Knull: Sony's Spider-Man Universe's Last Hope or Biggest Gamble?
Knull: The Marvel Villain Who Could Save (or Sink) Sony's Spider-Man Universe
Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU) has had a... rocky road. A few hits, but mostly misses at the box office, leaving its future looking pretty shaky. That is until one thing really started making this franchise feel potentially more hopeful: the introduction of Knull in Venom: Let There Be Carnage! He's one of Marvel's most badass villains; appearing finally in live action, promising that whatever may happen, even the final Venom movie starring Tom Hardy might still become a massive hit. Get ready, because this is where the insane possibilities begin.
This upcoming sequel, hitting theaters October 25th, is Tom Hardy's final outing as Eddie Brock/Venom, making that an absolutely huge and climactic sendoff; especially when considering all the prior lackluster releases which almost entirely failed to generate momentum and overall excitement for the series and this very important release in Venom 3. And Knull's arrival opens up possibilities; completely rebuilding whatever hope is left for a franchise in serious need of a miracle!
10 Reasons Knull Could Be the SSU's Savior
10. Knull: The SSU's Thanos
Marvel's Infinity Saga was huge, all thanks to Thanos being built up for years! He gave the MCU heroes a concrete goal, and Knull could do the same for the SSU. His Marvel comics debut in 2018 showed what this insane level of threat means for the entirety of existence, providing a comparable, maybe even better antagonist for Sony's version, showcasing that same kind of compelling storytelling achieved within those later MCU films, that made them such massive blockbusters and worldwide events!
This very similar structure, using those elements learned from the MCU could revitalize and give structure, thus making those long-awaited stories a real possibility, all using this newly introduced supervillain. It promises major changes to the SSU; and introducing him as an extremely capable adversary, capable of even taking down Venom and Eddie Brock, generating hype which may increase box office potential. That could change everything and make the franchise hugely profitable.
9. Deeper Symbiote Lore: Expanding the Mythos
The Venom movies showcase alien symbiotes, but they avoid many key aspects of this species: origins. Knull's arrival could change all that! In Marvel Comics, Knull's a primordial deity, he battled Celestials (creating that army of symbiote soldiers!); potentially giving those aspects that fans crave the development to understand why and how that whole world and mythology works. Exploring Knull’s creation of the first symbiote in Venom 3 would really be impressive; adding huge amounts of depth; developing what those who play these kind of games; who are comic book fans would've greatly desired! The early trailers' emphasis on Venom’s "homeworld" hints towards something more substantial; completely changing how things might progress in that very storyline itself.
8. Multiverse Mayhem: The Path to MCU Crossover
Knull's comics roles have expanded, he’s now the King in Black! That title holds more weight during those events involving multiple realities. In Venom (Vol. 5) #18 we learn that the Celestials actually made Knull the protector of this universe. Yet Knull doesn’t necessarily focus on his side alone; he also maintains order, controlling this huge and expansive reality! This also shows a relationship that was previously unrecognized and greatly impacted what that title meant, completely changing how people looked at this supervillain’s power.
And this has massive crossover potential! The MCU's Multiverse Saga and the SSU's connection (thanks to Eddie Brock appearing in No Way Home) perfectly sets up a collision! Bringing those two major cinematic universes together could lead to major profits and revitalize interest from audiences across different segments of viewers! It’s simply inevitable given current trends.
7. Knull: A Seriously Cool Villain
He’s Marvel's most epic villains. His amazing debut in Venom (Vol. 4) #3 greatly expanded symbiote lore and completely established his infamy following King in Black. The visuals accompanying his rise? They’re legendary! He’s superhumanly powerful, he regenerates incredibly fast, and is capable of manipulation over his dark energy, controlling his symbiote armies with relative ease.
And Sony seriously needs a big win! Knull’s an incredibly unique supervillain; the kind that completely reinvigorates a franchise, especially within that environment. He's this ridiculously awesome villain that’s greatly underused – a seriously needed shift to create momentum for an ultimately tired storyline and increase profitability for this seriously troubled franchise.
6. All-Black the Necrosword: A Weapon Already in Play!
Knull’s signature weapon is All-Black the Necrosword; his creation and he uses this thing to decapitate Celestials! That Celestial’s head even becomes Knowhere! He uses it to forge even more insanely powerful symbiotes. This amazing weapon already got a live-action cameo! In Thor: Love and Thunder, Gorr wielded this seriously cool weapon. It did get destroyed, but it being located in a different universe opens an amazing path to use that insane weapon within the context of this new film and the narrative that gets presented; a very convenient shortcut to a great tool which only improves this storyline overall.
5. Massive Brand Recognition
Since 2018, Knull's popularity is HUGE amongst comic book readers. He’s known by hardcore fans and generates widespread anticipation. His inclusion in Venom 3 could easily result in this already recognized reputation resulting in increased box office potential; this really could generate the kind of boost Sony really needs. And even Venom’s 2018 movie is the top performer; and all other movies perform progressively worse, meaning Sony's existing franchise seriously lacks something, a new plot point capable of generating this massive attention that makes Knull's inclusion truly vital for an improved performance from the current storyline.
4. Ridiculous Power: An Unkillable Antagonist?
This guy is absurdly powerful— immortal, near-unkillable. His strength, durability, and energy manipulation let him control symbiotic forces universally! This is insane!
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe needs something serious! Having that supremely difficult to defeat enemy is huge; emphasizing the kind of challenges involved for generating those higher stakes and giving both the antiheroes involved (mostly villains who have now taken on a somewhat antihero role), that extremely intense challenge they need; further elevating the overall story and increasing potential.
3. Huge Sequel and Spinoff Potential: A New SSU Era
With Tom Hardy’s exit, this could only be the beginning for Knull! His incredible influence, those almost limitless potential stories– spinoffs, sequels—this very villain allows for this potential entirely! Even just those backstories– symbiote creation, Venom’s escape– these really need some serious consideration for building out this cinematic universe, all stemming from his debut, promising a vast world yet untapped, to fully explore, develop and build around; adding new avenues never before even explored; creating immense amounts of cinematic potential from one villain!
2. Uniting the SSU: A Team-Up for the Ages?
The SSU has mostly unconnected characters. Venom 3 could change all that! This shows exactly just why Knull is an especially important supervillain: those past Marvel comics portray the extent of his power – requiring a full Avengers-style team up; a powerful and intensely thrilling spectacle that all movie goers can find enjoyable. That brings together various elements – maybe even those previously unrelated characters, like the Spider-Women (from Madame Web) to truly unite the entire franchise; showcasing potential beyond anything the franchise ever attempted to do; adding huge cinematic potential to something which seriously needed reinvigoration. Using the Marvel Comic story arc makes so much sense, folks!
1. Knull: The Perfect Antagonist for Sony’s Spider-Man
The SSU still lacks a proper Spider-Man. But Knull’s arrival changes everything! It provides the ideal introduction: It's plausible that Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, or even Tom Holland could appear; given those recent cinematic trends in other films and those successful crossovers! This generates anticipation; setting Venom 3 up for major success— establishing this new Spider-Man in the SSU; allowing that possibility to develop across this franchise entirely and completely establishing that major character missing entirely.
Conclusion: Knull—The SSU’s Best (and Riskiest) Bet!
Venom 3 is Sony’s biggest gamble! If done right Knull could change everything for that franchise— those opportunities, including introducing new characters and setting those avenues that can develop and allow the existing cast and other related heroes to collaborate. This new, unexpected approach could breathe a completely new life into that stagnating Spider-Man Universe.
