Sony's ambitious plan to create a Marvel universe without Spider-Man had a rocky start. But why did Venom thrive while Morbius, Madame Web, and Kraven the Hunter failed to capture audiences' hearts?
The box office numbers tell a stark tale: Venom's success stands in stark contrast to the critical and commercial disasters of the other films. But what's the secret behind this anomaly?
Director Ruben Fleischer, who helmed the first Venom film, offers an intriguing insight. He believes the key lies in the character's humor and the unique premise of an alien sharing space with a human. It's a concept that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's what makes it work.
Fleischer drew inspiration from classics like 'All of Me' and 'An American Werewolf in London', infusing Venom with a humorous tone. Despite its darker elements, the film's success can be attributed to its ability to make audiences laugh, thanks to Tom Hardy's charismatic performance. And this is where it gets interesting: Hardy's portrayal gave Venom an identity beyond his connection to Spider-Man.
But here's where it gets controversial: Was it solely the humor and Hardy's performance that saved Venom? Or did the character's built-in popularity from the comics give it an unfair advantage over its less-known counterparts? Could Morbius, Madame Web, and Kraven have been box office hits with better execution and a bit of luck?
The debate is open. What do you think? Did Sony's non-Spider-Man Marvel universe fail due to poor storytelling, or was it a case of the wrong characters being chosen for the spotlight?
