Sony’s Spider-Man universe is filled with twists, turns, and various versions of classic characters. Over the past decade, it’s expanded and adapted to keep pace with the superhero genre, but the results are unique and sometimes perplexing.
Many fans were confused by 2017, and it’s safe to say that staying up-to-date with the latest developments can still be a challenge. Peter Parker, Spider-Man’s true identity, is indeed part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), where he teams up with famous heroes like Iron Man and Captain America.
However, Sony holds the rights to many Spider-Man characters who exist in their own “Sony-Verse.” This alternate universe references Spider-Man and includes familiar villains and characters from his story, but Spider-Man himself rarely appears.
Since 2018, this Sony-Verse has taken on a life of its own, with varying success. The Sony-Verse includes three Venom movies, one Morbius movie, a Madame Web movie in the works, and a Kraven the Hunter movie on the horizon.
Although these characters are directly linked to Spider-Man in the original comics, they have a different purpose in the movies, often existing independently or with limited connection to him. This setup is unusual and has led to mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
Yet, Sony continues to develop this universe, with Venom leading the charge. Some fans have likened Venom’s role in the Sony-Verse to the Iron Man trilogy’s place in the MCU—though not at the same quality level, Venom has become a staple of Sony’s superhero lineup.
The Venom trilogy is a story of highs and lows, with each film offering its own unique take on Eddie Brock’s world. The trilogy’s journey is reminiscent of the Blade trilogy, where the first film is solid, the second is more experimental, and the third one falls apart. Here, we’ll take a closer look at each Venom movie in reverse order, from the lowest-rated to the best, highlighting what each one brings to the Sony-Verse.
3. Venom: The Last Dance (2024)
Director : Kelly Marcel Cast : Tom Hardy (Eddie Brock / Venom)
Venom: The Last Dance is the latest entry in the trilogy, and unfortunately, it struggles in nearly every area. Fans were hoping it would end the series on a high note, but it ended up disappointing many. This movie has been compared to the chaotic Blade: Trinity for how it disrupts the dynamic that once made Venom movies work.
Critics had mixed reactions, with some trying to give it credit where possible, but it is generally agreed that The Last Dance is weak, even among diehard fans.
The biggest issue with The Last Dance is its lack of focus. The main villain barely appears and instead sends out waves of generic, nearly unstoppable minions to fight Venom. These lackluster enemies are the only real threats in the movie, making for dull and repetitive action scenes.
The film also introduces too many side characters, distracting viewers from the core relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom, which has been central to the series. This choice mirrors Blade: Trinity, where excessive new characters detract from the main storyline.
Still from Venom (Credit: Sony)
Tom Hardy, known for his passionate performances, seems tired and disengaged in this movie. His portrayal lacks the energy and enthusiasm that made Eddie Brock such a compelling character in the earlier films. Meanwhile, Michelle Williams, who played Anne Weying in previous Venom movies, is completely absent here.
Without her, Eddie’s character feels less grounded, and the movie loses a connection that many fans valued. Additionally, the script doesn’t show Eddie’s life as a journalist, which was an interesting part of his character in the first two films.
The film’s humor doesn’t hit the mark, and the action scenes are often dark and hard to follow. Even when the action is clear, it lacks excitement and fails to engage viewers. Ironically, the movie is called The Last Dance, but it seems focused on setting up more Sony-Verse movies in the future, even though many fans feel this series has run its course. It attempts to end on a sentimental note, but this effort falls flat and feels out of place.
One of the most criticized elements of The Last Dance is its use of music. It features poorly chosen needle drops, using famous songs by David Bowie, Queen, and ABBA in ways that detract from the scenes.
These choices feel forced, and many fans feel these songs deserved better treatment. The Last Dance leaves a sour taste, and even dedicated fans of the series find it hard to recommend. Despite some initial optimism, this movie is often regarded as the weakest in the trilogy.
2. Venom (2018)
Director : Ruben Fleischer Cast : Tom Hardy (Eddie Brock / Venom), Michelle Williams (Anne Weying), Riz Ahmed (Carlton Drake)
The first Venom movie, released in 2018, marks the beginning of Sony’s modern Spider-Man universe. While it doesn’t rank among the best superhero movies, it does manage to introduce Eddie Brock and Venom effectively. This origin story provides enough background for viewers to understand Eddie before he encounters the alien symbiote, Venom. The movie shows Eddie’s struggles and the chaos that ensues once Venom enters his life.
