The Marvel Cinematic Universe is building toward its most ambitious climax yet with Avengers: Secret Wars, the 2027 finale to the Multiverse Saga that promises to collide realities, resurrect legacies, and redefine the superhero landscape. Directed by the Russo Brothers, this epic adaptation draws inspiration from iconic comic events where heroes and villains from across dimensions clash on the patchwork planet Battleworld. Amid the confirmed massive ensemble and teases of crossovers involving Fox’s X-Men and Sony’s Spider-Man characters, persistent rumors have placed Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock/Venom at the center of speculation. Whispers suggest Hardy could make a significant appearance, potentially commanding or confronting an army of symbiotes in a chaotic Battleworld scenario, marking his swan song in Marvel films as the actor seeks to move beyond the comic book genre.
Hardy’s portrayal of the anti-hero has been a standout in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, beginning with 2018’s Venom and continuing through sequels that blended brutal action, dark humor, and an unlikely buddy dynamic between journalist Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote partner. The character’s popularity stems from Hardy’s dual performance: a vulnerable, down-on-his-luck everyman clashing with a monstrous, chocolate-loving entity voiced with gleeful menace. This iteration diverged from pure villainy, evolving Venom into a lethal protector with moral complexities, resonating with audiences through themes of symbiosis, identity, and redemption.
The rumors gain traction from the symbiote’s comic origins tied directly to Secret Wars. In the 1984 storyline, Spider-Man acquires the black suit on Battleworld, unknowingly bonding with an alien organism that enhances his abilities but amplifies aggression. Upon returning to Earth, he rejects it, leading the symbiote to bond with Eddie Brock and birth Venom. The 2015 version expands this with multiversal incursions and symbiote invasions, featuring hordes of the creatures overwhelming heroes. Speculation posits Secret Wars could homage these elements, perhaps unleashing a symbiote army amid Doom’s machinations, with Hardy’s Venom pulled into the fray via multiversal rifts.
A lingering plot thread supports this: the post-credits of Spider-Man: No Way Home left a sliver of Hardy’s symbiote in the MCU after Eddie was sent home. This remnant could multiply or summon reinforcements, creating an invasive force on Battleworld. Imagined scenarios include Venom leading or battling symbiote hordes, allying uneasily with Avengers against greater threats, or confronting Spider-Man variants in nods to their tangled history. Such a role would elevate Venom from side player to key combatant, providing visceral, tentacle-whipping spectacle in massive battles.
Tom Hardy has been candid about his Venom journey, expressing gratitude for the trilogy while signaling closure after Venom: The Last Dance. The actor described the experience as transformative, pushing boundaries in physicality and voice work, but hinted at fatigue with blockbuster demands and a desire for diverse roles outside superhero fare. Interviews reveal mixed emotions—likening parting with the character to a child leaving home—yet enthusiasm for a fitting end. Hardy’s commitment brought authenticity to Eddie/Venom’s odd-couple rapport, blending intensity with absurdity in scenes of chaotic destruction and heartfelt banter.
If rumors hold, Secret Wars could offer a grand exit: Venom’s involvement in Battleworld chaos, perhaps sacrificing or evolving in the multiversal reset. This aligns with broader MCU shifts, integrating Sony elements while honoring comic lore. Fans envision epic moments—symbiotes swarming heroes, Venom clashing with Hulk or Wolverine variants, or a poignant Brock moment amid apocalypse.
The ensemble context amplifies excitement. With Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom orchestrating incursions, and returns of legacy heroes, Venom’s inclusion bridges Sony’s universe meaningfully. Hardy’s physical presence and vocal duality would contrast the film’s cosmic scale, grounding symbiote horror in human struggle.
Whether as leader of a symbiote legion or reluctant ally, Hardy’s potential return underscores Venom’s enduring appeal: a monster with heart, chaos with purpose. As Secret Wars looms, speculation fuels dreams of a blockbuster farewell, blending nostalgia, innovation, and spectacle in the MCU’s grandest chapter.
