Later this year we’ll be treated to a different kind of Marvel movie, with Sony Pictures’ Venom hitting theatres in October. Venom is a character that has never really been properly portrayed on the big screen, so there are plenty of reasons to be excited about a solo movie led by an actor as talented as Tom Hardy.
Despite this, there are some concerns about how this movie fits into the Marvel Cinematic Universe—if it even fits at all. Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has previously said that there are no plans to integrate Venom into the MCU, but with Tom Holland reportedly showing up in the movie as Peter Parker, things start to get complicated.
Given that the filmmakers are said to be aiming for an R-rating, this would definitely be a departure from Marvel’s cinematic formula. With the MCU expanding at a remarkable rate, there is some reason to be concerned about having some properties feel out of place. This is particularly relevant when dealing with already established R-rated properties like Deadpool.
However, there is some precedent for violent, adult-oriented stories in the MCU, as the Netflix series have generally been a lot grittier. From the disturbing backstory of Jessica Jones to the visceral action of The Punisher, it’s clear that there is a lot of darkness below the surface of this mostly family-friendly universe.
Based on what we know about Venom so far, dark is definitely an appropriate adjective. Columbia Pictures’ Sanford Panitch has said the film is influenced by the works of David Cronenberg and John Carpenter, but apparently with more fun. The rating is not confirmed, but director Reuben Fleischer's previous work has been almost exclusively R-rated.
Venom can be pretty violent and insane, but it’s not essential to the character to have him exist in an R-rated environment. However, with Carnage also heavily rumored to be appearing in the film, the rating makes more sense. Carnage is a vicious killer that could only reach his cinematic potential in an R-rated film. If Carnage is really in the movie, fans will be demanding an R-rating.
Thankfully, the comments from Sony Pictures executives so far have made it seem like they are not dead-set on a particular rating, and that they will just make the film they want to make and deal with the rating afterwards. Of course, the biggest priority for the filmmakers is making a good movie that can make fans forget about Venom's underwhelming appearance in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 3. The film's rating and how it fits into the Marvel Cinematic Universe should come after that.
If the pre-established conventions and canon of the MCU are going to prevent Fleischer from making the best Venom movie possible, then trying to cram the film into this universe is a mistake.