Venom 4: King in Black (2025)
In Venom 4: King in Black, the Marvel universe takes a bold leap into cosmic horror and high-octane action. This latest installment expands the symbiote saga beyond the streets of San Francisco, plunging audiences into a war of gods, monsters, and unlikely heroes. The story introduces Dwayne Johnson as Raze, a galactic warlord and reluctant ally who must join forces with Eddie Brock/Venom to combat the ancient and terrifying Knull — the King in Black, ruler of the symbiote hive. From the first frame, the movie grips viewers with its dark, sprawling visuals and the palpable tension of an impending apocalypse.
The heart of the film beats with the uneasy partnership between Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and Raze (Dwayne Johnson). Brock’s chaotic, sardonic bond with Venom is tested like never before as the scope of the threat forces them to trust a brute whose methods are as destructive as the enemy they face. Dwayne Johnson brings a powerful presence to Raze, blending raw physicality with a surprising emotional depth. Their clashes — verbal and physical — create some of the film’s most memorable moments, adding both humor and gravitas to the breakneck pacing.
Visually, King in Black is a feast. Director Andy Serkis pushes the limits of CGI and practical effects, giving life to towering symbiote dragons, shadow-wrapped battlefields, and the haunting, void-like realm of Knull. The set pieces range from claustrophobic city sieges to sprawling interstellar war zones, each dripping with an otherworldly menace. The symbiote swarm sequences are particularly breathtaking — tendrils whipping through the air like living storms, entire skyscrapers consumed in seconds, and heroes barely holding their ground against an overwhelming tide. The IMAX experience amplifies every shudder, roar, and bone-rattling impact.
But beneath the chaos lies a surprisingly human core. The film explores themes of identity, control, and the fear of losing oneself to power. Brock continues to grapple with Venom’s influence, while Raze’s own tragic backstory reveals the cost of war and the thin line between savior and destroyer. Knull, brought to life with chilling gravitas, is more than a one-note villain; he is an ancient force with a philosophy that seduces as much as it destroys. These quieter, introspective moments give the film emotional weight, making the final act’s stakes feel truly monumental.
Venom 4: King in Black delivers everything fans could want — explosive action, jaw-dropping visuals, a larger-than-life new hero in Dwayne Johnson’s Raze, and a story that pushes the symbiote mythos into thrilling new territory. It’s a wild ride that balances spectacle with heart, leaving just enough mystery for what’s to come. If this is the future of the Venom franchise, then the darkness has never looked so good.
