NOTE: I am firmly against any key characters from any existing form of media to be, when transferred from one form of media, changed or swapped out for a lack of a good reason. In this case I would see the only two reasons being
1. Norman becoming Venom conveniently fitting into the plot (which to me is not a good reason)
or
2. Sony doing this just to differentiate this franchise from Rami's (which is an even worse reason, because it's not like Spider-Man is an entity made up by Sony. It was a comic book. These movies are based off of the comics. There will be similarities across the film franchises whether it is this one or the inevitable one to come after it).
I feel that Norman being Venom would be an entirely wrong move on Sony's part and am happy that this only popped up in my head and not on the web in the form of an agitating rumor. If it does well you heard it here first and I will also be the first one to tell you and all of the other Spidey fans, "I am sorry for the major mess up Sony did." Do not ask me why I would be apologizing because I would not know. I just think that my love for the character is what makes me hate the idea of seeing him or any of his supporting characters being done wrong on screen for the sake of making a quick buck or differentiating its self from the previous franchise.
Let me know what you guys think in the comments here and don't be afraid to swing over to YouTube and subscribe to me there. Peace Guys.