The first trailer for Venom landed earlier today, and it’s fair to say that it’s received a mixed reception from the folks on social media. Something that’s grating many fans is that the teaser didn’t actually feature the titular character. Though we got to meet Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock, the black-clad monster was a no-show.
That said, one brief shot did give us our first look at the actual symbiote itself. At around about the 1:00 minute mark, we see Riz Ahmed’s character unveiling a container of black goop to some scientists gathered around the back of a van. Fans will instantly recognize this as the alien entity that’s destined to bond with Brock and become Venom.
Ahmed’s presence here tells us that these scientists are part of the Life Foundation, the organization that will prove key to Venom‘s storyline. As in the classic comic book arc “Lethal Protector,” the Foundation is experimenting with the symbiotes – leading to the creatures running amok in San Francisco. All signs point to Ahmed playing Dr. Carlton Drake, the shady head of the organization. Jenny Slate’s scientist can also be seen amongst the crowd here.
In the source material, the Life Foundation is responsible for the creation of five “seeds” of Venom – Scream, Phage, Riot, Lasher and Agony. We don’t yet know whether they’ll feature in the film, but if they do, it’ll be stuffed full of symbiotes. That’s because Carnage is also heavily rumoured to appear, while the trailer introduces Michelle Williams as Anne Weying. Though it’s currently unknown if she’ll become She-Venom, as in the comics.
Despite this, the first preview makes it clear that the movie will focus on Eddie Brock the man rather than Venom the monster. Still, we’d be very surprised if the villain didn’t show his toothy, slavering face in the next trailer, which will probably be with us in a few months, as Venom swings into theaters on October 5th.
