Update: March 27, 2017
Sony Reportedly Developing VENOM as R-Rated Start to Their Own Marvel Universe
Earlier in March, Sony Pictures gave
Venom a release date, and now rumors suggest that the film will be the start of something potentially much bigger.
According to a new rumor coming out from
Collider,
Venom is being developed with the intent of the film earning an R-rating and for the film to launch a new shared Marvel Universe separate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Sony’s Marvel Universe will not be connected to the MCU in any way and the planned
Venom and
Black Cat and Silver Sable films are all part of Sony’s own shared universe, not spin-offs of any existing films. Marvel’s
Kevin Feige has nothing to do with these films; it’s Tom Rothman, chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group, who’s calling the shots.
Collider's report makes it clear that the announcement of
Venom‘s release date indicates that the execs are happy with the script and the new direction they’re embarking on, but with no director set for either film, obviously things can still change since all of the announced films are still in development.
According to industry casting website
MyEntertainmentWorld,
Venom will enter production in the fall of 2017, about one year before its release.
Another interesting tidbit from the listing is that the
Venom movie is listed as an "Action/Horror/Sci-Fi" movie, an interesting mix for a superhero movie.
Sony Developing ‘Venom’ as R-Rated Start to Their Own Marvel Universe; Production Start Date Revealed