With Venom continuing to dominate the big screen, there’s a growing interest in expanding the character’s cinematic universe. One potential direction for a future Venom film could involve the transformation of Eddie Brock into Agent Venom, a storyline for an Agent Venom Movie that takes the character in an exciting new direction. The “Agent Venom” arc in the comics is a unique chapter for Venom, where the symbiote bonds with a different host—none other than former soldier Flash Thompson. If the Venom franchise were to explore this concept, there are several comic book stories that could be adapted into a compelling Agent Venom movie.
1. “Agent Venom” (2011-2012) – Flash Thompson’s First Days as Agent Venom
The first major Agent Venom storyline begins in Venom #1 (2011), written by Rick Remender, where Flash Thompson, the former high school bully turned hero, becomes the new host for the Venom symbiote. Flash, having lost both of his legs while serving in the military, is recruited by the U.S. government as part of a covert black-ops program. This story focuses on Flash’s struggle to control the Venom symbiote, which has always been volatile and difficult to manage.
Flash’s determination to use the symbiote for good, despite its unpredictable and violent nature, makes for an emotionally complex character arc. His new role as Agent Venom sees him take on dangerous missions for the government, including dealing with rogue supervillains and alien threats. The Agent Venom run explores themes of redemption, responsibility, and sacrifice—perfect ingredients for a dramatic, action-packed movie.
In the film, the central conflict could involve Flash coming to terms with the moral implications of working for a government agency while also grappling with the symbiote’s violent urges. The character’s internal battle—between being a soldier and a hero—could provide the emotional weight that sets this storyline apart.
2. “Venom: The Madness” (1993) – Flash Thompson and Venom’s Bond
While the Agent Venom storyline began in 2011, a key story from the earlier Venom comics, Venom: The Madness (1993), could provide useful backstory and context for Flash Thompson’s relationship with the Venom symbiote. In this story, Venom experiences a psychological breakdown, and Flash Thompson is revealed to have been affected by the symbiote in a way that influences his future interactions with it.
This narrative could be adapted in a movie as a way to explore how Flash’s mental and emotional baggage affects his ability to control the symbiote. The psychological complexity of Venom, coupled with Flash’s trauma from his time in the military, could add layers to the Agent Venom story. It would show the strain that comes from bonding with an entity as dangerous and unpredictable as Venom.
3. “Planet of the Symbiotes” (1995) – Alien Symbiote Invasion
A major crossover event in the Venom comics, Planet of the Symbiotes (1995), could serve as a thrilling backdrop for a film involving Agent Venom. In this arc, the Earth is invaded by a vast army of symbiotes, leading to a battle for survival. While Flash Thompson is not the primary focus in this storyline, the idea of a symbiote invasion would allow for a thrilling action spectacle that pits Agent Venom against countless enemies who are similarly powered by symbiotes.
A movie based on this storyline could expand the universe of Venom significantly, introducing new symbiote-based villains like Scream, Lasher, and Riot. It would also allow the film to explore Flash Thompson’s leadership in taking on the overwhelming threat, using his military background and newfound powers as Agent Venom to fight back.
4. “The Symbiote Spider-Man” (2019-2020) – Flash Thompson’s Path to Venom
While not a traditional Agent Venom story, the Symbiote Spider-Man miniseries offers important insight into the history of the Venom symbiote and its prior connection to Peter Parker. In these stories, Flash Thompson’s connection to the symbiote is hinted at in flashbacks. A film could use elements of this series to show Flash’s personal connection to the symbiote, exploring the symbiote’s history from Spider-Man’s perspective before it bonds with him.
A Venom movie that adapts parts of Symbiote Spider-Man could incorporate both Flash’s journey as a veteran hero and the symbiote’s darker past. Flash’s redemption story would carry emotional weight, especially if the movie weaves in themes of forgiveness and breaking free from past mistakes.
5. “Venom vs. Carnage” (2004) – Agent Venom Faces Carnage
In the 2004 limited series Venom vs. Carnage, Venom faces off against his deadly offspring, Carnage. While Flash Thompson doesn’t directly participate in this storyline, bringing Carnage into an Agent Venom movie would be a natural way to ramp up the stakes. Carnage, with his unpredictability and murderous tendencies, would be a perfect adversary for Agent Venom’s more controlled, yet still volatile, nature.
This storyline could explore how Flash’s newfound control over the symbiote is tested when faced with an even more dangerous version of the same power. It would be an ideal opportunity to showcase the contrasts between Flash and Cletus Kasady (Carnage), particularly in terms of how they wield the power of the symbiotes.
Conclusion
An Agent Venom movie has a wealth of compelling stories to draw from in the comics, each offering a different take on the character’s evolution. From Flash Thompson’s battle to control the Venom symbiote, to epic battles against symbiote invasions and dangerous foes like Carnage, there’s no shortage of potential for a thrilling cinematic adaptation. Whether focusing on Flash’s personal struggles, his redemption arc, or the larger symbiote conflict, an Agent Venom movie could tap into deep emotional storytelling while delivering the high-energy action fans have come to expect from the Venom franchise.
