Tom Hardy returns as Spider-Man villain in first 'Venom 2' trailer

Watch the first trailer for Venom: Let There Be Carnage

Tom Hardy is back in comic book mode for the first trailer for Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

Sony Pictures has launched the trailer, confirming a release date of 15 September, ahead of UK cinemas reopening from 17 May.

Hardy returns in the dual role of investigative journalist Eddie Brock and his chaotic alien symbiote alter-ego Venom for the sequel to the 2018 film, which sees Woody Harrelson joining the cast as Cletus Kasady, AKA Carnage of the film's subtitle.

In the Marvel comics, Carnage possesses similar powers to Venom, making him a formidable opponent for the anti-hero.

Read more: Tom Hardy named best British film star of the 21st century

In 2018, Venom grossed over $850 million worldwide and officially launched Sony Pictures’ own Universe of Marvel Characters. Originally slated for release in October 2020, the film was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic to September this year.

British filmmaker Andy Serkis, an old friend of Hardy's, is directing the sequel taking over the reins from Ruben Fleischer, who directed the first. Fleischer remains on board as exec producer.

After co-writing the script for the 2018 film, Hardy's longtime collaborator Kelly Marcel (Bronson) is the solo screenwriter this time around.

Talking about what made Serkis the perfect director for the film, producer Matt Tolmach said in 2019: “[Andy Serkis has] played inside monsters and he sort of understands character from inside.

"It's been wild to watch him with Hardy, because they speak that language that only actors understand - particularly, people like Tom Hardy, and what it's like to be in this other character from another realm.”

Stephen Graham, Naomie Harris, Michelle Williams and Reid Scott also star.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage is coming to cinemas 15 September, 2021.