Big Brother 26 had many memorable moments and characters. Fans often call several houseguests icons of the show. Tucker Des Lauriers won America’s Favorite Player after revealing his own romantic connection in the house.
Makensy Manbeck achieved a remarkable victory by winning the OTEV competition in a way that has never happened before. Angela Murray had the most vetoes used against her, which is a notable achievement. The winner, Chelsie Baham, won the game without ever being voted to leave, earning a unanimous jury vote and a record number of Head of Household wins.
Among these standout players, there is one more houseguest worth mentioning: Cam Sullivan-Brown. He finished third in the game and took a unique path to reach the finale.
Cam left the CBS show with a memorable catchphrase, “Shout out all my dawgs at the crib,” which impressed Julie Chen Moonves, the show’s host. Cam, a former football player, played a low-key game that helped him gain icon status in the season.
How Cam Stood Out on ‘Big Brother 26’
At the start of Big Brother 26, it was easy for Cam to blend in with the many strong personalities in the house. However, this turned out to be a positive aspect of his game. Cedric Hodges took on a more active role in their alliance, called The Pentagon.
He won competitions and targeted their competitors, making him a target for eviction himself. T’Kor Clottey and Kimo Apaka changed the game by flipping the vote against Cedric, who was supposed to be just a pawn, and he ended up getting evicted. Many expected Cam to take on that same pawn role, but he chose to play it safe. He decided to stay low-key and use his social skills to protect himself.
This strategy did cause some tension with his allies. At one point, Makensy and Chelsie seriously considered keeping Rubina Bernabe over Cam. This was because Cam was struggling in competitions during the final four.
However, their strong friendship with Cam meant that their consideration was more out of frustration than a real threat to him. Cam shared how his gameplay differed from other Black male contestants in the past. He noted that his strategy did not rely on winning competitions.
“Shout Out All My Dawgs at the Crib”
Cam spoke about how he was aware of the perception people had of him entering the house. He wanted to use that perception to his advantage. In an interview with Black Bi Reality, he explained, “I knew that would be my perception going into the house, and I wanted to use that to my advantage. I did not want to lose as many competitions as I did. But when I started to lose, I definitely flipped it into a positive.”
Cam Sullivan-Brown (Credit: CBS)
Cam realized that people expected him to be a strong competitor, so he used this to create alliances with different houseguests. He was smart enough to adjust his social game to not appear as a threat to others. While he was not the most exciting player to watch, he consistently brought a positive vibe to the season.
After he cast his vote, Cam always made sure to shout out his “dogs at the crib.” He valued this catchphrase, as it connected him to his life outside the show.
However, in the end, he became so focused on the game that he forgot to say it during one of the live voting sessions. Julie Chen Moonves noticed this and playfully called him out on it.
Kindness Amidst Conflict
Cam stood out not just for his catchphrase but also for his character. Throughout the season, he remained a kind person, even during conflicts. This quality was not very common in Big Brother 26, where tensions often ran high. Fans noticed that he handled conflicts with grace, often encouraging calm discussions instead of heated arguments. His ability to maintain a positive attitude and resolve conflicts helped him stay in the game longer.
Additionally, the live feeds showed a different side of Cam. Fans saw him being playful and creative during musical performances. He often entertained the houseguests with his acting skills. This playful nature helped balance out the more intense moments of the season and made him a well-rounded character.
Cam’s Gameplay Strategy
Cam’s gameplay strategy involved several key elements. First, he focused on building relationships with other houseguests. He knew that trust and loyalty were essential in the game. By forming strong connections, he secured his position in the house without needing to win every competition.
Second, he took advantage of the perception that he was a strong competitor. This allowed him to create alliances without putting a target on his back. While some houseguests tried to dominate competitions, Cam played a smart game by staying under the radar. He avoided drawing attention to himself and focused on maintaining his social connections.
Moreover, Cam’s approach to competitions was different from many other players. Instead of being aggressive, he chose to be strategic.
He realized that winning every competition was not necessary for his game plan. Instead, he focused on what mattered most: keeping himself safe and aligning with the right people. His ability to go through various social situations was impressive, allowing him to adapt his game as needed.
