Riz Ahmed In Talks To Join Cast Of Spider-Man Spinoff ‘Venom’

Riz Ahmed is reportedly in talks to join the cast of Sony’s  Spider-Man spinoff, “Venom.” Directed by Reuben Fleischer, the “Venom” movie is the first Spider-Man related film since Tom Holland’s first appearance as the web-slinger in “Captain America: Civil War.”

A 2018 release is locked in for the movie and it stars Tom Hardy as the titular anti-hero. The screenplay is written by Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg. The studio also plans to remake the Spider-Man universe by developing the Black Cat and Silver Sable, titled “Silver and Black.” Now, “Venom” is looking to move one step further by filling out its roster of primary cast.

Will Riz Ahmed Make The Cut For The ‘Venom’ Cast?

According to Variety, Ahmed (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) is currently in talks for an unspecified role. This role is said to be a “popular Marvel Comics character.” Additional actors who are also being considered for the part include Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones) and Matthias Schoenaerts (Red Sparrow). Carnage is also set to make an appearance in the movie and filming for “Venom” is set to begin this fall.

Photo via Sony Pictures

We’ve all been hearing about the reports surrounding the “Venom” movie. Spider-Man is connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and so is “Venom”—at least according to Sony head Amy Pascal. However, Marvel Head Honcho Kevin Feige rebutted Pascal’s statement that “Venom” will not be connected to the MCU. It’s a weird, conflicting situation as different sides of the party keep on saying otherwise. But as of now, “Venom” will be a separate narrative from where the MCU is right now. Sony, on the other hand, is building its own superhero universe and believes that it could connect to the MCU if Marvel wishes to do so.

The MCU is currently the strongest superhero cinematic universe ever since it launched back in 2008 with “Iron Man.” But by bringing in big talents for Sony’s “Venom,” this could be the studio’s way of making their own separate universe at par with what the MCU is right now. But then again, there aren’t a lot of superheroes under the studio’s card, as they only have the rights to all Spider-Man characters.