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Venom 4: King in Black (2025) catapults Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) into uncharted territory, delivering a visceral, action-packed superhero spectacle that merges cosmic horror with emotional depth. Directed by Kelly Marcel, who also helmed Venom: The Last Dance (2024), this fourth installment introduces Knull, the symbiote god, as a formidable antagonist threatening to plunge Earth into eternal darkness. With Tom Hardy reprising his iconic role as Eddie Brock/Venom and Tom Holland joining as Spider-Man, the film crafts an uneasy alliance that elevates the stakes and redefines the franchise. This 1000-word review explores why Venom 4: King in Black is a must-see for Marvel fans, blending intense action, dark visuals, and a gripping exploration of Eddie’s humanity.

A Cosmic Threat and a Stellar Cast

The film picks up after the events of Venom: The Last Dance, where Knull (voiced chillingly by Andy Serkis) was introduced as the creator of the symbiotes, imprisoned on Klyntar but seeking freedom through the Codex—a fragment of symbiote essence within Eddie Brock. Knull’s arrival on Earth unleashes chaos, with his army of symbiote dragons cocooning New York City in a living abyss. The narrative, inspired by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman’s 2020 comic event King in Black, pits Eddie and Venom against an apocalyptic force, forcing them to team up with Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Holland), who brings his own MCU-flavored heroism to the mix.

Tom Hardy delivers another tour-de-force performance, embodying Eddie’s internal conflict with raw intensity. His chemistry with Venom, voiced with sardonic menace by Hardy himself, remains the heart of the franchise, balancing humor and pathos. Holland’s Spider-Man injects youthful energy and wit, contrasting Eddie’s gruff demeanor. Their dynamic—marked by mistrust and banter—feels organic, echoing the comic-book rivalry between Venom and Spider-Man. Supporting performances, including Juno Temple as a scientist studying the Codex and Chiwetel Ejiofor as a military leader, add depth, though some subplots feel underdeveloped. Andy Serkis’s Knull, while visually imposing, could have used more screen time to flesh out his motivations beyond cosmic domination.

A Visual Feast of Horror and Action

Venom 4: King in Black excels in its visual storytelling, delivering some of the most ambitious sequences in the SSU. The film leans heavily into horror, with Knull’s symbiote dragons—writhing, toothy monstrosities—swarming New York’s skyline. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique, known for his work on A Star is Born (2018), crafts a dark, atmospheric aesthetic. Nighttime battles are illuminated by neon lights and symbiote goo, creating a gritty, almost gothic vibe. The CGI, while occasionally overwhelming, is a step up from Venom: The Last Dance, with clearer action choreography and inventive uses of Venom’s shape-shifting abilities, from tendril-lashing to transforming into a horse-like creature in one memorable chase.

The film’s action sequences are a highlight, blending Spider-Man’s acrobatic web-slinging with Venom’s brutal, symbiote-fueled combat. A standout battle on the Brooklyn Bridge sees Venom and Spider-Man working in tandem to fend off a symbiote-possessed Celestial, a nod to the comics’ cosmic scope. However, some fans may find the pacing uneven, with the middle act bogged down by expository scenes about the Codex. Despite this, the climactic showdown, where Eddie taps into the Codex’s power to confront Knull, is a visual and emotional triumph, underscored by a haunting score from Ludwig Göransson.

Emotional Stakes and Thematic Depth

At its core, Venom 4 is about Eddie’s struggle to reconcile his humanity with the symbiote’s primal instincts. The film delves deeper into this dynamic than its predecessors, exploring themes of sacrifice and redemption. Eddie’s fear of losing himself to Venom mirrors Peter’s own doubts about his role as a hero, creating a compelling parallel. A poignant scene where Eddie contemplates a normal life, set to a melancholic rendition of David Bowie’s Space Oddity, is a standout, showcasing Hardy’s ability to convey vulnerability.

The inclusion of Spider-Man adds a fresh layer to the narrative. While some comic purists may balk at Venom’s antihero status rather than his traditional villainous role, the film justifies this shift by emphasizing Eddie’s growth as a protector. The uneasy alliance with Spider-Man feels earned, with Holland’s Peter challenging Eddie’s moral ambiguity. However, Knull’s characterization as a one-dimensional “god of darkness” slightly undercuts the emotional weight, as his motivations lack the nuance of villains like Carnage from Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021).

SEO-Optimized Insights for Marvel Fans

For Marvel fans searching for Venom 4: King in Black reviews, this film is a thrilling addition to the SSU, offering a darker, more ambitious take than Venom: The Last Dance. Keywords like “Venom 4 release date” (October 2025), “Tom Hardy Venom,” and “Knull King in Black” will likely trend, given the film’s ties to the comics and its crossover potential with the MCU. The post-credits scenes—teasing a multiversal threat and a potential new symbiote host—are sure to spark discussions about Spider-Man 4 and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). Fans of the King in Black comic will appreciate nods to Eddie’s cosmic power-up, though some may wish for more focus on Knull’s backstory.

The film’s box office performance is poised to surpass Venom: The Last Dance’s $500 million global gross, thanks to the Spider-Man crossover appeal. However, mixed reviews, similar to the 40% Rotten Tomatoes score for The Last Dance, may persist due to pacing issues and Knull’s underdevelopment. For those searching “is Venom 4 worth watching,” the answer is yes for fans of Hardy’s unhinged performance and high-octane action, but casual viewers may find the plot convoluted.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Tom Hardy and Tom Holland’s chemistry drives the film, with Hardy’s dual role as Eddie and Venom stealing the show.

• Stunning visuals and inventive action sequences elevate the SSU’s production quality.

• Emotional moments, like Eddie’s reflection on his lost normalcy, add surprising depth.

• Post-credits scenes set up exciting future storylines, appealing to Marvel enthusiasts.

Weaknesses:

• Knull’s limited screen time and shallow motivations make him a less compelling villain.

• The middle act drags with excessive exposition about the Codex and symbiote lore.

• Some supporting characters, like those played by Temple and Ejiofor, feel underutilized.

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Thrilling Send-Off

Venom 4: King in Black is a bold, chaotic addition to Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, blending horror, humor, and heart with mixed results. Tom Hardy’s magnetic performance and the electric Venom-Spider-Man dynamic make it a worthy watch, despite pacing hiccups and an underdeveloped antagonist. For fans of the Venom trilogy or the King in Black comics, the film delivers enough spectacle and emotional resonance to satisfy. While it doesn’t reach the heights of MCU standouts like Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), it’s a thrilling step forward for the SSU, hinting at bigger things to come.

Rating: 7.5/10

For those searching for Venom 4: King in Black showtimes or streaming options, the film is currently in theaters, with digital releases expected in December 2025 and Blu-ray in early 2026, following Sony’s typical schedule. Stay tuned for post-credits breakdowns and Spider-Man 4 connections, as this film sets the stage for a multiversal showdown.