The structure of Venom is typical for superhero origin stories, with Eddie coming to terms with his new abilities and facing off against a villain, Carlton Drake, who poses a physical and ideological threat.
However, the pacing of Venom is often criticized. It takes more than a third of the movie for Eddie to bond with the symbiote, and Venom doesn’t make a full appearance until almost an hour in. This slow buildup can make the first part of the movie feel drawn-out.
Another challenge Venom faces is its editing and special effects. The action scenes are often underwhelming, and some of the effects look a bit rough. Despite these flaws, Tom Hardy’s performance as Eddie/Venom stands out. He brings a unique energy to the role, making Eddie’s chaotic interactions with Venom entertaining and sometimes even hilarious. Hardy’s commitment to the character elevates the movie, and his performance remains a highlight for many fans.
While the movie isn’t polished, Hardy’s enthusiasm shines through, giving the film a quirky charm. Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed also contribute solid performances, despite their roles being limited by the movie’s structure and script. By the end, Venom establishes the character and sets up a potential conflict with the arrival of Woody Harrelson’s character, who promises “carnage”—a clear nod to the next film.
1. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
Director : Andy Serkis Cast : Tom Hardy (Eddie Brock / Venom), Woody Harrelson (Cletus Kasady / Carnage)
Venom: Let There Be Carnage is the second film in the trilogy and stands out as the most entertaining of the three. While it’s not a masterpiece, it brings more to the table than its predecessor, thanks in large part to its new villain, Carnage.
Woody Harrelson plays Cletus Kasady, a serial killer who gains symbiotic powers similar to Eddie’s, making him one of Venom’s most dangerous foes. Harrelson’s performance is over-the-top and eccentric, fitting the tone of the movie and making Carnage a memorable antagonist.
Director Andy Serkis brings a fresh energy to the series, adding a visual style that sets Let There Be Carnage apart from the first movie. Cinematographer Robert Richardson, known for his work with directors like Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese, gives the film a more polished look.
The action scenes are sharper, the effects are improved, and the pacing is brisk. At less than 90 minutes (excluding credits), the film moves quickly, keeping the audience engaged.
Still from Venom The Last Dance (Credit: Sony)
The humor in Let There Be Carnage works better than in the other Venom movies. It emphasizes the odd relationship between Eddie and Venom, highlighting the tension and bizarre friendship between them. In this film, their dynamic takes on an almost romantic quality, adding an unusual but funny element to the story. Hardy’s performance remains strong, and he fully embraces the character’s quirks, adding to the movie’s charm.
Although the movie isn’t without flaws, it is a fun ride for those looking for something light and chaotic. The final act is loud and action-packed, though it doesn’t allow every character enough screen time.
Let There Be Carnage may not be a groundbreaking sequel, but it succeeds as an enjoyable follow-up, offering a wild ride that fans of the first movie can appreciate. This film is often seen as the best in the trilogy, showing that Venom can deliver an entertaining experience despite its rough edges.
Sony’s Spider-Man universe, led by the Venom trilogy, is an unusual addition to the superhero genre. Unlike the MCU, which integrates characters and stories seamlessly, the Sony-Verse often feels disconnected and less cohesive.
This approach has made it both intriguing and frustrating for fans who love Spider-Man and his iconic villains. While Venom has become the center of Sony’s efforts, the absence of Spider-Man himself has left a noticeable gap.
As Sony continues to show characters like Morbius, Madame Web, and Kraven the Hunter, it’s clear they are committed to expanding this universe. Each new film adds a layer to the Sony-Verse, even if the connections between these movies are limited. This strategy has led to mixed reactions, with some fans enjoying the darker, more character-driven stories and others hoping for a tighter connection to the MCU.
Still from Venom (Credit: Sony)
Ultimately, the Sony-Verse exists in its own unique space, giving characters like Venom a chance to shine in a way they might not in the MCU. The trilogy offers a range of experiences, from the initial charm of Venom to the chaotic fun of Let There Be Carnage, and finally, to the less successful The Last Dance.
While the future of this universe is uncertain, Sony’s Spider-Verse has made its mark on the superhero genre, offering an unconventional take on familiar characters. Whether it grows into something more cohesive or remains an experimental corner of the superhero world, the Sony-Verse continues to be an unexpected journey.
The character Eve Karlo in The Penguin, played by Carmen Ejogo, surprises viewers in many ways. Her role shows that Hollywood is starting to rethink how female characters appear in mob stories. For many years, women in these types of stories often played minor roles.