The Iconic Moments of Cam’s Journey
Throughout Big Brother 26, Cam created several iconic moments that fans still talk about today. One memorable moment was during the eviction votes when he consistently reminded everyone of his catchphrase. This not only showcased his personality but also kept a sense of lightheartedness in the house, even when tensions ran high.
Another iconic moment happened during a late-night discussion among houseguests. Cam stepped up to mediate a conflict between two players, helping them reach a resolution. His calm and respectful approach to conflict resolution showed his maturity and understanding of the game dynamics.
Moreover, Cam’s interactions with other contestants were always engaging. He had a natural charisma that drew people in. His fun-loving spirit allowed him to connect with many players on a personal level. Whether he was joking around or sharing heartfelt moments, Cam brought a unique energy to the house.
Fans Respond to Cam’s Journey
Fans responded positively to Cam’s journey on Big Brother 26. Many viewers appreciated his laid-back approach and his ability to connect with others. His kindness and charm made him a favorite among fans, who often shared their admiration on social media.
In interviews after the show, Cam expressed his gratitude for the support he received from fans. He acknowledged that being part of Big Brother was a life-changing experience.
He appreciated the opportunity to showcase his personality and connect with viewers. His catchphrase, “Shout out all my dawgs at the crib,” became a rallying cry for many fans who followed his journey.
Reflecting on His Time in the House
After leaving the Big Brother house, Cam took time to reflect on his experiences. He recognized that his low-key strategy allowed him to play the game successfully. While he faced challenges, he was proud of how he played. He felt he proved that players could succeed without being overly aggressive or confrontational.
Cam’s time in the house taught him valuable lessons about trust, relationships, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Cam Sullivan-Brown (Credit: CBS)
He understood that while competition is a significant part of Big Brother, personal connections ultimately shape the game. Cam’s experience inspired him to continue pursuing his passions and embrace opportunities that come his way.
Conclusion: Cam’s Lasting Impact
Big Brother 26 will be remembered for its iconic houseguests, unforgettable moments, and unique strategies. Cam Sullivan-Brown may not have won the game, but he left a lasting impact on fans and fellow contestants alike. His low-key approach, positive attitude, and memorable catchphrase made him a beloved figure in the season.
As viewers continue to stream Big Brother on Paramount+, Cam’s journey will remain a highlight of the season. Fans will remember him not just for his gameplay but for his kindness and ability to connect with others. Cam Sullivan-Brown is a true testament to how different gameplay styles can shine in the competitive world of Big Brother.
No one anticipated that Venom would grow into a major movie franchise, but after two films and box office success, Eddie Brock’s journey with the Venom symbiote is far from over. With Venom: The Last Dance, the Lethal Protector’s story reaches a significant turning point.
Following the chaotic events of Venom: Let There Be Carnage and a quick detour into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Eddie Brock (played by Tom Hardy) and his symbiotic partner are once again forced into a life on the run. But this time, they face greater challenges than ever before.
Not only are the local authorities hot on their trail, but a much larger threat looms on the horizon: Knull, the God of the Symbiotes, is seeking to escape from his prison, and Eddie holds the key.
Knull’s arrival brings chaos and destruction as the symbiote god is on a relentless mission to free himself, with Eddie Brock caught in the middle. As Eddie grapples with the responsibility of having the key that can free Knull, a mysterious government agency is also determined to recapture the symbiote.
With a story packed full of twists, betrayals, and explosive action, Venom: The Last Dance offers a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy. But is it really the end for Eddie and Venom? That’s the question audiences will be asking throughout the film, as the trailers have hinted that one or both characters may not survive this final chapter.
As Venom: The Last Dance draws to a close, the fate of Eddie Brock and the Venom symbiote is revealed, along with answers to the burning questions that have kept fans speculating for years. Here’s a closer look at how the final movie ties up the loose ends, introduces new symbiotic threats, and leaves the door open for future possibilities in the ever-growing Venom saga.
The Key to Knull’s Freedom Lies Within Eddie
At the heart of Venom: The Last Dance is Eddie Brock’s realization that he possesses a “codex,” a piece of symbiote matter within his body that has the potential to free Knull from his prison.
The codex is essentially a piece of genetic information from the symbiote, and it can only be formed when a symbiote revives its host from near-death.
