With Venom 2 slated to begin production in November, Sony is undergoing its search for a new director following the departure of Ruben Fleischer, the first movie’s filmmaker. Fleischer is currently filming the sequel to Zombieland, which is scheduled to hit theatres on October 11. Film scooping website Discussing Film confirmed Sony has officially parted ways with the Zombieland helmer.
As of now, Venom 2 is moving forward without a director, a shift into dangerous territory that does not bode entirely well. Given the scope of the film, it won’t be surprising to see a new name join the roster sooner than later. It remains to be seen who the studio will bring in to direct the film. However, an announcement shouldn’t be too far off, as pre-production generally begins six months out. For now, the search for a new director is underfoot.
Aside from Fleischer, nearly everyone else tied to the first film is coming back for second go ’round. One of Venom‘s screenwriters, Kelly Marcel, has already been tapped to pen the sequel. She is also expected to receive executive producer credits. Tom Hardy will reprise his role as Eddie Brock/Venom in the follow-up. Michelle Williams is also slated to return.
Woody Harrelson, who had his character Carnage teased in the first film’s end credits scene, is expected to become the sequel’s primary antagonist.
Venom, despite being lambasted by a large majority of critics, went on to find huge success at the box office. The film, which was produced on a relatively modest budget compared to most superhero flicks, went on to earn an astounding $855.5 million at the global box office. Against its $100 million budget, that makes it a huge success for the studio and explains why they’re not wasting any time in getting a sequel going.
Venom 2 is slated to be released on October 2nd, 2020.
Source: Discussing Film
