Tom Holland’s run as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has kept fans asking one key question. When will the hero face off against his most famous villains on the big screen. That question has only grown louder as Sony Pictures built its own Spider-Man Universe with characters like Venom, even as films like Morbius and Madame Web struggled at the box office.
Venom remains the biggest missing piece. The character led a successful trilogy for Sony while Holland’s Spider-Man helped drive major box office results for Marvel Studios. For years, fans have wondered if the two would ever meet in a meaningful way.
Now there may be a clue. During an appearance at the Italian Ministry of Public Education, Mark Ruffalo suggested that something big is coming for Spider-Man. He told the audience, “I promise you 1000% that he will be fighting an alien in the future.” Ruffalo did not give a timeline, but his comment has sparked fresh speculation about Venom finally entering the MCU in a larger role.
So far, Venom’s connection to the MCU has been brief. In a post credits scene from Spider-Man: No Way Home, Eddie Brock is shown in Mexico watching the news reveal Peter Parker’s identity. Doctor Strange’s spell then sends him back to his own universe. That short moment confirmed the character exists on the edge of the MCU, but it stopped short of a full crossover.
There are also hints in Holland’s next film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set for 2026. Early trailer footage shows what appears to be an invisible force moving from one person to another inside a damaged government facility. The scene suggests a dangerous presence that behaves in a way longtime fans recognize. In past films, Venom has moved between hosts in a similar fashion, raising the possibility that Marvel and Sony are hiding the character in plain sight.
Behind the scenes, the situation appears to be shifting. Earlier reports claimed Marvel Studios blocked Holland from appearing in Sony’s Venom films. That stance softened when a version of Venom appeared in Let There Be Carnage. At the same time, Sony has slowed its plans for expanding its own Spider-Man Universe, which could make Venom more available for Marvel to use.
If Venom is part of Brand New Day, it is unlikely Marvel will confirm it anytime soon. The studio has a long track record of keeping major surprises under wraps. Still, Ruffalo’s comment carries weight. He has a history of revealing more than intended when it comes to Marvel projects.
All signs point to a possible shift in Spider-Man’s story. A clash with an alien opponent like Venom would mark a major step forward for the character and could finally deliver the crossover fans have been waiting to see.
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