# Venom: Let There Be Carnage

> 2021 film directed by Andy Serkis

**Wikidata**: [Q60498064](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60498064)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venom:_Let_There_Be_Carnage)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/venom-let-there-be-carnage

## Summary
**Venom: Let There Be Carnage** is a 2021 superhero film directed by Andy Serkis, serving as the sequel to *Venom* (2018) and part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe. It explores the complex relationship between the titular symbiote and its host, Eddie Brock, while introducing Carnage, a chaotic alien entity bonded to serial killer Cletus Kasady. The film grossed over $500 million worldwide, solidifying its role in the Marvel-inspired cinematic landscape.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: Premiered in Hungary on September 30, 2021, with global releases spanning October–December 2021.
- **Director**: Andy Serkis.
- **Production Companies**: Columbia Pictures, Tencent Pictures, and Marvel Entertainment.
- **Budget**: $110 million.
- **Box Office**: $500 million+ worldwide.
- **Runtime**: 97 minutes.
- **Genres**: Action, superhero, science fiction.
- **Preceded By**: *Venom* (2018).
- **Followed By**: *Venom: The Last Dance* (2024).
- **Part of Series**: Sony's Spider-Man Universe.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 50 language editions.
- **IMDb ID**: tt7097896.
- **MusicBrainz Release Group ID**: 5d7770b66afb3d0020620324.
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 57% (critics), 49/100 (Metacritic).
- **Awards**: 10 wins and 11 nominations, including a Visual Effects Society Award.
- **Main Cast**: Tom Hardy (Eddie Brock/Venom), Woody Harrelson (Cletus Kasady/Carnage), Michelle Williams (Anne Weying).
- **Screenplay**: Tom Hardy, Kelly Marcel, and Tom Kelly.
- **Music**: Marco Beltrami.
- **Cinematography**: Oliver Wood.
- **Studio**: Sony Pictures Releasing.
- **Filming Locations**: San Francisco, California, and the UK.
- **Sequel Status**: Directly followed by *Venom: The Last Dance* (2024).

## FAQs
**What is the film's connection to the broader Marvel universe?**  
*Venom: Let There Be Carnage* is part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe, distinct from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), though it shares source material from Marvel Comics. It focuses on characters licensed to Sony, including Venom and Carnage.

**How does the film expand on the Venom character?**  
The film deepens the dynamic between Eddie Brock and Venom, exploring themes of identity and morality. It introduces Carnage, a more violent symbiote, as a foil to Venom, highlighting their contrasting philosophies.

**What was the critical and commercial reception?**  
The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the chemistry between Hardy and Harrelson but criticizing the plot. Despite this, it grossed over $500 million globally, outperforming its $110 million budget and demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Venom franchise.

**How does it set up future films?**  
The post-credits scene teases a potential crossover with the MCU, showing Venom and Eddie arriving in the MCU's New York City. This sets the stage for *Venom: The Last Dance* (2024) and broader multiverse narratives.

## Why It Matters
*Venom: Let There Be Carnage* matters as a commercial success that reinforced Sony's strategy of developing Spider-Man-adjacent properties outside the MCU. It explores complex anti-hero dynamics, appealing to fans of morally ambiguous characters. The film's box office performance underscored the viability of R-rated superhero films and the enduring popularity of Venom, a character once considered too niche for mainstream audiences. Its post-credits scene also sparked significant fan interest in potential MCU crossovers, influencing discourse around Marvel's cinematic future.

## Notable For
- **Box Office Achievement**: Grossed over $500 million despite mixed reviews, proving the market for R-rated superhero sequels.
- **Character Development**: Deepened the Eddie Brock-Venom relationship, emphasizing their codependency and moral growth.
- **Cinematic Universe Building**: Advanced Sony's Spider-Man Universe, setting up future crossovers and multiverse storytelling.
- **Critical Divide**: Highlighted the challenge of balancing fan service with critical acclaim in franchise filmmaking.
- **Technical Achievements**: Nominated for a Visual Effects Society Award, recognizing its blend of practical and CGI effects.
- **Cultural Impact**: Memorable scenes, such as the " Eminem needle drop," resonated widely on social media.
- **Franchise Momentum**: Maintained momentum for the Venom series, leading to a third installment and expanded merchandise opportunities.

## Body

### Production and Release
*Venom: Let There Be Carnage* was directed by Andy Serkis and produced by Columbia Pictures, Tencent Pictures, and Marvel Entertainment. Filming took place in San Francisco, California, and the UK, with a budget of $110 million. The film premiered in Hungary on September 30, 2021, followed by releases in the U.S. on October 1, 2021, and in other countries through December 2021. It was distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing and screened in multiple formats, including IMAX.

