Sony Reschedules Venom 3 for November 2024: What This Means for Fans

by Annika November 7, 2023

The recent announcement of “Venom 3” pushing its release date to November 2024 marks a significant shift in the trajectory of one of Sony’s flagship franchises. The third installment of the Venom series, starring Tom Hardy as the titular anti-hero, was initially set for a July 2024 release. However, the aftermath of the SAG-AFTRA strike, which concluded recently, has necessitated this schedule change.

The delay in “Venom 3’s” release is a ripple effect of the broader industry-wide disruptions caused by the strike. The production, which began in late June in Spain, faced a halt due to the strike, impacting the shooting schedule and the intricate post-production process crucial for a film heavy on CGI and special effects. This shift to a November release provides the buffer for the film to complete these processes without rushing, ensuring the quality that fans of the franchise have come to expect.

“Venom 3” continues the story of Eddie Brock/Venom, with Tom Hardy reprising his role as the lethal protector. The film is directed by Kelly Marcel, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Hardy. The plot details remain tightly under wraps, but including franchise newcomers like Juno Temple and Chiwetel Ejiofor adds an intriguing layer to the anticipation.

The financial stakes for “Venom 3” are high, considering the success of its predecessors. The first “Venom” film, released in 2018, grossed $856 million worldwide, while its sequel, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” released amid the pandemic, earned $502 million globally. These figures underscore the franchise’s robust fan base and significant contribution to Sony’s portfolio.

The decision to move “Venom 3” to a November release reflects a strategic shift in Sony’s approach to its major releases. This move aligns with the industry trend of prioritizing optimal release windows to maximize box office returns, especially in a post-pandemic era where theatrical releases face stiff competition from streaming platforms.

The delay of “Venom 3” is not an isolated incident. It joins a list of other Sony films, like “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” and “Kraven the Hunter,” whose release dates have been shuffled after the strike. This reshuffling is indicative of the broader challenges the film industry faces in adapting to the new realities of production and distribution in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape. As further commitment to squeezing that Spider-stone, Sony aims to release its Madame Web movie in February 2024.

While the delay of “Venom 3” to November 2024 may disappoint eager fans, it is a decision rooted in the practicalities of film production and market strategy. It reflects the complex interplay between creative processes and the movie-making business, a balance that studios like Sony must navigate to deliver quality entertainment and commercial success.

We’ll see if it pays off this February!