Tom Hardy will take on the role of Eddie Brock / Venom in Sony’s upcoming Spider-Man spinoff!

With Spidey himself now in the hands of Disney’s Marvel, Sony is looking to expand the Spider-Man #franchise into new territory. Following years of on-again, off-again, on-again reports, today the studio took a big step forward: Tom Hardy will take on the lead role of Venom.

According to The Tracking Board, Tom Hardy “is said to be a huge fan of Venom, and Sony execs think he bears a striking resemblance to the original comic’s depiction of Eddie Brock, which never hurts. Landing Hardy is a huge coup for Sony, and the Oscar-nominated actor is probably the best possible fit for the character as well.”

Tom Hardy played Bane in WB’s The Dark Knight, and ever since then has been reportedly offered numerous superhero roles.

The character also appeared in 2007’s Spider-Man played by Topher Grace.

Venom is slated to open in theaters October 5, 2018 and will be directed by Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland).