Tom Hardy Wrestles With His Demons In Intense Venom Photos

Venom, arguably Marvel’s greatest anti-hero, is ready for his close-up. Or rather Eddie Brock is ready for his close-up.

After months of secrecy and hushed rumors, Sony Pictures finally lifted the lid on its Venom spinoff earlier this morning to reveal a dark, brooding account of the titular character. Unsurprisingly, it’s fairly light on plot details, and merely shows Eddie Brock reflecting on his life thus far. Those moody shots were interspersed with bursts of action, including a scene of Tom Hardy’s character speeding off on a motorcycle in what is likely to be the film’s big chase sequence.

There’s also a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tease of his horrific transformation – watch as the inky black symbiote creeps up Eddie’s veins in the final shot – along with a glimpse of Riz Ahmed’s antagonist introducing another symbiote. So many questions, so few answers.

Nevertheless, if there are any hidden clues buried within Venom‘s teaser, you’ll find them in this play-by-play breakdown from Collider:

This is just a teaser trailer, after all, meaning it shouldn’t be too much longer before Sony Pictures is ready to unveil its CG-powered symbiote. Besides, keeping Venom in the shadows – for now, at least – allows the Powers That Be to foster a sense of mystery and intrigue around Eddie Brock’s demonic alter-ego, all the while focusing their attention on Venom‘s A-list cast.

Because with Riz Ahmed, Michelle Williams, and Woody Harrelson (Solo: A Star Wars Story) all on board, we have reason to believe that Venom will be able to live up to those sky-high expectations come October. Which is all the more impressive when you consider that an Eddie Brock solo movie has been languishing on the brink of development since as far back as 2007, when Topher Grace wrestled the sinister symbiote. But there’s a new Eddie in town, and Tom Hardy is about to bring his A game.

Venom officially makes a beeline for theaters on October 5th.