Summary
Tom Hardy's Venom movies have become incredibly popular, with Venom bringing in $856 million worldwide.
Tom Hardy and his Marvel character, Venom, have inspired the naming of a recently found Australian spider, now called Venomius tomhardyi. Hardy's portrayal of Venom has left a significant mark on Marvel movies, acting as the key character for Sony's Spider-Man Universe and setting the stage for upcoming films and series.
Tom Hardy's Venom movies have gained immense popularity, to the extent that a newly discovered spider has been named Venomius tomhardyi after the iconic character. In the absence of Spider-Man in Sony's Spider-Man Universe, Hardy's Venom movies have emerged as the driving force behind the franchise's creativity. According to Box Office Mojo, a reputable box office tracking website, Venom raked in an impressive $856 million worldwide in 2018. Although the sequel Venom: Let There Be Carnage fell short with $506.8 million, it is undeniable that Hardy's portrayal of Venom has garnered a significant following among audiences. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the recently unearthed Australian spider bears the name Venomius tomhardyi, as highlighted in the Evolutionary Systematics journal.
Scientists MSc Giullia Rossi, Dr Pedro Castanheira, Dr Volker Framenau, and Dr Renner Baptista were intrigued by the similarity between the two black spots on the spider's abdomen and Venom's head, prompting them to bestow the name "Hardy" upon the Australian spider, in reference to both actor Tom Hardy and the Marvel anti-hero. However, in a surprising twist, the spider does not possess the venomous qualities that its name implies.
How Tom Hardy's Venom Has Left A Lasting Legacy On Marvel Movies
Despite making brief appearances in the post-credits scenes of Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Spider-Man: No Way Home, Hardy's Venom does not belong to the MCU. There is still a possibility of the actor returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe during the Multiverse Saga to finally interact with Tom Holland's Spider-Man. However, even if this doesn't happen, Hardy's legacy in Marvel movies remains unaffected.
Hardy's Venom serves as the cornerstone of an entire cinematic universe, with Sony's Spider-Man Universe utilizing his portrayal of Eddie Brock in a similar way to how the MCU showcased Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man. Hardy has wholeheartedly embraced Sony's faith in him, delivering exceptional performances in both Venom films. His depiction of the conflicted Eddie Brock is captivating, and it seamlessly aligns with his voicing of Venom, resulting in one of the most compelling dynamics in superhero movies.
As Venom 3 approaches its release in 2024, Hardy may be nearing the conclusion of his tenure as this Marvel character. Nevertheless, his impact on the Marvel movie landscape is undeniable. Sony's Spider-Man Universe has taken a unique approach by focusing on Spider-Man villains as anti-heroes, a direction that Hardy's successful portrayal of Venom has proven to be achievable. The expansion of the SSU will continue in the upcoming years, with projects like Kraven the Hunter and anticipated series such as Silk: Spider Society and Spider-Man Noir. Without Hardy's embodiment of Venom, these ambitious plans for the SSU would not be feasible.
Source: Evolutionary Systematics