They were usually side characters or just love interests who did not have a lot of depth. However, Eve’s character marks a shift in this trend. The Penguin takes a step forward in correcting these past mistakes. This change is not only seen in Eve’s character but also in the fierce portrayal of Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti.
Eve Karlo is the love interest of Oz Cobb, also known as The Penguin, portrayed by Colin Farrell. Her portrayal as a sex worker is significant. It offers a fresh perspective that is often missing from gangster films. In many movies, sex workers are portrayed in a negative light.
They are either tragic figures or are exploited by male characters. However, in The Penguin, Eve breaks away from these stereotypes. She emerges as a strong and independent character who stands out in a world dominated by men.
Carmen Ejogo brings Eve to life with a fantastic performance. She plays Eve with both poise and defiance. Most of Eve’s scenes are set in the kitchen, where she often interacts with Oz. The chemistry between Ejogo and Farrell is electric, making their scenes engaging to watch.
Most importantly, both characters are written as equals. While Oz is a bold gangster, Eve is portrayed as courageous and moral. In a series that mainly focuses on the villains in the Batman universe, Eve shines as a beacon of light. She refuses to be used as a pawn in the games played by the men around her.
The Bold Introduction of Eve Karlo
When viewers first meet Eve in Episode 1, she bursts onto the scene with confidence. This introduction feels monumental. Eve is not just a character in the background anymore. She was once the type of character who would appear in the sidelines of mob movies.
Often, she was there only to serve as an object of affection for the male characters. However, Eve is different. She is the closest thing to love in Oz’s life, but she refuses to be a pawn in his ambitions.
She openly rebels against the typical portrayal of sex workers in films, where they are often seen as tragic or exploited characters, as seen in series like The Sopranos. Eve’s determination to protect her own family makes her a survivor, not just a victim.
Carmen Ejogo plays Eve with a fiery spirit. She contrasts her steady, calm demeanor with Farrell’s loud and erratic rants. As the first season of The Penguin progresses, Eve becomes a crucial player in the story. Her true strength is revealed in Episode 5, titled “Homecoming.”
In this episode, after Oz kills mob boss Sal Maroni’s family, he takes Eve to his hideout. During this intense moment, Eve delivers the most powerful response to Oz: she says, “No.” This scene is unsettling as Oz reacts violently, shattering a vase. However, Eve stands her ground.
The vase shattering symbolizes Eve breaking free from the expectations placed upon her. She is willing to sever ties with Oz if it means ensuring her survival and the safety of her girls. This scene is one of the few moments where we see Oz vulnerable. He is nearly in tears while Ejogo plays Eve with a reserved dignity.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
It is often the case in films that women are portrayed as “hysterical” during break-ups or arguments. Here, the series refreshingly reverses this trope. Eve’s rejection of Oz leads him down a dark path. His mother later rejects him when he seeks comfort, showing how Eve’s strength directly impacts Oz’s story. By the end of Episode 5, as women in Oz’s life pull away from him by saying “no,” Eve stands as a powerful symbol of female resilience.
Eve’s Journey of Revenge in The Penguin
The theme of women seeking revenge against men who have wronged them becomes clear in Episode 6, titled “Gold Summit.” In this episode, Eve takes control of her own narrative. The most important confrontation occurs when Sofia tracks Eve down for vengeance against Oz.
Sofia arrives at Eve’s apartment, armed and ready to confront Oz. In a surprising twist, the two women become allies rather than enemies. Ejogo and Milioti deliver excellent performances as they share their painful experiences at the hands of men, especially Oz.
Eve’s vulnerability is what ultimately saves her. It is significant that she sheds her blonde wig and extravagant clothes during this scene. Instead, she appears with her natural hair and simple clothing. This change reflects her shedding the performance she maintained while with Oz.
In this moment of honesty, Eve and Sofia reach a crucial understanding. Eve tells Sofia that the Hangman killed several of her girls. Sofia, in turn, reveals that her father was the Hangman, and Oz helped him evade capture. This realization allows Eve to take decisive action against Oz. She tells Sofia where Oz and his mother, Francis, are hiding.
Throughout Season 1, Eve evolves from being Oz’s comfort to becoming a key player in his downfall. In many TV shows and films, sex workers often face tragic endings or suffer abuse. Their trauma is frequently exploited for shock value. In The Penguin, sex workers are among the Hangman’s victims.
