Spider-Man fans are buzzing with excitement as rumors swirl about the villain set to face Tom Holland in the much-anticipated Spider-Man 4. If recent reports are to be believed, the web-slinger’s next foe is none other than Knull, a cosmic entity so powerful that even Thanos might hesitate to take him on. But who is this fearsome villain, and what does his potential arrival mean for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?
Who is Knull? The Dark God Behind the Symbiotes
For those unfamiliar with Marvel’s deeper lore, Knull is no ordinary villain. He’s an ancient, malevolent deity, known as the God of the Symbiotes. Introduced in the comics as a god of darkness, Knull was created before the universe itself, lurking in the primordial void before the Celestials began shaping the cosmos. His most infamous act? Decapitating a Celestial and forging the All-Black Necrosword, a weapon of unimaginable power, from its severed head.
Knull’s hatred for all creation fuels his genocidal mission, and he commands a symbiotic suit of armor crafted from pure darkness. His arrival on Earth-616, the universe where Holland’s Spider-Man resides, could spell disaster not just for Peter Parker, but for the entire multiverse.
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man May Team Up With Venom
In Spider-Man 4, it’s rumored that Spider-Man won’t face Knull alone. Instead, he might be teaming up with none other than Eddie Brock, played by Tom Hardy, in an unprecedented crossover between the MCU and Sony’s Venom universe. Fans got a taste of this potential crossover in the post-credits scene of Venom: Let There Be Carnage, hinting that Brock might have a future within the MCU. Now, with Knull on the horizon, this partnership feels more likely than ever.
If true, this team-up could lead to a multiverse-level conflict. Knull, as the creator of the symbiotes, has a direct link to Venom, making Eddie Brock an essential ally in the fight against this godlike being. But can even Venom and Spider-Man together stop a force as powerful as Knull?
Why Knull Is More Dangerous Than Thanos
While Thanos was certainly a formidable foe in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, Knull poses an entirely different kind of threat. Unlike the Mad Titan, whose goal was to restore “balance” to the universe, Knull’s ambitions are purely destructive. His genocidal campaign isn’t about reshaping the universe — it’s about obliterating it.
Thanos may have shattered Captain America’s vibranium shield and fought off the combined forces of Thor, Iron Man, and the Avengers, but even he might think twice about crossing paths with Knull. The God of the Symbiotes wields not only raw power but the ability to control the symbiotes themselves, potentially turning any ally against Spider-Man.
Fans who are familiar with Knull’s comic book storyline know just how terrifying this villain can be. His eventual arrival could signal the beginning of a darker, more cosmic phase for the MCU, potentially setting the stage for events that rival the scale of Avengers: Endgame.
Fan Reactions: Excitement and Concern Over Knull’s Possible Arrival
As with any major development in the MCU, fans have taken to social media to voice their thoughts on the possibility of Knull being introduced in Spider-Man 4. Some are thrilled at the prospect of a villain this powerful entering the MCU, while others are more cautious, wondering how Marvel will manage to build up such a significant character in just one movie.
“It would be so much better if they make him the next big threat after Secret Wars and build him starting from the Spider-Man and Venom movie. He deserves that.”
However, not everyone is convinced. Another fan commented:
“I really don’t know how to feel about this. Can’t blame Marvel, Sony just be using everyone, so good call getting Knull I guess, but he’s more a Venom villain so IDK, IDK.”
The idea of Knull being introduced so early in the MCU has sparked debate, with some questioning whether the character would be better suited for a larger, overarching storyline rather than a standalone Spider-Man film. Still, many fans are eager to see how Marvel tackles this challenge and whether Knull will live up to the hype.
Is Marvel Shifting Away From Street-Level Storytelling?
Initial reports suggested that Spider-Man 4 would take a more grounded approach, with Peter Parker dealing with street-level threats like Wilson Fisk (the Kingpin) and possibly teaming up with Charlie Cox’s Daredevil, especially after the events of Daredevil: Born Again. However, if Knull is indeed the villain, it’s clear that Marvel is steering Spider-Man in a much more cosmic direction.
While a street-level Spider-Man story might have been interesting, particularly with the potential team-up of Spidey and Daredevil, the introduction of Knull would significantly raise the stakes. The shift from local crime-fighting to multiversal conflict could reshape the MCU in unexpected ways.
What’s Next for Spider-Man and the MCU?
At this point, it’s important to take these rumors with a grain of salt. Marvel Studios is known for keeping its cards close to the chest, and nothing has been officially confirmed regarding Knull’s involvement in Spider-Man 4. Still, the prospect of seeing Tom Holland’s Spider-Man face off against one of Marvel’s most terrifying villains is enough to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
If Knull does make his MCU debut, it could be the start of a much larger storyline that carries over into future Marvel films, potentially setting up the next Avengers-level event. With Secret Wars on the horizon, the MCU’s cosmic landscape is about to get a lot more dangerous, and Spider-Man might be at the center of it all.
In the meantime, fans will have to wait for more details to emerge. Whether it’s street-level crime or a cosmic showdown with Knull, one thing is for sure: Spider-Man 4 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting entries in the MCU’s ever-expanding saga.