For now, the short answer is maybe. Since there is no official confirmation but neither a denial, can we dream big about the possibility that Eddie Brock and Peter Parker share screen time in the upcoming Spider-Man 4? One thing the MCU has taught us is never say never. And now, to add fuel to the fire, a press release from Sony Pictures Japan reignited rumors. Will Eddie Brock and Peter Parker finally share the screen in an epic battle—or even as unexpected allies?
In Sony Pictures Japan's recent press release, Spider-Man fans received a healthy dose of excitement. Besides confirming Tom Holland's return as Peter Parker, the text included a phrase that put the MCU world on alert:
"Tom Holland, who plays Peter, has already given his stamp of approval to the story! 'This will be a real movie that fans can respect!' Is Tom Hardy, who plays Eddie in the 'Venom' series, ready to take part?"
Sounds like an invitation, right? If they are not teasing us about the actual participation of Tom Hardy in the MCU, that's what we could call evil, right? With a subtle yet bold statement like that, of course, they broke the internet, raising waves of speculation and leaving us fans anxious about what comes next.
In past interviews, Tom Hardy shared his excitement about the character's future. He didn't rule out the possibility of collaborating with Tom Holland in the MCU, saying things like:
"Venom's story is not over yet. He still has a lot to do."
These words don't sound like a goodbye at all. He also praised Holland:
"Tom Holland is the best Spider-Man. I would like to work with him. If someone needs me, I'd be happy to participate."
On another occasion, he was more cautious and said:
"I don't see myself in the next Spider-Man movie because I'd have the script, and I don't have that."
Is Hardy really out, or is this just another classic case of strategic misdirection? After all, we've seen this before. Reunion of three Spideys in Spider-Man: No Way Home? Check. "Villains" from previous films having their moment of glory? Double check.
The weight of a crossover: Venom and Spider-Man
The connection between Venom and Spider-Man is one of the most intense and exciting in comics, where the dynamic between them has evolved from a visceral confrontation to a mix of rivalry and respect.
And Sony seems to perfectly understand that this kind of tension between them would make an MCU crossover so incredible. Eddie Brock was magically transported back to his universe in the Spider-Man: No Way Home post-credits scene. The catch? A sample of the symbiote was left behind. Coincidence? Unlikely. Will we finally see the symbiote taking a central role in Peter Parker's arc?
A history of MCU plot twists
When rumors about Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's return surfaced, many thought it unlikely. Even the actors refuted these rumors, only to be revealed as part of the epic showdown reuniting three generations of Spider-Man.
Now, with Spider-Man 4 scheduled for July 24, 2026, fans are paying attention to every sign. Director Destin Daniel Cretton has the difficult task of continuing a huge, emotionally charged franchise for the audience. And a confrontation or partnership between Peter and Eddie would be exactly the moment that could define a new phase in the MCU.
Hardy's farewell (or not) as Venom
Although Venom: The Last Dance concluded the character's solo trilogy, Hardy made it clear that his story isn't over:
"I should not say goodbye to Venom, but welcome to the final stage (the last dance)."
Even though it sounds like an ending, Hardy never ruled out a future return—especially if there's room to cross universes with Tom Holland. Throughout the seven years portraying the character, Hardy is also passionate about Venom.
Moreover, introducing Venom into the MCU has the potential to redefine Peter Parker himself. In the comics, the symbiote is known for exploiting its hosts' darkest emotions—and Tom Holland's Peter, who has already lost so much, could be a perfect victim of this influence. Such a narrative arc would allow Holland to explore new emotional layers of the character while setting the stage for epic confrontations between heroes and anti-heroes.
What to expect from Spider-Man 4?
For now, we know Peter Parker will try to rebuild his life after everything that happened to him. But does the MCU give its heroes peace? A new threat will emerge, right? And the symbiote left behind in No Way Home continues to be an intriguing element of Peter's future.
If Venom is involved, the narrative potential is immense. Eddie Brock, divided between his humanity and the symbiote, would face a Peter who also carries his emotional burden. Their interaction could bring intense action and an emotional depth that would connect with viewers uniquely.
Time to dream big?
Charlie Cox, who also appeared in No Way Home, is about to make a comeback as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, and this reinforces the idea that Marvel doesn't discard any character, creating the possibility of Hardy's return as Venom even more tangible.
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Even without an official confirmation, this Sony Pictures Japan press release gave us hope. The symbiote still has much to say in the MCU, and Hardy seems more than willing to don the mantle of Eddie Brock again. Whether Sony is playing with expectations or preparing the ground for something grand, only time will tell.
Meanwhile, July 24, 2026, is marked on fans' calendars. With so much narrative potential and a history of surprises, the Marvel universe continues to remind us that the impossible is just the beginning.
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