Marvel enthusiasts were taken aback when they discovered a significant film featuring a character from Marvel Comics was quietly made available on the Disney Plus platform. At first glance, having a Marvel movie on Disney Plus might not seem like noteworthy news; however, considering which specific movie it is, the revelation becomes quite unexpected.
Over the years, Disney Plus has established itself as a central hub for films based on comic book characters. This is largely due to its extensive collection of nearly all the movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), making it a treasure trove for fans eager to enjoy these cinematic adventures. Yet, every once in a while, the streaming service surprises its audience with titles that were not produced by Disney, be it a classic film or a project from another studio. This recent addition might just be one of the most shocking yet.
The film "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" has officially joined the roster on Disney Plus. This notorious entry from Sony and Marvel made its debut on the streaming service on January 22, marking the first time US subscribers can watch it there. It now joins its predecessor from 2018, further enriching the platform’s offerings.
Fans may find the inclusion of this particular film surprising because it was not created by Marvel Studios, which is owned by Disney. Instead, Sony holds the movie rights to several Spider-Man characters, meaning this film does not have direct ties to the MCU and resides in its own narrative universe. Additionally, Sony has an established agreement with Netflix, which allows their films to stream there first before eventually appearing on other platforms like Disney Plus after a designated period.
Featuring Tom Hardy in the lead role, "Let There Be Carnage" originally hit theaters in 2021 and quickly became one of the most polarizing films featuring a Marvel character. While the first installment of Venom received praise for its over-the-top absurdity, the sequel struggled to replicate that charm, presenting a convoluted storyline that fell short in delivering the same level of humor and entertainment that characterized its predecessor.
One aspect that disappointed many fans was the film's excessively dark tone, which inadvertently highlighted the comedic moments for all the wrong reasons and rendered them sparse. This somber atmosphere was largely driven by the character of Cletus Kasady, also known as Carnage, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, who indeed made a striking impression on the audience. Unfortunately, the jarring tonal shifts did not benefit the film, leading many viewers to consider it the least favorable among the three Venom films.
The Venom trilogy is part of Sony Pictures' Universe of Spider-Man Characters, a venture that has effectively reached its conclusion after several spin-offs failed to resonate with audiences, some even earning spots on lists of the worst superhero films ever made. Projects such as "Madame Web," "Morbius," and "Kraven the Hunter" sparked debates about the viability of a Spider-Man universe that lacks Spider-Man himself. Critics often pointed out the somewhat aimless direction of the Venom series, which, while entertaining, seemed to lack substantial depth. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the Venom films achieved remarkable commercial success, raking in a staggering total of $1.8 billion globally.
Currently, both of the first two Venom films are available for streaming on Disney Plus, while fans can anticipate the arrival of the third installment, "Venom: The Last Dance" expected in 2024, at a later date.
