UPDATE:Whelp, it looks like Tom Hardy deleted the image, so stay tuned. Original story below:
Woody Harrelsonmakes his creditedVenomdebut in theupcoming sequel, but based on a first look image his character Cletus Kasady has had a bit of a makeover. Harrelson showed up in the post-credits scene to the 2018 Marvel Comics adaptationVenom, playing a supervillain from theSpider-Mancomics named Cletus who became the first and most well-known host of the evil symbiote known as Carnage. The scene was a bold move on Sony Pictures’ part, as they weren’t quite sure ifVenomwould even hit big enough with audiences to warrant a sequel. Lucky for them, the PG-13 movie was a smashing success, grossing over $856.1 million worldwide and spurring Sony to hit the fast-forward button on a follow-up.
Venom 2is currently in production withTom Hardyreprising his role as Eddie Brock/Venom, who basically assumed the mantle of an anti-hero in the firstVenommovie. Indeed, since Sony is sharing the character of Spider-Man with Marvel Studios in MCU-producedSpider-Manmovies, they couldn’t muddy the waters (yet) by ropingTom Hollandinto the fold. As a result, Hardy’s Eddie Brock was both hero and villain ofVenomfor a time, but that movie’s true Big Bad wasRiz Ahmed’s Carlton Drake who became Riot. In the end, Eddie learned to live in harmony with his murderous symbiote buddy, establishing a new franchise for Sony’s own little Marvel Comics universe.
Andy Serkistook over the director’s chair forRuben Fleischeron the sequel, and it appears that one of the changes he’s made is related to Cletus Kasady’s hair. If you’ll recall, for the character’s post-credits cameo Harrelson sported a truly ridiculous wig that brought Cletus’ iconic red hair front and center. In a first look at Harrelson inVenom 2(via Tom Hardy’s Instagram of all places), the character’s hair is more, uh,normal-looking. Which was a wise choice on Serkis’ part.
You can check out Woody Harrelson inVenom 2below. The follow-up also findsMichelle WilliamsandReid Scottreprising their roles from the first movie, whileNaomie Harrisis playing the character Shriek—a villain from the comics who’s also Kasady’s love interest. TheVenomsequel is scheduled to hit theaters on October 2nd of this year.
