Initially, fans who were hoping to see Venom join the Marvel Cinematic Universe didn’t welcome the news that Sony Pictures had decided to make a standalone Venom movie. But soon after the movie was announced, the studio signed Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, a move that had many fans feeling better. And now, they’ll feel even better when they hear that the studio is working to add Michelle Williams to the Venom cast.
According to Variety, the four-time Academy Award nominee is in talks to play the female lead in the upcoming R-rated superhero movie. The studio hasn’t commented as yet, but a good number of Variety’s fellow Hollywood Bibles have confirmed the story.
While the studio is still keeping the character’s identity under wraps, Variety's sources suggested that the 37-year-old actress will play "a district attorney and possibly Hardy's love interest". The description is likely to ring a bell with some, as it fits Anne Weying. At one time, she bonded with the Venom symbiote and became Marvel Comics’ first She-Venom. She was also Eddie's ex-wife and a successful lawyer.
A rumor that popped up in July suggested that Weying would appear in the October 5, 2018 release. It certainly appears that Williams will play the character, but it's unlikely that we’ll get to see her transform into She-Venom in the first movie.
Sony executives and Venom director Ruben Fleischer recently met with several other actresses about the female lead in Venom. Variety’s Justin Kroll tweeted that Sylvia Hoeks (Blade Runner 2049), Kylie Bunbury (Pitch), and Kate Mara (House of Cards) were in contention for the part.
Studio head honcho Tom Rothman loved Williams' performance in Ridley Scott’s upcoming All the Money in the World, and he lobbied for her. Check out Kroll’s tweets below!
Other names in the mix included BLADE RUNNER actress Sylvia Hoeks, PITCH star Kylie Bunbury, Kate Mara, before Williams landed role.
"” Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) September 27, 2017
Heard Rothman was particularly blown away by what he had seen from her perf in upcoming ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD, which won her role.
"” Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) September 27, 2017
So far, there are just two confirmed names on the Venom cast roster: Hardy as the titular anti-hero and Riz Ahmed as an undisclosed "popular Marvel Comics character". Production is expected to kick off next month, so we should have additionalcasting updates in the near future.
