The hunt for the next iconic Spider-Man villain is on, and a surprising name has emerged as a frontrunner! With Marvel Studios gearing up for Spider-Man: Brand New Day next summer, fans are already buzzing about who will step into the villainous shoes, now that the Venom role is potentially open for a recast. But who could possibly fill the void left by Tom Hardy?
Well, according to a recent social media post, the answer might be closer than you think. User @TheDoctorX11 on X shared a conversation with Venom co-creator David Michelinie, who suggested Alan Ritchson as a perfect fit for Eddie Brock/Venom. Michelinie even went so far as to say he'd previously posted pictures of Ritchson, shirtless and yelling, declaring him the ideal choice.
But here's where it gets interesting... Ritchson is currently making waves as the lead in Prime Video's hit series Reacher. However, this wouldn't be his first foray into the world of comic book characters. He previously played Raphael in the 2014 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film and its 2016 sequel, as well as appearing in Supergirl and Titans as Hawk.
The Venom movies, starring Tom Hardy, have been a box office success. The latest installment, Venom: The Last Dance, grossed a substantial $478.9 million globally. Venom: Let There Be Carnage earned even more, bringing in $506.8 million worldwide. The original Venom movie from 2018 took the crown, earning a massive $856 million worldwide against a budget of just $100 million.
And this is the part most people miss... Before Tom Hardy, Topher Grace played Venom in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 3 (2007). CBR even argued that Grace's portrayal was superior to Hardy's, highlighting his unlikable qualities as being true to the character's comic book essence. Could this be a controversial take?
While fans eagerly await Ritchson's potential casting, they can enjoy him in Reacher on Prime Video, with Season 4 expected in 2026. He's also starring in the buddy action comedy Playdate, also on Prime Video. You can stream Venom (2018) on Disney+, Let There Be Carnage on Starz, and The Last Dance on Netflix. And, if you want to revisit Topher Grace's Venom, Spider-Man 3 is available on Disney+.
What do you think? Would Alan Ritchson make a good Venom? Do you agree with the assessment of Topher Grace's performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
