Who is the Voice of Venom?

When audiences first heard Venom’s growling, witty voice in Venom (2018), they might have wondered: Who is behind that iconic villain? 

The answer lies in a bold creative choice —Tom Hardy, the actor portraying Eddie Brock, also voices the symbiote. This dual performance has become a defining feature of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU), blending Hardy’s physicality with a menacing and darkly humorous voice.

In this article

1. Crafting Venom’s Voice: Unconventional Inspirations
2. A Layered Performance: Collaboration and Evolution
3. Why Tom Hardy’s Voice Matters
4. Legacy and Impact
5. Conclusion

Crafting Venom’s Voice: Unconventional Inspirations

Hardy’s approach to Venom’s voice was anything but traditional. In interviews, he revealed a mix of unexpected influences:

• Woody Allen’s neurotic humor: The actor channeled Allen’s signature anxiety to add a layer of self-aware wit to Venom’s dialogue.
  
• Conor McGregor’s raw aggression: The UFC fighter’s physicality inspired Venom’s visceral, unfiltered intensity.
  
• Redman’s chaotic energy: The rapper’s unpredictable style influenced Venom’s playful, almost unhinged tone.
  

Hardy admitted that studio executives didn’t share these eclectic references. Instead, he focused on creating a “bombastic, playful, dark, witty” persona that felt both familiar and alien.

A Layered Performance: Collaboration and Evolution

While Hardy’s voice dominates Venom’s portrayal, the first film (Venom) included uncredited contributions from veteran voice actor Brad Venable. 

Venable’s work layered beneath Hardy’s performance added depth to the symbiote’s guttural growls and menacing resonance. Tragically, Venable passed away in 2021, leaving Hardy to carry the vocal load solo in Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021).

The sequel saw a deliberate shift in Venom’s voice. Hardy adjusted the tone to reflect the symbiote’s evolving relationship with Eddie Brock. Gone was the outright menace of the first film; instead, Venom adopted a more upbeat, almost domesticated lilt.

This change mirrored the character’s arc from a hostile invader to a reluctant antihero, with Hardy emphasizing Venom’s growing “humanity” through vocal delivery.

Why Tom Hardy’s Voice Matters

Hardy’s commitment to voicing Venom has been pivotal to the SSU’s success.

His ability to switch between Eddie Brock’s vulnerability and Venom’s bombastic persona creates a dynamic tension that anchors the films. The interplay between the two characters — often bickering like an odd couple — has become a fan favorite, blending humor with high-stakes action.

Moreover, Hardy’s vocal range is staggering.

From the gravelly growls of Venom’s early scenes to the sarcastic quips of the symbiote’s later interactions, his performance avoids monotony. This versatility is a testament to his dedication, even when the role demands speaking to himself in nearly every scene.

Legacy and Impact

Venom’s voice has transcended the SSU, appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) via Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).

While the character’s future in the MCU remains uncertain, Hardy’s portrayal has cemented Venom as a cultural icon. The symbiote’s voice — equal parts terrifying and oddly endearing — has inspired countless fan art, memes and even video game adaptations (though those, like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, feature different voice actors such as Tony Todd).

Conclusion

Tom Hardy’s dual role as Eddie Brock and Venom is a masterclass in vocal acting.

He merged unexpected influences with raw creativity and brought a complex, multifaceted character to life.

As the SSU expands, Venom’s voice remains a cornerstone of its identity—a reminder that even the most alien beings can resonate deeply with audiences when given a voice as bold and unique as Hardy’s.