However, they are given a voice in this series. Their deaths carry weight and significance. They become the catalyst for Eve’s revenge. The narrative gives Eve the chance to seize her own story and reclaim her life, marking a significant step forward for the representation of women in media.
Family and Feminine Strength
Family plays a central role in The Penguin Season 1, and there is no stronger bond than that between Eve and her girls. This connection is part of why Sofia refrains from killing Eve. It makes sense that Sofia and Eve, who have both suffered at the hands of the Hangman, are now united in their goal to bring him down.
The creators of The Penguin are changing the gangster genre. They are not only giving women a seat at the table but also allowing them to speak while the men listen. This shift is exemplified in Episode 4, titled “Cent’anni,” which showcases strong female voices.
The creation of Eve for the series raises the show’s quality and heightens the theme of revenge. It also enhances the presence of strong feminist archetypes. When Eve tells Sofia that she “deserves a shot” after revealing Oz’s hiding place, it becomes a powerful moment. As she sips her glass of whiskey, it is clear that she is taking control of her life. This moment highlights Eve’s transformation from a side character to a central figure in her own story.
Eve’s evolution throughout the series is notable. Initially, she is seen as a secondary character in Oz’s life, providing comfort and support. However, as the story unfolds, she emerges as a formidable presence. Her journey from being a pawn in Oz’s game to calling the shots is significant.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
This change illustrates how the show is reshaping the traditional narratives found in gangster stories. Eve’s character demonstrates that women can be strong, complex, and resilient, even in a male-dominated environment.
The Impact of Eve’s Character on the Series
Eve’s character impacts the series significantly. She provides a refreshing perspective on the portrayal of women in gangster stories. By presenting a multi-dimensional female character, The Penguin challenges traditional stereotypes. The series recognizes that female characters can be strong and resilient without losing their humanity. Eve’s journey illustrates that women can be more than mere background figures in stories that focus on men.
The portrayal of Eve as a survivor resonates with viewers. It shows that women can rise above their circumstances and fight for their own narratives. This message is particularly important in a genre that has often sidelined female characters. Eve stands as a testament to the strength of women who refuse to be victims. Her character highlights the importance of agency and choice, which is often absent in portrayals of women in similar stories.
Moreover, the series does not shy away from addressing the harsh realities that sex workers face. By giving Eve a voice and agency, The Penguin upgrades the conversation around sex work. It humanizes sex workers, portraying them as complex individuals with their own desires and struggles. Eve’s character serves as a powerful reminder that every person has their own story.
The Strong Themes of Female Resilience
The themes of female resilience and empowerment are central to Eve’s story in The Penguin. As the series progresses, Eve becomes a figure of strength and determination.
She refuses to be a passive participant in her life. Instead, she takes control of her destiny, showing viewers the power of self-advocacy. This portrayal is vital in a world where many female characters often succumb to their circumstances.
Eve’s character challenges the norms of how women are typically portrayed in gangster stories. Instead of being a mere love interest or a tragic figure, Eve emerges as a fierce survivor.
Her strength is evident in her decisions and actions throughout the series. She makes it clear that she will not be used by the men around her. This shift in character dynamics is refreshing and contributes to the full narrative of The Penguin.
Furthermore, Eve’s journey serves as a mirror for the audience. It reflects the struggles that many women face in their own lives. Her story resonates with those who have ever felt marginalized or powerless. Eve’s resilience inspires viewers to reclaim their narratives and assert their agency. This empowerment is a crucial element of her character arc, making her a relatable and inspirational figure.
Conclusion: Eve Karlo as a Role Model
Eve Karlo’s character in The Penguin represents a new kind of heroine in gangster stories. She defies the typical stereotypes and emerges as a symbol of strength and resilience.
Carmen Ejogo’s portrayal brings depth to Eve, showcasing her courage and determination. Throughout Season 1, Eve evolves from a secondary character to a powerful force in her own right.
Still from The Penguin (Credit: HBO)
The impact of Eve’s character extends beyond the screen. She serves as a role model for women everywhere. Her journey highlights the importance of self-advocacy and the strength that comes from standing up for oneself.
In a world that often undermines female voices, Eve’s story is a breath of fresh air. It reinforces the idea that women can take control of their narratives and fight for their place in society.
As The Penguin continues, it will be exciting to see how Eve’s character develops further. Her story offers a glimpse of what is possible when women are given agency in their lives. Eve Karlo is not just a character; she is a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and the enduring strength of women.
