Knull’s Cinematic Debut: Venom Faces His Creator in ‘The Last Dance’

Sony's "Venom: The Last Dance" will introduce Knull, the powerful God of Symbiotes from Marvel Comics, marking a climactic confrontation for Venom as he faces his creator.
SummarySony is set to introduce Knull, the fearsome God of Symbiotes from Marvel Comics, in the live-action film “Venom: The Last Dance.” This announcement surprised Knull’s co-creator, Ryan Stegman, who humorously commented on social media about the news. Knull, created by Stegman and Donny Cates, first appeared in 2018 and quickly became a significant villain in Marvel lore. His introduction in the film signifies a climactic confrontation for Venom, as Knull is not only a formidable foe but also Venom’s creator. The film’s storyline could potentially align with the “King in Black” comic series, where Knull seeks vengeance. This development could lead to further appearances of Knull in future projects, regardless of the film’s outcome.

Knull is set to make his live-action debut in Sony’s “Venom: The Last Dance,” a revelation that has been acknowledged by the villain’s co-creator. Sony recently released the final trailer for the film, confirming Knull, one of Marvel Comics’ most formidable and terrifying characters, as the antagonist. This means Venom will literally confront his creator in the film’s climax, as Knull is the ancient deity of all symbiotes.

In response to this development, Knull’s co-creator, Ryan Stegman, shared his thoughts on X, admitting that the final trailer was the first he’d heard of Knull’s inclusion in the project. He humorously remarked that he hopes this news will finally enable him to “afford that lazy river moat around [his] house.”

Stegman, alongside fellow comic book writer and artist Donny Cates, introduced Knull in 2018’s “Venom” vol. 4 #3. The character emerged as the God of the Symbiotes, a primordial force who rapidly became one of Marvel Comics’ most significant and impactful villains. This underscores the climactic nature of “Venom: The Last Dance,” though Stegman seems unaware of its finer details.

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Knull’s immense power is difficult to exaggerate, distinguishing him from previous villains faced by Venom in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. As the God of Symbiotes, he is essentially Venom’s progenitor, commanding all symbiotes and the Void itself. Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, confined to characters related to Spider-Man and excluding other Marvel figures, makes it challenging to foresee his impact, given Knull’s extensive presence across various Marvel Comics narratives.

Thor plays a pivotal role in severing Knull’s direct control over the symbiote hive mind.

Although primarily a villain to Venom, Knull’s cosmic nature has also put him in conflict with heroes like Thor. He created All Black the Necrosword, the god-slaying weapon wielded by Gorr the God Butcher, making him a formidable foe for Thor. It was Thor who managed to sever Knull’s control over the symbiote hive mind, leading to the emergence of independent symbiotes like Venom, who seek their own paths after imprisoning Knull on the planet Klyntar.

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Nonetheless, the “King in Black” comic series depicts Knull’s escape and readiness to unleash catastrophic vengeance, culminating in the death of Eddie Brock on Earth. The subtitle “The Last Dance” hints at this potential storyline in “Venom: The Last Dance,” suggesting Knull’s arrival could spell disaster for Venom and conclude his Sony trilogy. If this occurs, it would mark a significant plot twist, potentially paving the way for future appearances of the eldritch horror. Even if the film ends with Knull’s demise, it’s certain that “Venom: The Last Dance” will conclude with dramatic intensity.

Venom: The Last Dance

  • PG-NOT YET RATED

Venom 3 is the third and final installment in Sony's symbiote trilogy starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock. It follows the events of Let There Be Carnage, where the anti-hero fought serial killer Cletus Kasady, and Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Brock was briefly transported to the MCU through the multiverse.

Director
Kelly Marcel
Release Date
October 25, 2024
Studio(s)
Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment, Pascal Pictures
Cast
Tom Hardy, Juno Temple, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rhys Ifans, Alanna Ubach, Stephen Graham
Franchise(s)
Spider-Man, Venom

Sony’s Upcoming Marvel Movie Release Dates

Venom: The Last Dance

    Release Date
    October 25, 2024

    Kraven the Hunter

      Release Date
      December 13, 2024

      Source: Ryan Stegman/X

      Kai Nakamura
      Kai Nakamura

      Kai Nakamura, a striking 30-year-old journalist with a distinctive head of white hair, is a captivating presence in the world of movie journalism. Known for his eloquent prose and deep understanding of film, Kai has established himself as a trusted voice among movie enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

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