While the symbiote shenanigans of Venom are likely returning for a third round, we may have to wait longer for the first sequel. Industry insiders have confirmed via Deadline that Sony is rescheduling the release dates for both Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. At first, there was talk of Sony’s Venom sequel being moved to January, but then that date switched to October 15. The film was originally set to be unleashed in theaters on September 24. In other words, the Venom 2 delay isn’t going to be that long of a wait.
As for Hotel Transylvania: Transformania, there’s a chance the animated sequel will be going straight to streaming services. To be clear, Sony is uncertain of how to proceed with either release, so be sure to keep an eye out for updates.
The unfortunate reality is that we’re still in the midst of a pandemic, and the rules about what can and cannot happen in public spaces are constantly changing. For example, vaccine cards are now required in the New York City theater market, and children under the age of 12 are not yet eligible for the vaccine. This is causing theater houses to pump the breaks on tentpole and family-friendly releases like Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. Additionally, there’s talk that The Addams Family 2 will have to keep its release date due to commitments with promotional partners. While Sony has the option of releasing Hotel Transylvania: Transformania on Netflix, the studio remains uncertain about moving the animated sequel to that particular platform. The Venom: Let There Be Carnage delay was never going to effect its status as a theatrical release given how huge the first film was.
For the moment, everyone is locked in a “wait and see” position as the delta variant continues to wreak havoc on the box office. Disney is currently hoping for a $20M+ start for Free Guy this weekend, though, as I’d said, things are still dicey. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed, eh?
How do you feel about the Venom: Let There Be Carnage delay? Do you think the October 15th date will hold?