In both Venom (2018) and Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), a total of six distinct symbiotes play significant roles. These extraterrestrial organisms, hailing from the planet Klyntar, dramatically impact the narrative and create the iconic character dynamics we’ve come to expect from the Venom universe.
Understanding the Symbiote Lineup
The Venom films introduced audiences to a fascinating collection of symbiotes, each with unique abilities and personalities. Identifying them and understanding their individual narratives is crucial to appreciating the overall storyline.
The Core Symbiotes of Venom (2018)
The first film primarily focuses on four symbiotes who arrive on Earth via a Life Foundation spacecraft.
- Venom: Arguably the most famous symbiote, Venom bonds with Eddie Brock, granting him superhuman abilities and a complex, often humorous, internal dialogue. His initial ruthlessness softens as he develops a bond with Eddie, eventually becoming a more reluctant hero.
- Riot: The leader of the symbiote scouting party, Riot possesses immense strength and a desire to conquer Earth. He seeks a suitable host to bring more symbiotes to the planet. Riot’s aggressive nature makes him a formidable antagonist.
- Lasher: One of the symbiotes aboard the Life Foundation spacecraft, Lasher displays similar destructive tendencies to Riot but isn’t a primary focus of the narrative. He’s portrayed as violent and uncontrolled.
- Agony: Also present on the spacecraft, Agony, like Lasher, serves more as a background symbiote during the Life Foundation’s experiments. She demonstrates brutal strength and heightened senses.
Escalating the Threat: Symbiotes in Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
The sequel introduced two more significant symbiotes, increasing the stakes and exploring the deeper, darker aspects of symbiote biology.
- Carnage: Created from a piece of Venom’s symbiote left behind when Eddie visited Cletus Kasady in prison, Carnage is arguably the most violent and unpredictable symbiote introduced in the films. His bond with Kasady amplifies his sadistic tendencies, making him a terrifying villain.
- Scream: Spawned from Carnage, Scream bonds with Frances Barrison (Shriek), further solidifying her already powerful sonic abilities. Scream is driven by Carnage’s directives and acts as his enforcer.
Answering Your Symbiote Questions
To further clarify the number of symbiotes and their significance in the Venom movies, consider these frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Are there any other symbiotes mentioned but not shown in the films?
While only six symbiotes are prominently featured and physically present, the films hint at the existence of numerous others on Klyntar, their home planet. Dialogue suggests a vast population of symbiotes, each with unique characteristics. We don’t see them, but their existence is implicitly confirmed.
FAQ 2: What is the difference between Venom and the other symbiotes?
Venom’s key difference lies in his developing sense of morality and connection with Eddie Brock. While initially driven by instinct, Venom learns empathy and forms a symbiotic relationship based on more than just survival. Riot, Carnage, and the other symbiotes displayed a far more one-dimensional and violent nature.
FAQ 3: Why is Carnage so much stronger than Venom?
Carnage’s strength derives from his unique creation and the host he bonds with. Formed from a piece of Venom that merged with Cletus Kasady’s blood, Carnage benefits from a deeper, more intertwined connection with his host. Kasady’s pre-existing violent tendencies further amplified Carnage’s abilities. Additionally, the movie portrays Carnage as inheriting Venom’s powers PLUS his own unique abilities, putting him at a distinct advantage.
FAQ 4: Do all symbiotes need a host to survive?
Yes, symbiotes require a host to survive and thrive. They are parasitic organisms that rely on a host body for sustenance and energy. While they can exist independently for short periods, they eventually weaken and die without a suitable host.
FAQ 5: How do symbiotes choose their hosts?
Symbiotes appear to be drawn to hosts with compatible genetic makeup or emotional states. Eddie Brock, for example, initially resonated with Venom due to his sense of alienation and frustration. Cletus Kasady’s violent nature made him the perfect host for Carnage. However, the specific mechanisms of host selection are not fully explored in the films.
FAQ 6: Can a symbiote be separated from its host?
Yes, symbiotes can be separated from their hosts, although the process can be dangerous and detrimental to both parties. The longer a symbiote is bonded to a host, the stronger the connection becomes, making separation more difficult and potentially lethal.
FAQ 7: What are the weaknesses of symbiotes?
Symbiotes are vulnerable to high-frequency sonic waves and extreme heat. These weaknesses are exploited in both films to combat the symbiotes and separate them from their hosts. Fire and sound are, therefore, effective weapons against them.
FAQ 8: Are the symbiotes in the Venom movies the same as the symbiotes in the Marvel comics?
While the Venom movies draw inspiration from the Marvel comics, they also deviate in certain aspects. The origin stories and specific abilities of the symbiotes may differ slightly between the comic book and film universes. Generally, the films present a simplified version of the established comic book lore.
FAQ 9: Is there a “symbiote god” or higher power?
The films do not explicitly delve into the concept of a “symbiote god.” However, the comics explore the idea of Knull, the god of the symbiotes, who represents the source of their power and aggression. This concept may be explored in future films.
FAQ 10: Can symbiotes reproduce?
Yes, symbiotes can reproduce asexually by budding or splitting off a portion of themselves, as seen with the creation of Carnage from Venom. This reproductive ability allows them to spread and propagate. The process seems to require a suitable catalyst, like the introduction of Venom’s genetic material into Kasady’s bloodstream.
FAQ 11: What are the specific powers that each symbiote grants its host?
Each symbiote grants its host enhanced strength, speed, agility, and durability. They also possess shapeshifting abilities, allowing them to create weapons, shields, and camouflage. Venom grants his host the ability to shoot webs, while Carnage can create bladed weapons and tendrils. Specific powers vary from symbiote to symbiote.
FAQ 12: Will we see more symbiotes in future Venom movies or other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects?
Given the success of the Venom films and the vast potential of the symbiote mythology, it is highly likely that we will see more symbiotes in future MCU projects. The post-credit scenes of both Venom films hint at the possibility of new symbiotes entering the story and potentially crossing over with other Marvel characters. The introduction of the multiverse further opens up possibilities for different symbiote variants from alternate realities.
By examining the number and individual characteristics of the symbiotes in the Venom movies, alongside answers to these frequently asked questions, we can gain a more profound understanding of their role in the narrative and their potential impact on the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe. The six symbiotes showcased in the Venom films provide a compelling glimpse into a complex and dangerous alien species, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their future appearances.