Fans of Marvel and Sony superhero films have reason to revisit their crossover hopes after actor Tom Hardy revealed that plans to unite his portrayal of Eddie Brock’s Venom with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man “got close” to becoming reality. The revelation has reignited discussions about the possibilities for future cross-universe storytelling despite past obstacles that prevented the pairing from materializing.
Hardy Reflects on a Near Crossover
In a recent interview on The Discourse Podcast, Tom Hardy looked back on earlier discussions about bringing Venom and Spider-Man together on the big screen. According to Hardy, the project “got as close as I could possibly imagine getting” before ultimately falling through. He said he would have loved to act alongside Tom Holland, calling it “so much fun” and something that would have thrilled both him and fans alike.
The actor’s comments suggest that serious internal talks once took place between Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios, although the crossover never advanced to the production stage. “We got close… apart from doing a film together,” Hardy said, hinting at negotiations that nearly bridged the two cinematic universes.
Why the Crossover Didn’t Happen
While Hardy did not outline a precise reason the crossover failed to materialize, he and many observers have alluded to “studio politics” and logistics as potential hurdles. In past interviews, Hardy confirmed that although the idea was seriously considered, the convergence of narrative plans and rights between Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) proved difficult to coordinate.
This aligns with the complexities that have surrounded superhero crossovers in recent years, especially when multiple studios control character rights. The shared appearance of characters like Venom and Spider-Man in Sony and Marvel films has long been a topic of fan speculation and cinematic negotiation, dating back to post-credits scenes and multiverse-linked moments in previous movies.
What This Means for Future Marvel Films
Although the crossover described by Hardy did not happen, the door remains open for future collaborations as the superhero movie landscape evolves. Marvel Studios’ upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to release in July 2026, continues to build excitement among fans and may offer narrative avenues to explore new connections with characters like Venom or other symbiote lore.
Additionally, comic book history and fan theories have suggested multiple creative pathways for Venom to enter the MCU or for different incarnations of the character to interact with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. These theories range from symbiote history involving villains like Mac Gargan to alternate multiverse scenarios that could integrate Venom in future ensemble films.
Hardy’s Ongoing Affection for the Character
Despite the trilogy arc for Venom concluding with Venom: The Last Dance, Hardy has expressed continued affection for the character. Outside crossover talk, he has reiterated his love for playing Eddie Brock and indicated openness to returning for future projects—whether within Sony’s universe or in collaborative ventures that could bridge studio divides.
Hardy’s comments reflect a broader enthusiasm among actors and fans alike for deeper integration of beloved characters across film franchises, especially as narrative multiverses become increasingly central to superhero storytelling.
Fan Reactions and Ongoing Speculation
The notion of a Venom–Spider-Man team-up has captivated audiences for years. Fan communities have generated extensive theories about how such a pairing could work, including speculation about symbiote dynamics, alternate hosts, and narrative intersections that blend elements of Sony’s universe with the MCU’s development of multiverse concepts.
Though audiences may not have seen Venom fight Tom Holland’s Spider-Man yet, interest remains high, and the conversation continues to captivate the Marvel fan base. Some enthusiasts even propose that remnants of Venom’s symbiote from past films could reemerge in future MCU projects, creating fresh opportunities for crossover events down the line.
A Hopeful Future for Superhero Crossovers?
Ultimately, Hardy’s revelation that the crossover “got close” underscores the challenges and possibilities inherent in high-profile cinematic universes. While studio boundaries and creative paths sometimes limit what can be achieved on screen, fan enthusiasm and evolving narrative strategies suggest that the idea of Venom and Spider-Man sharing the big screen may not be entirely out of reach.
With Marvel and Sony both continuing to expand their storytelling universes, future crossovers—whether in standalone films or multiverse epics—remain an exciting talking point as the next generation of superhero films approaches.