Sony taps Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein for bold reboot
A surprising new direction for Venom
February 21, 2026 – Sony has tapped Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, the duo behind Final Destination Bloodlines, to direct a new animated Venom movie. The move signals a creative shift for the franchise, leaning into animation to reimagine the iconic Marvel antihero.
A bold pivot.
Image Credit: Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
Why animation changes everything
By moving Venom into animation, Sony gains greater freedom to explore darker themes, exaggerated action, and comic-accurate visuals that are harder to achieve in live action. Insiders say the format allows the character’s chaotic energy and symbiote transformations to be fully unleashed.
Creative freedom unlocked.
Image Credit: Getty/Sony
The directors’ growing profile
Lipovsky and Stein have earned attention for blending genre thrills with inventive storytelling. Their work on Final Destination Bloodlines showcased a modern approach to suspense, making them an unexpected but intriguing choice to reinvent one of Marvel’s most volatile characters.
Momentum builds.
Image Credit: Eric Milner
How it fits Sony’s strategy
The animated Venom project reflects Sony’s broader push to expand its Marvel-related properties beyond traditional formats. Animation offers a way to reach new audiences while refreshing familiar characters without conflicting with existing live-action timelines.
A strategic expansion.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Final thoughts
Handing Venom to Lipovsky and Stein suggests Sony is willing to take risks with one of its most valuable properties. If successful, the animated film could redefine how Marvel antiheroes are explored on screen.
FAQs
Q1: Who is directing the animated Venom movie?
Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein.
Q2: What are they best known for?
Directing Final Destination Bloodlines.
Q3: Is this a live-action Venom film?
No, it is an animated feature.
Q4: Why did Sony choose animation?
To allow greater creative and visual flexibility.
Q5: Does this affect the live-action Venom films?
It appears to be a separate animated project.
Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: Eric Charbonneau/Warner Bros. via Getty Images
