenophages' design – grotesque and insect-like – contrasted sharply with the fluid, organic appearance of the symbiotes, making your clashes visually striking. This arc explored themes of survival and unity, showing Venom as a reluctant but capable leader.
Each symbiote has its moment to shine, exploring its dynamic abilities and potential. By broadening the scope of the SSU to include extraterrestrial threats, this storyline demonstrated the franchise's ambition and willingness to take creative risks. Unfortunately, SSU didn't complete the narrative with Knull's invasion of Earth, but the final battle was a franchise highlight.
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Ezekiel Sims was a scary villain
Lady Teia
Lady Teia introduced a very scary version of Spider-Man villain Ezekiel Sims. This version was a former classmate of Madame Teia's mother, who killed her after acquiring spider powers in Peru. Sims also gains prophetic visions that depict his death at the hands of the Spider-Women.
Played with quiet menace by Tahar Rahim, SSU's portrayal of Ezekiel added psychological depth to the franchise. Ezekiel's obsession with hunting teenage Spider-Women was genuinely sinister and brought up themes of predatory masculinity. Sims was the most effective villain in the SSUwith many others feeling underwhelming, like Carnage, or just plain silly, like Rhino and Milo Morbius.
The subway scene in Lady Teia is also particularly effective, portraying the terrifying potential of Spider-Man, or similar characters, in a combat situation. Ezekiel Sims' Calculated Actions positioned him as a cerebral as well as physical antagonist. This duality made him one of SSU's most captivating villains, proving that the franchise can excel at character-driven storytelling.
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Venom: The Beautiful Last Dance Ending
Venom: The Last Dance
The final chapter of Eddie Brock's journey into Venom: The Last Dance was a moving and satisfying conclusion. The film's ending saw Eddie and Venom making the ultimate sacrifice to save the world from an imminent cosmic threat, solidifying their bond in a deeply emotional moment. Their heartfelt goodbye to each other was deeply moving, surprisingly considering the franchise's unfavorable reputation.
However, the duo's decision to sacrifice themselves as “lethal protector” it was moving. The situation got much worse when Venom nobly saved Eddie, killing himself to save his friend. Tom Hardy delivers a powerful performance that proves he was the best member of the SSU squad.
Accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, the moment captured the essence of their relationship: two outcasts who found purpose and belonging with each other. It was a fitting send-off that left the audience teary-eyed and grateful for the journey they witnessed. By ending on such a powerful note, the SSU delivered one of its most memorable moments, cementing Eddie and Venom's legacy as one of the franchise's strongest emotional cores.
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- Release date
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February 14, 2025
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July 25, 2025
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July 24, 2026