Rumors seem to confirm a returning cast member for Spider-Man 4, which could also mean that the MCU’s best possible Venom is coming back too.

A recent Spider-Man 4 casting rumor has signaled the return of some well-known characters, and might even make way for the MCU’s perfect version of Venom. Though there is no Eddie Brock yet, the MCU has already introduced several characters who could eventually turn into Venom. Spider-Man: No Way Home’s ending may also mean that it is the right time to tell a symbiote suit Spider-Man story, and eventually introduce a new Venom.

Not only did No Way Home show that Eddie Brock left a bit of the Venom symbiote in the MCU, but it also set up a relatively bleak future for Peter Parker. The Marvel hero is no longer on track to go to his dream college with his friends, and he no longer has Aunt May to support him. Peter could be headed for a bit of a dark period, which is perfect for introducing the Venom symbiote. If the casting rumors are true, the MCU might still have the perfect character to make Venom.

MJ’s Spider-Man 4 Could Mean Her Classmates Returning Too

MJ Will Attend MIT In The MCU

Recent casting rumors suggest that Zendaya’s Michelle Jones-Watson will be returning for Spider-Man 4. This comes from reports that Zendaya’s show, Euphoria, has delayed filming to allow her to film the MCU movie. If MJ is really coming back, it might mean that her fellow MIT classmates could be making an appearance too. The end of Spider-Man: No Way Home confirmed that both MJ and Ned would be attending the school following graduation, but they aren’t the only ones.

Earlier in No Way Home, Flash Thompson was confirmed to also be going to MIT. It’s unclear if MJ will be appearing at college or back in New York, but if her MIT classmates will be in Spider-Man 4, that could include Flash. Notably, Flash would also be a very interesting choice for the MCU’s version of Venom.

Flash Thompson Has Been Venom Before

Flash Thompson First Appeared As Venom In The Amazing Spider-Man #654 (2011)

Flash Thompson has been Venom in the comics before, though a very different kind than Eddie Brock. Flash’s Agent Venom was a lot more similar to Spider-Man, so long as he kept the symbiote under control. He does occasionally lose control of the symbiote, and become a more traditional Venom, complete with a hulking figure and mouth full of fangs. While the Agent Venom story wouldn’t really work for the MCU Flash, parts of it could be adapted to fit better with this version of the character.

Another potential Venom also previously appeared in the MCU, Mac Gargan. Gargan is more well-known as Scorpion, but also spent some time as Venom in the comics. That said, Gargan hasn’t appeared since Spider-Man: Homecoming, meaning his connection to Peter Parker is tenuous at best. Venom is best done when he has a strong connection to Spider-Man. This means Flash would be a better choice for the MCU’s Venom, given his relationship with Peter and Spider-Man. This would also be a way for the MCU to have a new take on the Venom origin.

Flash Thompson’s Venom Would Make The MCU’s Version Unique

Flash Thompson Is Played By Tony Revolori In The MCU

By having Flash Thompson become the MCU’s version of Venom, Marvel could create a wholly unique version of the character for the MCU. Flash is enamored with Spider-Man, so if given the symbiote he would likely want to use it to be like – or even team up with – his idol. This could create an interesting dynamic, since Peter would likely be less-than-thrilled to work with Flash but also want to teach him how to use his new powers responsibly. With the MCU’s Flash being characterized as somewhat immature, it’s not hard to imagine him losing control of the symbiote and turning into a villain.

This would give the MCU a version of Venom that already has a close personal connection to Peter Parker, even if he doesn’t remember it. Approaching the story from this perspective would give the rivalry between the characters a bit more weight than if Eddie Brock was hastily introduced and then turned into Venom in a single film the way Spider-Man 3 handled the character. Even if Spider-Man 4 isn’t a Venom story, it would still be good to get Flash back in the MCU to set up a potential Venom arc for him in the future.