Andy Serkis is officially taking the director’s seat for Sony’s Venom 2.
Initially reported at The Hollywood Reporter, Andy Serkis will serve as director for Sony’s anti-hero sequel. Serkis quickly took to social media just after the news broke to confirm his new role on the upcoming Sony-Marvel movie.
It’s happening. The Symbiote has found a host in me and I’m ready for the ride…Can’t wait! #venom #venom2 #marvel pic.twitter.com/unCzmJOjop
— Andy Serkis (@andyserkis) August 5, 2019
Speculation regarding Serkis’ involvement in the movie first started up last month. Serkis had met with Sony about directing Venom 2, though at the time the studio was still having discussions with several potential candidates about the job. This report came after the first film’s director, Ruben Fleischer, revealed he would be focusing on the Zombieland sequel rather than return for a sequel to Venom.
The actor-turned-director is best known for his portrayal as Gollum in numerous The Lord of the Rings films and recently as Klaw in Marvel Studio’s Black Panther. Though his acting chops have earned him plenty of praise, Venom 2 will not be Serkis’ first time behind the camera. Serkis also directed 2018’s Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle and TV movie The Ruins of Empires before that.
Venom 2 is still in its early stages but is expected to start filming in November of this year with a release planned for later next year.