The game of release date shuffle continues. Even though Sony recently shifted the release date for Venom: Let There Be Carnage, the studio has decided to change things up once again. Though it is good news for those who are eager to see the sequel sooner rather than later. Rather than bump it back to 2022, Sony is deciding, for now at least, to release the Marvel Comics adaptation earlier than expected. 

 

As reported by Deadline, Venom 2 will now hit theaters on October 1. It had previously been dated for October 15, following its most recent delay. This is somewhat unexpected as rumors had suggested the movie was going to be pushed to next year. The pandemic has forced uncertainty at the box office. But things changed recently and the studio is holding firm for 2021. 

 

So what changed, exactly? Marvel Studios and Disney released Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings exclusively in theaters for Labor Day weekend. It did not disappoint. The movie set a new record for the weekend, taking in more than $90 million over the four-day frame. This has seemingly encouraged Sony to hold onto a 2021 date. But make no mistake, they are not going to risk losing out on hundreds of millions at the box office. Though, at this stage, a delay would be more difficult as marketing is about to ramp up. Not only that but advanced tickets are going on sale this week. This is pretty much a done deal. 

 

Here is the synopsis for Venom: Let There Be Carnage. 

 

“Tom Hardy returns to the big screen as the lethal protector Venom, one of MARVEL’s greatest and most complex characters. Directed by Andy Serkis, the film also stars Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris and Woody Harrelson, in the role of the villain Cletus Kasady/Carnage.”

 

Another benefit of the move is that the film will now face less direct competition. On its previous date, Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock would have faced off against Michael Myers. Halloween Kills, another much-anticipated sequel, is currently set to arrive on October 15. It was likely best for all involved to give some space between them. While movies like Shang-Chi have done well at the box office, despite the circumstances, there is only so much moviegoer money to go around right now. 

 

Andy Serkis directs the sequel, working from a screenplay by Kelly Marcel. Hardy cooked up the story alongside Marcel. Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Amy Pascal, Kelly Marcel, Tom Hardy and Hutch Parker serve as producers. Barry Waldman, Jonathan Cavendish and Ruben Fleischer are executive producers. Despite some hope that it would be R-rated, it was recently confirmed that the sequel will go the PG-13 route. 

 

Venom: Let There Be Carnage is set to arrive in theaters on October 1. 

 

What do you think? Are you planning on seeing this one in a theater? Do you think the release date will stick? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!