Teaser for Spider-Man Spinoff 'Venom' Released Tom Hardy will star at the titular antihero in the upcoming film, which is rumored to have an R-rating. Appearances in the teaser include Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed. Venom's first theatrical appearance was back in the 2007 film Spider-Man 3, in which the villain was played by Topher Grace. The film is directed by Ruben Fleischer and opens in theaters on Oct. 5.