Chiwetel Ejiofor Heads to Another Corner of the Marvel Universe, Joins Sony's 'Venom 3'

by Darian Scalamoni

    The man best known for being an adversary of Doctor Strange will now head to Sony's Marvel sphere as Oscar-nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, The Lion King) is joining the cast of Venom 3, per Deadline.

    Ejiofor has closed a deal to co-star alongside the titular symbiote-infected Venom played by Tom Hardy for the last two franchise installments. Additionally, Juno Temple (Ted Lasso, Atonement) is also joining the tentpole, with writer of the previous two films, Kelly Marcel moving to directing duties as well after Ruben Fleischer and Andy Serkis had their respective shots.

    Plot details for the third effort are unknown other than the casting choices and Marcel directing, however, Venom has proved to be a box-office success for Sony. The first two movies have grossed a combined $1.36 billion worldwide. Venom 3 will hit theaters sometime in 2024.

    Ejiofor has previously plated Baron Mordo in the Doctor Strange films and also was nominated for his first Oscar for his leading performance in Best Picture winner, 12 Years a Slave. Most recently, Ejiofor acted opposite Emilia Clarke in The Pod Generation which bowed at Sundance. Next, he'll direct and star alongside Jay Will, Camila Cabello and Mary J. Blige in Rob Peace. He'll also return as his character Copley in Netflix action film, The Old Guard 2.