Warning: This article contains spoilers! We’ll be discussing major plot twists and the conclusion of “Venom: The Last Dance” (now in theaters), so proceed with caution if you haven’t watched it yet.

Many fans expected to see Spider-Man make an appearance in the latest “Venom” film, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Instead, viewers bid farewell to a key character and were introduced to a new cosmic supervillain.

“Venom: The Last Dance” effectively wraps up the superhero trilogy featuring Tom Hardy as both Eddie Brock and the titular alien symbiote. This installment takes us on a buddy trip with Eddie and Venom as they navigate their way to New York while evading the authorities—since Eddie is a murder suspect—and battling monstrous beings sent by Venom’s creator, the evil Knull (played through motion capture by Andy Serkis). Knull, a long-haired, brutish god of symbiotes, is imprisoned on a distant planet, and the unique bond between Eddie and Venom is what keeps him contained and prevents him from wreaking havoc.

Let’s explore the bittersweet finale, the two post-credit scenes, and whether this truly marks the end for Eddie and Venom.

What happens at the ending of ‘Venom: The Last Dance’?

As they travel from the Bay Area to New York, making a wild pit stop in Las Vegas, Eddie and Venom find themselves at Area 51, where the government has been capturing and studying other alien symbiotes. A battle ensues between Knull’s fierce creatures and the symbiotes (who find hosts in nearby scientists), leading Venom to make a heroic sacrifice. In a selfless act, he separates from Eddie and ensnares the vicious creatures in a web, allowing military operative Rex Strickland (Chiwetel Ejiofor) to attack with a liquid that destroys the creatures but also results in Venom’s demise. Before this, however, Venom shares a heartfelt moment with Eddie.

Having gained a pardon from the government, Eddie finally reaches New York and visits the Statue of Liberty—a location that Venom has been eager to see. He whispers, “I won’t forget you, buddy.”

Does ‘Venom: The Last Dance’ feature post-credit scenes?

Yes, it actually features two post-credit scenes—one is notable, while the other is a mysterious teaser. After the first set of credits, a scene shows Knull in a close-up, delivering a menacing proclamation. “The King in Black is awake,” he declares, signaling his intent to lay waste to Earth. “I will kill your world. Everyone will burn and you will watch.” While it isn’t directed at anyone in particular, it suggests dire consequences for the broader universe, considering Knull’s immense power in the comics.

The second scene occurs at the very end, following all the credits. It features a perplexed bartender, portrayed by Cristo Fernández (known from “Ted Lasso”), who previously interacted with Eddie and Venom while they were in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “Hello?!” he calls out into the desolate surroundings as he begins to walk. The camera zooms in on a cockroach scuttling past a damaged test tube—and it closely resembles the one crushed by scientist Teddy Payne (played by Juno Temple) that unleashed a symbiote, transforming her into a Venomized speedster.

So what does it all imply? It remains uncertain. The setting seems reminiscent of the Void, a limbo that connects various universes, as seen in “Loki” and the recent “Deadpool & Wolverine.” This could hint at the future involvement of symbiotes in upcoming films, or it suggests that the bartender might be getting an alien companion. Alternatively, even though Venom may have perished, the symbiote previously in Teddy appears to be alive.

Is this truly the last we see of Tom Hardy’s Venom?

In light of Knull’s presence, the outlook seems bleak. The post-credit scenes in Sony’s Marvel films haven’t really built towards anything significant—and considering the disappointing receptions of “Morbius” and “Madame Web,” it’s likely they won’t in the future either. However, introducing Knull suggests that there might be future plans for him in some universe, and whenever he appears, symbiotes are likely to follow.

Audience members might witness Venom (and Knull) reappear as soon as the next “Spider-Man” movie, which is set to start filming next summer with Tom Holland returning as Spider-Man. (According to Holland, the movie concept—directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and scheduled for release on July 24, 2026—is “wild.”) Perhaps Eddie will encounter Peter Parker in New York City; Venom could tag along, transforming their duo into an incredible trio.