This happened in the first Venom movie when Venom saved Eddie after he was mortally wounded by Riot (played by Riz Ahmed). Now, Eddie has become the key to Knull’s release, and this revelation drives much of the conflict in The Last Dance.
With the codex embedded in Eddie’s body, Knull sends a group of specialized symbiote hunters known as xenophages to track him down.
These symbiote hunters have the unique ability to locate Eddie whenever he fully merges with Venom, which forces Eddie to remain in hiding and avoid using Venom’s powers unless absolutely necessary. The stakes are incredibly high, as Knull’s freedom could mean devastation for Earth and the entire universe.
Still from Venom The Last Dance (Credit: Sony)
Yet, Knull isn’t the only one chasing Eddie. A covert government agency has been monitoring the symbiotes ever since they arrived on Earth, and they, too, have set their sights on Eddie.
This agency, led by General Rex Strickland (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), operates out of Area 51, and they are determined to prevent the symbiote threat from escalating. General Strickland is a no-nonsense leader who believes that the symbiotes represent an existential threat to humanity, and he will stop at nothing to eliminate them.
Strickland’s agency has already captured Patrick Mulligan (played by Stephen Graham), a character who was presumed dead at the end of Venom: Let There Be Carnage. In an attempt to revive Mulligan, Dr. Teddy Payne (played by Juno Temple) injects him with the Toxin symbiote, another dangerous alien lifeform with its own agenda.
The Toxin symbiote forms a connection with Mulligan and warns Payne and Strickland that if Eddie or Venom are killed, the codex within Eddie’s body will be lost, and Knull will remain imprisoned forever. This forces Strickland to reconsider his approach and focus on capturing Eddie alive, though he remains ready to use lethal force if necessary.
The Ultimate Showdown: Venom Gains Symbiote Allies
As Eddie and Venom attempt to outrun both Knull’s xenophages and Strickland’s forces, they eventually find themselves cornered. Strickland’s agency successfully captures both Eddie and Venom, bringing them to a secret military base where they plan to extract the codex from Eddie’s body.
However, things quickly spiral out of control when Venom sacrifices himself to save Eddie from being executed by Strickland. This act of selflessness leaves Eddie devastated, but it also has unintended consequences.
Venom’s heroic act attracts the attention of the xenophages, who descend upon the military base, threatening to destroy everything in their path. In a desperate attempt to fight back, Toxin releases several other symbiotes that were being held in captivity, allowing them to bond with the base’s personnel.
These newly-bonded symbiotes join forces with Venom and Eddie, creating an army of symbiote-enhanced soldiers who are ready to take on the xenophages.
One of the most surprising developments in this battle is Dr. Payne’s transformation. After years of working in the shadows, she bonds with a symbiote known as Agony, which grants her incredible speed and agility. Payne uses her new powers to save one of her coworkers, finding personal closure from the trauma of her past.
Years earlier, she had been struck by lightning, which killed her brother and left her partially paralyzed. Agony’s abilities not only allow her to overcome her physical limitations but also give her the chance to redeem herself and face her fears.
Despite their newfound allies, the xenophages prove to be an overwhelming force. They are relentless in their pursuit of Eddie and the codex, and it soon becomes clear that drastic measures will be needed to stop them. In a heartbreaking moment, the Venom symbiote makes the ultimate sacrifice.
It detaches from Eddie’s body and draws the xenophages together before unleashing a flood of corrosive acid upon itself, effectively destroying both the symbiote and its enemies in the process.
General Strickland also meets a tragic end during this battle. In a last-ditch effort to protect humanity, Strickland pulls the pin on a grenade and sacrifices himself, blowing up a significant portion of the base. His death is a poignant reminder of the high cost of the symbiote war, but it also signals the end of the immediate threat.
The Aftermath: Eddie’s New Path
With the xenophages defeated and the symbiote threat seemingly neutralized, Eddie Brock is finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. In the aftermath of the battle, Eddie is cleared of all charges, and the government acknowledges his role in preventing Knull’s release.
Still from Venom The Last Dance (Credit: Sony)
Free from the constant pursuit of law enforcement and alien hunters, Eddie decides to continue his journey to New York, where he and Venom had originally planned to go before being sidetracked by the xenophage invasion.
