Andy Serkis will officially direct “Venom 2” for Sony, TheWrap has learned.
According to Games Radar, Serkis said he’s had meetings with Sony executives to direct the sequel after a Hollywood Reporter report last month that he was in contention for the job.
“Venom” grossed $856 million worldwide during its 2018 theatrical release and starred Tom Hardy as the symbiote — the actor will reprise his role in the sequel, while Michelle Williams is expected to return as well alongside Woody Harrelson as Carnage. Kelly Marcel, one of the screenwriters of the first film, is writing the script for the sequel. Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach and Amy Pascal will return as producers.
Ruben Fleischer directed the first film. It received a score of 29 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
Serkis most recently starred in “Long Shot” and “Black Panther,” and directed “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle” and “Breathe.” He also served as an executive producer on 2017’s “The Ritual.” Of course, he also placed Caesar in “War for the Planet of the Apes.” His upcoming projects include “SAS: Red Notice” and “A Christmas Carol.”
Sony had no comment.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.
Serkis is represented by CAA and Principal Entertainment.