### Narrative and Themes
The film centers on Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and the alien symbiote Venom, who must confront Carnage, a chaotic symbiote bonded to serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson). Themes of identity, morality, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy are explored, with Venom and Eddie's relationship evolving from antagonistic to symbiotic. The story introduces Kasady's backstory, emphasizing his violent psyche and Carnage's destructive influence.

### Cast and Crew
- **Main Cast**: Tom Hardy (Eddie Brock/Venom), Woody Harrelson (Cletus Kasady/Carnage), Michelle Williams (Anne Weying), Naomie Harris (Frances Barrison/Shriek), Reid Scott (Dan Lewis), and Peggy Lu (Mrs. Chen).
- **Screenplay**: Tom Hardy, Kelly Marcel, and Tom Kelly.
- **Music**: Marco Beltrami composed the score, incorporating rock influences to match the film's tone.
- **Cinematography**: Oliver Wood's work blended practical and CGI effects, enhancing action sequences.

### Reception and Legacy
The film received mixed reviews, with a 57% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 49/100 Metacritic rating. Critics praised the performances of Hardy and Harrelson but criticized the plot's predictability. Despite this, it grossed over $500 million worldwide, demonstrating the franchise's commercial viability. The post-credits scene, hinting at a multiverse crossover, generated significant fan speculation and media coverage.

### Franchise Context
As the second film in Sony's Spider-Man Universe, *Venom: Let There Be Carnage* built on the success of *Venom* (2018) and laid groundwork for *Venom: The Last Dance* (2024). It expanded Sony's strategy of developing Marvel characters outside the MCU, showcasing the potential for interconnected storytelling without direct MCU ties.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 97 minutes.
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.39:1.
- **Sound Mix**: Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio.
- **Color**: Color (ARRI Alexa 65 and RED V-Raptor 8K cameras).
- **Film Gauge**: Digital.

### Awards and Nominations
The film won 10 awards, including a Visual Effects Society Award nomination for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Film. It also received 11 nominations across various ceremonies, recognizing its technical achievements and performances.

### Cultural Impact
Memorable scenes, such as the " Eminem needle drop" during the opening credits, trended on social media, amplifying the film's cultural footprint. Merchandise, including action figures and video games, further expanded its reach, solidifying Venom's status as a pop culture icon.

### Connected Entities
- **Predecessor**: *Venom* (2018).
- **Successor**: *Venom: The Last Dance* (2024).
- **Shared Universe**: Sony's Spider-Man Universe.
- **Production Companies**: Columbia Pictures, Tencent Pictures, Marvel Entertainment.
- **Distributor**: Sony Pictures Releasing.

### Historical Context
Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film's delayed premiere and staggered global release reflected the challenges faced by the film industry. Its success underscored the resilience of blockbuster franchises and the appeal of superhero narratives during uncertain times.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. The Movie Database
3. Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Rotten Tomatoes
4. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7097896/technical/)
5. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr2560774661/)
6. Terjesztésre kerülő filmalkotások és artfilmek nyilvántartása
7. Venom: Let There Be Carnage
8. [Film Censorship Board](https://lsf.go.id/collection/13/)
9. BBFC database
10. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/venom-let-there-be-carnage/)
11. Entertainment Identifier Registry
12. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2021&s_month=10&e_year=2021&e_month=10&pageID=2)
13. film distribution certificate
14. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
15. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/CatalogoICAA/info/34521/1/34/209.pdf)
16. [Source](http://cnc.abt.ro/registru/index.aspx?pageID=3&filmID=16570)
17. [Source](https://fpbquery.fpb.org.za/erms/film_details.aspx?ref=84970)
18. Bechdel Test Movie List
19. [Source](https://imdaonline.imda.gov.sg/classification/Search/Film/SearchDetail.aspx?sType=Feature&sRowID=AAAgZnAAAAAADrFAAJ)
20. [Source](https://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/RCQ212AfficherFicheTech_a.asp?intNoFilm=426131)
21. [Source](http://www.ifco.ie/en/ifco/pages/F94C195E00289117)
22. [Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) - Trakt](https://trakt.tv/movies/venom-let-there-be-carnage-2021)
23. [Source](https://cinema.bamid.gov.tw:9443/TheaterMangSystem/Pages/MovieRating/movieInfo.aspx?group=A110448)
24. FilmVandaag.nl
25. [21 Cineplex](https://21cineplex.com/)
26. [21 Cineplex](https://m.21cineplex.com/)