Spider-Man Venom Spinoff Film Nabs Director

It’s been a busy day for Spider-Man fans. Not only did audiences learn the exact premiere date of Sony’s spin-off Venom flick, but a director has already been attached to the project as well.

UPDATE: According to Exhibitor Relations, Sony has given the site an update about Venom’s director. Alex Kurtzman is no longer associated with the project. For now, the movie remains without a directo.

According to reports, it looks like Alex Kurtzman will be directing the film. Fans will know the director from his work on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and The Mummy.

Here’s what Exhibitor Relations had to say about the director:

“Alex Kurtzman, writer of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 and director of THE MUMMY reboot will be at the helm of Sony’s VENOM.”

Of course, some fans will be curious about Sony’s decision to bring back someone who worked on a previous Spider-Man title. Kurtzman penned the script for the second film in The Amazing Spider-Man franchise, and the feature heavily hinted at the creation of the Sinister Six. A film based on the villain group had been in the works before Sony opted to end the franchise, and the organization at some points has hosted Venom in its ranks.

The last fans heard of the Venom spin-off, it was for scripting purposes. Sony confirmed it had tapped Dante Harper to pen its script. With the villain coming back to theaters, fans are hoping Venom’s live-action comeback will be better than his last. The character was previously featured in Spider-Man 3 thanks to Topher Grace, but the inclusion was poorly received by fans and critics.

The official Spider-Man: Homecoming synopsis is listed below.

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.

The cast includes Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Jacob Batalon, Laura Harrier, Tony Revolori, Tyne Daly, Bokeem Woodbine, with Marisa Tomei, and Robert Downey Jr. It also includes Jon Favreau, Martin Starr, Kenneth Choi, Michael Mando, Selenis Leyva, Isabella Amara, Jorge Lendeborg, Jr., JJ Totah, and Hannibal Buress.

Next up for Marvel is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 on May 5, 2017. Spider-Man: Homecoming lands on July 7, 2017, followed by Thor: Ragnarok on November 3, 2017. After that Black Panther debuts on February 16, 2018, while Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters on May 4, 2018. Ant-Man and the Wasp is slated for July 6, 2018, followed by Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019.

MORE: New Look At Peter’s Homemade Costume /Spider-Man: Homecoming MAFEX Figure Looks Amazing / Sony Regrets Selling Spider-Man Merchandising Rights