Introduction

Since its debut in 2018, Sony’s Venom franchise has been a rollercoaster ride. From its campy, chaotic origins to its evolution into a multiversal powerhouse, the series has delighted fans while frustrating critics. Now, with Venom 4: King in Black (2025), director Andy Serkis returns to helm what is easily the darkest, most ambitious installment yet. With Tom Hardy reprising his role as Eddie Brock/Venom, and the long-awaited introduction of Knull—the god of symbiotes—this film promised to shake the Marvel universe to its core. But does it deliver?

Story and Setup

Picking up a year after the events of Venom: The Last Dance (2024), Eddie Brock has gone into hiding, struggling to evade both government agencies and the ever-growing threats tied to the symbiotes. His uneasy truce with Venom is still intact, but the creature’s hunger is becoming harder to control. However, their problems become insignificant when a cosmic storm rips through the sky, heralding the arrival of Knull (played by Cillian Murphy), the ancient god of the symbiotes.

Knull, imprisoned for eons in the void beyond space, has returned to reclaim his “children” and engulf the universe in darkness. His first act? Unleashing the Symbiote Horde—a swarm of mind-controlled hosts that turn Earth into a battlefield. As cities fall and heroes disappear, Eddie and Venom realize they can no longer operate in the shadows. They must unite with the unlikeliest of allies to have any chance of stopping Knull’s impending conquest.

The Spider-Man Factor

For years, fans have speculated about a Venom–Spider-Man crossover, and King in Black finally delivers. Tom Holland’s Peter Parker (fresh off the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home and a rumored Spider-Man 4) plays a pivotal role in the story. Initially skeptical of Venom’s intentions, Peter is forced into an uneasy alliance with Eddie when it becomes clear that Knull’s symbiote army has targeted him.

The film doesn’t just bring Holland into the mix—it also acknowledges Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man, who appears after being pulled into the conflict through the multiverse. The dynamic between the three—Venom, Holland’s Spidey, and Garfield’s Spidey—is one of the highlights of the movie, balancing tension, humor, and sheer spectacle.

Knull – A Villain Worth Fearing

Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Knull is nothing short of mesmerizing. Unlike the previous Venom villains, who were either forgettable (Riot) or over-the-top (Carnage), Knull is a true force of nature. He doesn’t just want control—he embodies destruction itself.

His presence is felt from the moment he descends onto Earth, effortlessly slaughtering anything in his path. The design of Knull is stunning, with his skeletal armor, piercing red eyes, and the All-Black, his deadly symbiote sword. One of the film’s most chilling moments is when Knull singlehandedly takes down an entire team of heroes—including a surprising cameo from Mahershala Ali’s Blade—showcasing his raw power.

Action and Visual Effects

If you thought the action in Let There Be Carnage and The Last Dance was over the top, King in Black takes it to a whole new level. The scale of destruction is unprecedented for the Venom franchise, leaning more into Infinity War-level stakes rather than the street-level chaos of past films.

The battle sequences are jaw-dropping, especially the climactic showdown in New York, where Venom, Spider-Man, and an unexpected symbiote-enhanced Wolverine (yes, Hugh Jackman makes an appearance!) take on Knull and his army. The CGI has never looked better—gone are the murky, hard-to-follow fight scenes from previous films. Instead, Serkis ensures that every symbiote tendril, every transformation, and every impact is visually clear and satisfying.

One standout sequence involves Eddie and Venom piloting a hijacked S.W.O.R.D. spaceship into Knull’s fleet, using the symbiote’s shape-shifting abilities to create makeshift weapons and shields. It’s a thrilling moment that showcases the creativity behind the action design.

Themes and Emotional Weight

Surprisingly, Venom 4: King in Black isn’t just a CGI-heavy slugfest. The film delves into deeper themes of control, free will, and the cost of power. Eddie’s arc is particularly compelling—throughout the series, he’s been a reluctant hero, constantly at odds with Venom’s more violent instincts. But here, he is forced to confront his role as the last line of defense against Knull.

Meanwhile, Venom himself undergoes an evolution. For the first time, he feels true fear—fear of returning to Knull’s grasp. This fear leads to some of the most dramatic moments in the film, including a scene where Venom must choose between sacrificing himself to stop Knull or ensuring Eddie’s survival. It’s a gut-wrenching decision that Tom Hardy plays to perfection.

Cameos and the Future of the Franchise

Beyond Spider-Man and Wolverine, the film is packed with unexpected cameos.

• Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) makes a brief but crucial appearance, explaining Knull’s origins and how his return threatens not just Earth, but the entire multiverse.

• Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) shows up for a mid-credits scene, hilariously reacting to the insanity of the symbiote war and teasing a potential Venom vs. Deadpool clash.

• Toxin (Stephen Graham), introduced in The Last Dance, finally gets his moment to shine, joining the fight against Knull’s horde.

The post-credits scene is what will have fans talking for years. After Knull’s defeat, Eddie and Venom are seen recovering in an unknown location—only to be confronted by a shadowy figure. As the camera zooms in, a familiar voice says:

“So you’re the one who started all this… let’s talk.”

The figure steps into the light, revealing Keanu Reeves as Silver Surfer! The implications are massive, hinting at a cosmic future for Venom and possibly connecting him to the Fantastic Four or even a Galactus-level threat.

Flaws and Missed Opportunities

While King in Black is a massive improvement over previous Venom films, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing in the first act is a bit slow, taking too long to establish Knull’s arrival. Some fans may also feel that Knull, despite his incredible presence, is defeated a little too easily in the final act.

Additionally, while Garfield’s return is welcome, his role is somewhat underdeveloped. It feels as if he was included more for fan service than for a meaningful arc. Given his popularity post-No Way Home, one would hope he’d play a larger role in the battle against Knull.

Final Verdict

Venom 4: King in Black is the Venom movie fans have been waiting for. It’s dark, action-packed, and filled with unexpected twists that elevate it beyond its predecessors. Tom Hardy delivers his best performance yet as Eddie Brock, Cillian Murphy’s Knull is a terrifying villain, and the action sequences rival the best of the MCU.

While not perfect, the film successfully sets up an exciting new chapter for the franchise, proving that Venom isn’t just a side character in Spider-Man’s world—he’s a force to be reckoned with in his own right.

Final Score: 9/10 – A Symbiotic Spectacle Worth Watching!