Tom Hardy Speaks Out on Failed Venom-Spider-Man Film: ‘It Was So Close, Yet So Far’

Tom Hardy’s recent comments about a potential crossover between Venom and Spider-Man have reignited excitement among fans who have longed to see these two iconic characters from Marvel Comics face off on the big screen. In an interview on The Discourse Podcast on March 31, 2025, Hardy, who portrays Eddie Brock/Venom in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU), revealed that a collaboration with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man almost became a reality, but was ultimately thwarted by what he described as “studio politics.”

Context of the Characters and Franchises

Venom, introduced in Venom (2018), is the antihero central to Sony’s SSU, which exists separately from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) where Tom Holland’s Spider-Man resides. The two universes have had minor crossovers, such as Eddie Brock’s brief appearance in the post-credits scene of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and Holland’s cameo in Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021). However, due to the distinct studio ownership—Sony controls the rights to Spider-Man-related characters outside of the MCU—coordinating a full crossover has proven to be a complicated and ongoing challenge.

In his interview, Hardy acknowledged that while the Venom and Spider-Man film crossover “got as close as I could possibly imagine getting,” it never materialized beyond concept discussions. Hardy expressed his enthusiasm for the idea, emphasizing that such a collaboration would have been “so much fun,” especially considering the significance of these characters to younger audiences.

The Role of Studio Politics

When asked about the reasons the crossover didn’t happen, Hardy pointed to “studio politics” as the primary obstacle. This comment suggests that despite fan demand and the characters’ shared history in comics—where Venom often serves as a dark counterpart to Spider-Man—corporate negotiations and competing priorities between Sony and Marvel Studios ultimately prevented the project from coming to fruition.

The complexity of the studios’ relationship, particularly following past disputes, offers insight into the difficulties surrounding this potential crossover. In 2019, director Ruben Fleischer revealed plans to eventually bring Venom face-to-face with Spider-Man, but the script was altered due to “Marvel-Sony issues,” reflecting ongoing tensions between the two studios. This history of negotiations and disagreements underpins Hardy’s comments about the “studio politics” that hindered the crossover.

Further complicating matters, the ending of Venom: Let There Be Carnage set up the possibility of Venom entering the MCU through the post-credits scene, where Eddie Brock is transported to Earth-616 (the main MCU universe) due to Doctor Strange’s spell in Spider-Man: No Way Home. However, as noted by fans, his brief presence in the MCU was followed by his rapid return to the SSU, which left many feeling disappointed and even confused about the potential for future crossovers.

Why the Crossover Failed: Corporate Dynamics and Negotiations

Hardy’s mention of “studio politics” likely points to the deep divide between Sony and Marvel, particularly around creative control and the strategic direction of their respective superhero universes. Sony has focused on standalone films within the SSU, such as Morbius and Madame Web, yet these films have struggled to achieve the level of success seen in MCU properties. Meanwhile, Marvel’s integration of Spider-Man into its larger narrative, most notably in Avengers: Endgame (2019), created additional hurdles for any full crossover between Venom and Spider-Man.

The 2019 deal between Sony and Marvel that allowed Spider-Man to appear in MCU films was a significant achievement, but extending that arrangement to include a Venom crossover may have been deemed too complex or misaligned with each studio’s priorities. Hardy’s reluctance to delve into specifics suggests that these discussions were sensitive, potentially involving financial, creative, or rights-related disputes that kept the idea from progressing further.

Fan and Industry Reactions

Fans have long speculated about the potential for a Venom-Spider-Man crossover, especially given the two characters’ rich history in Marvel Comics. Hardy himself expressed excitement about the idea during the Venom: The Last Dance (2025) premiere, saying he would “love to fight Spider-Man” and that he would “never say never.” While this enthusiasm is tempered by his departure from the Venom franchise following The Last Dance, it still leaves room for future crossovers, should the shifting dynamics between Sony and Marvel Studios allow it.

Industry reactions, as noted by outlets like ComicBookMovie, echo Hardy’s sentiments, acknowledging the disappointment surrounding the crossover but also recognizing the creative and logistical challenges involved. The SSU’s focus on standalone stories has limited its potential for crossovers with the MCU, making it a delicate balancing act between maintaining creative integrity and satisfying fan demand.

Looking Ahead: Could It Still Happen?

While the Venom-Spider-Man crossover remains an unfulfilled dream for now, it’s clear that there is still hope for the future. Hardy’s candid remarks have reignited interest in the idea, reminding fans of the deep connection between these two beloved characters. As the superhero genre continues to evolve, it’s possible that changing dynamics between Sony and Marvel Studios could eventually pave the way for this long-awaited collaboration, though for now, fans can only dream of what could have been.