One of the most emotional moments in Venom: The Last Dance occurs in its final minutes, as Eddie visits the Statue of Liberty.
This was a location that Venom had expressed a desire to see, and Eddie stands at the foot of the iconic landmark, reflecting on his partnership with the symbiote. “I won’t forget you, buddy,” Eddie says, paying tribute to the creature that had been both his greatest ally and closest friend.
Although Venom is gone, the bond between Eddie and the symbiote lives on in Eddie’s memory. The closing moments of the film suggest that Eddie’s story is far from over, and that the lessons he learned from his time with Venom will shape his future.
Is This Really the End of Venom?
While Venom: The Last Dance serves as a conclusion to Eddie and Venom’s story, it also hints that the symbiote saga is far from over. One of the most intriguing moments in the film occurs during a mid-credits scene, which teases the return of Knull. The scene shows Knull reappearing, locking eyes with the audience, and delivering a chilling warning: “The King in Black is coming, and your world will burn.”
This ominous statement serves as a promise that Knull’s story is far from finished. While The Last Dance introduces Knull as the primary antagonist, it only scratches the surface of his full potential. Kelly Marcel, the film’s writer and director, has hinted that Knull will play a major role in future Venom projects.
“The King in Black is way too powerful for just one film,” Marcel explained in an interview with IGN. “This movie is just the beginning of Knull’s story. Marvel’s greatest villains are often developed over time, and Knull is no exception.”
Venom’s Survival in Other Universes
Another key detail that fans should not overlook is the fact that the Venom symbiote is still alive — at least in another universe. During the mid-credits scene of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Eddie Brock is briefly teleported into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Although he is eventually sent back to his own universe, a small piece of the Venom symbiote is left behind. This opens up exciting possibilities for the future of both Venom and Spider-Man.
If Tom Holland reprises his role as Spider-Man in upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, there’s a good chance that Peter Parker could gain a symbiote suit.
In fact, the original Secret Wars comic series is where Spider-Man first encountered the black symbiote suit, which later became Venom. This storyline could serve as the foundation for a future crossover event, bringing Eddie Brock, Venom, and Spider-Man together on the big screen.
Tom Hardy has also expressed interest in reprising his role as Eddie Brock in a future Spider-Man film. During a panel at New York Comic Con, Hardy stated that he would love to see Venom face off against Spider-Man in a future project. “It’s something we’ve been talking about for a while,” Hardy explained. “There’s definitely a lot of potential for that matchup, and I think fans would love to see it.”
The Future of Symbiotes: Agony and Beyond
In addition to Venom and Knull, there are still other symbiotes in the mix. Dr. Payne’s bond with the Agony symbiote raises the possibility of future symbiote-related storylines. In the Marvel Comics, Agony is one of five symbiotes created from Venom’s body during the Venom: Lethal Protector series.
Along with Agony, there are other symbiotes such as Phage, Riot, Scream, and Lasher. These symbiotes have appeared in various comic book storylines, video games, and other media, and their presence could be shown further in future films.
With Dr. Payne now in possession of the Agony symbiote, there is potential for her character to play a larger role in the Venom franchise moving forward. Agony’s unique abilities could make her a valuable ally or a dangerous enemy, depending on how her storyline unfolds.
Still from Venom The Last Dance (Credit: Sony)
Additionally, the concept of the Life Symbiotes — symbiotes created by the Life Foundation — opens up new possibilities for future conflicts. The survival of Agony suggests that the symbiote threat is far from over, and that new symbiotes could emerge to challenge Eddie and other characters in future installments.
Conclusion: A New Era for Venom?
Venom: The Last Dance marks the end of an era for Eddie Brock and his symbiotic partner, but it also paves the way for new beginnings. With Knull’s return, the survival of symbiotes in other universes, and the introduction of new characters like Agony, the Venom franchise is poised for exciting developments in the future.
While fans may be saying goodbye to Venom (for now), the symbiote’s legacy lives on. As comic book-based franchises continue to evolve, death is rarely the end, and there’s always the possibility that Venom could return in some form. Whether through crossovers with Spider-Man, battles against Knull, or the rise of new symbiotes, the future of the Venom saga remains bright.
