Hey guys! Ever since the multiverse started cracking open in the MCU, we've all been buzzing about who might show up. One name that kept popping up was Venom. So, let's dive straight into the burning question: Was Venom actually in Spider-Man: No Way Home?

The Venom Buzz: Why Everyone Expected Him

Before No Way Home even hit theaters, the hype was real. After Venom: Let There Be Carnage, that post-credits scene threw gasoline on the fire. We saw Eddie Brock and Venom chilling in a hotel room when suddenly, they got a glimpse of Peter Parker on TV – the Spider-Man, unmasked! Venom was all like, "That guy!" clearly intrigued. This little teaser had everyone convinced that Venom would play a role in the multiverse madness of No Way Home. I mean, how could they not follow up on that, right?

The Multiverse Mania

Spider-Man: No Way Home was the culmination of years of Marvel movies, bringing together different Spider-Men and their iconic villains from alternate universes. We had Doc Ock's tentacles wreaking havoc, Electro's electrifying presence, and the Sandman getting all grainy. With all this craziness, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring Venom into the mix. Imagine the chaos! Venom meeting different versions of Spider-Man, maybe even bonding with one of them. The possibilities seemed endless, and fans, including myself, were totally stoked at the thought.

Connecting the Symbiote Dots

Another reason everyone thought Venom would show up was the symbiote connection. In the comics, Venom has a deep, complicated history with Spider-Man. The symbiote enhances Peter's abilities but also brings out a darker side. It's a classic struggle that has fueled countless stories. So, the idea of Venom entering the MCU through No Way Home felt like a natural progression. It would have opened up a whole new can of worms (or symbiotes!) for future Spider-Man movies. Plus, seeing Tom Hardy's Venom interact with Tom Holland's Spider-Man? Comedy gold, right there!

So, Was Venom Actually in No Way Home?

Alright, let's cut to the chase. The answer is both yes and no, in a way that only a multiverse movie can deliver.

The Hotel Scene: Venom's Brief Vacation

Remember that post-credits scene from Venom: Let There Be Carnage? Well, No Way Home actually picks up on that thread. We see Eddie Brock still sitting in that same hotel room, trying to wrap his head around the whole multiverse situation. He's chatting with a bartender, who's filling him in on all the crazy stuff that's been happening – you know, superheroes, aliens, and all that jazz. It's a pretty funny scene, with Eddie trying to make sense of it all while Venom is just itching for some action. However, before anything substantial happens, Doctor Strange casts his spell to make everyone forget Peter Parker, and poof! Eddie and Venom are pulled back to their own universe.

A Tiny Drop of Symbiote

Now, here's the interesting part. While Eddie and Venom get yoinked back, a tiny piece of the symbiote is left behind. Yep, you heard that right! A little glob of Venom goo remains in the MCU. This is a huge deal because it means that the Venom symbiote now exists in the same universe as Tom Holland's Spider-Man. Talk about setting the stage for future encounters! This little detail is easy to miss, but it's super important for understanding where the story might be headed.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Spider-Man and Venom?

Okay, so Venom didn't have a full-blown appearance in No Way Home, but that little symbiote sliver changes everything. Let's break down what this could mean for the future.

Spider-Man vs. Venom: The Rematch We've Been Waiting For

With a piece of the Venom symbiote now in the MCU, it's pretty much guaranteed that we'll see Spider-Man and Venom face off at some point. Whether the symbiote finds a new host and becomes a villain, or whether Peter Parker himself ends up bonding with it, the possibilities are endless. This could lead to some epic battles and a whole lot of character development for both Spidey and Venom.

Tom Hardy's Return to the MCU

Just because Eddie Brock got pulled back to his own universe doesn't mean we've seen the last of Tom Hardy in the MCU. The multiverse is still a thing, and Marvel loves to bring characters back in unexpected ways. It's totally possible that we'll see another version of Venom pop up, or maybe even Eddie himself will find a way to return. The writers have plenty of options to play with, and I wouldn't be surprised if they use them.

Exploring the Symbiote's Origins

The introduction of the symbiote in the MCU also opens the door to exploring its origins in more detail. In the comics, the symbiotes have a rich history, with connections to alien races and cosmic events. The movies could delve into this lore, giving us a deeper understanding of what the symbiote is and where it comes from. This could add a whole new layer to the Spider-Man and Venom storyline, making it even more complex and interesting.

Fan Theories and Speculations

Of course, no discussion about Spider-Man and Venom would be complete without a dive into some fan theories. Here are a couple of the most popular ideas floating around:

Harry Osborn as Venom?

One popular theory is that the symbiote will bond with Harry Osborn, Peter Parker's best friend. In many Spider-Man stories, Harry becomes the villainous Green Goblin, but in the MCU, his fate is still uncertain. Bonding with the symbiote could be a way to turn Harry into a formidable foe for Spider-Man, adding a personal and emotional stake to their battles. Plus, imagine the visual of Harry Osborn as Venom – that would be epic!

Agent Venom

Another cool idea is that the symbiote could bond with a military character, creating Agent Venom. In the comics, Flash Thompson, Peter Parker's former bully, becomes Agent Venom and uses the symbiote for good. This could be a way to introduce a new superhero into the MCU, with a unique set of abilities and a compelling backstory. It would also be a nice twist on the traditional Venom storyline, showing that the symbiote can be used for more than just evil.

Conclusion: The Future is Symbiotic

So, while Venom's appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home was brief, it was definitely significant. The little piece of symbiote left behind has opened up a world of possibilities for the future of Spider-Man and Venom in the MCU. Whether we see a classic Spider-Man vs. Venom showdown, a new Agent Venom, or something else entirely, one thing is for sure: the future is symbiotic, and I, for one, can't wait to see what happens next! What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments below!