When did Knull first make his mark in Marvel universe? A detailed look at his timeline
Venom: The Last Dance's final trailer shocked many by featuring Knull, the god of symbiotes. The villain, who was created by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman in Marvel Comics, is finally set to make his live-action debut in the upcoming film starring Tom Hardy, and it looks like he will be the endgame boss for this version of Venom as well.
What's interesting about Knull is that he is a fairly new character. While the god of symbiotes was first mentioned in Jason Aaron's Thor: God of Thunder #6 in March 2013, the character wouldn't make his first full appearance until Venom (Vol. 4) #3 in June 2018. However, his chronology would be first explained in Venom (Vol. 4) #4 in July 2018.
While the seeds for the character were planted in 2013, it would take five years for him to make his mark in the Marvel comic book universe. As of now, it is unclear who will be portraying the character in Venom: The Last Dance. Fans will get the answer to that question when the film, directed by Kelly Marcel and starring Tom Hardy, releases in theatres on October 25, 2024.
Exploring Knull's storyline in Marvel universe
In the comics, Knull has been described as the Eldritch god of darkness who created the symbiotes as well. He used to reside in the sixth and seventh Cosmoses, but his peace was disturbed when the Celestials came knocking at his door and invaded his kingdom as they wanted to make him the King in Black. However, he had his own plans.
Using the Necrosword, which is also the first-ever symbiote in the Marvel universe, he decapitated a Celestial's head and used it to refine his blade, which linked him to the cosmic being. He then waged his war against the light and would be feared by many in the universe. Eventually, he became stranded on a planet after his sword was stolen by someone.
On the planet though, he experimented with his powers and found out that his living abyss could bond with "lesser creatures" and that he could control them. This leads him to declare himself as the nexus of the hive as he begins conquering the world with symbiote dragons.
How does Knull fit into Venom: The Last Dance?
In the final trailer for Venom: The Last Dance, it looks like Knull is set to start a symbiote invasion on Earth. While the exact reason remains unknown, Venom confirms in the trailer that his creator, Knull, has found them. Fans can even see various other symbiotes in the trailer that are presumably sent by Knull alongside a Xenophage.
In Venom: The Last Dance, fans will see Venom and Eddie both being on the run as forces from both their worlds are after them. The official synopsis for the film reads as per Sony Pictures Entertainment reads as:
"Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie's last dance."
The film will also conclude the Venom trilogy. It stars Tom Hardy, Juno Temple, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and more and will be released exclusively in theatres in October.