“Verified It’s actually happening. I can feel it, the Symbiote has found a host in me, and I’m ready for the ride…Can’t wait,” and with that, Andy Serkis confirmed on Instagram that he would be directing “Venom 2.”
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None of it took very long, either. Last week it was reported that Serkis, Travis Knight (“Bumblebee”) and Rupert Wyatt (“Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes”) were all in the mix to direct the “Venom” sequel, but it was clear, even if Serkis downplayed the meetings, that “The Lord Of The Rings” actor-turned-filmmaker was the frontrunner.
Now, all of ten days later and Serkis has the part as director of the anti-hero superhero film. Even before then, “Venom” star Tom Hardy prematurely posted about Serkis on Instagram like it was all a done deal before quickly deleting the post. That let all reporters know, the contract was basically all but signed.
Not returning for the sequel is original “Venom” director Ruben Fleischer (“Zombieland”), and that’s not a surprise given how maligned the film was by critics. “Venom” would eventually gross $856 million worldwide thanks to China in part, but not before receiving a thrashing by American critics, most of which agreed, Hardy’s gonzo performance was the only worthwhile and salvageable element of the movie.
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“Venom 2,” written by Kelly Marcel, will be effects-heavy and “mix DG and performance capture technology,” which is not a surprise given Serkis involvement. Known for his pioneering motion-capture performances in “The Lord Of The Rings” and “Planet Of The Apes” movies, Serkis transformed and parlayed this expertise into a directing career, making a drama to get his feet wet (“Breathe”), before jumping straight first into a massive VFX-heavy tentpole entirely centered around motion-capture performances Netflix’s “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle”).
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The original “Venom” ended with a post-credits cameo by Woody Harrelson as chief Venom villain Cletus Kasady, aka Carnage, so presumably, the sequel, currently set for fall 2020, will pick up where that left off, but no details on the villains or plans have been released as of yet. [THR]
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