The vocal performances and live-action portrayals behind Venom: Let There Be Carnage form the chaotic backbone of Sony's Spider-Man Universe. Leading the charge, Tom Hardy pulls double duty voicing both the beleaguered journalist Eddie Brock and the titular alien symbiote, crafting a comedic yet tense dynamic. Alongside Hardy, a roster of heavy-hitter actors brings the movie's chaotic human and symbiote characters to life.
Understanding the full scope of the voice cast and character roles requires looking past the surface credits. From Woody Harrelson's terrifying turn as Carnage to Naomie Harris's sonic villainy, every major performer shapes how these iconic comic book characters translate to the screen.
Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock and Venom
Tom Hardy remains the anchor of the franchise, playing both halves of the central odd couple. As Eddie Brock, Hardy leans into the exhausted, high-strung energy of a man whose life has been hijacked by an extraterrestrial parasite.
For the voice of Venom, Hardy utilizes a distinct, guttural rasp layered with dual vocal tracks to create the signature monster sound. In this sequel, the internal friction between Eddie and Venom reaches a boiling point. Venom wants to embrace his inner "Lethal Protector" and consume bad guys, while Eddie tries to keep a low profile and salvage his journalism career. Hardy's physical acting and vocal dexterity drive the film's dark humor.
Woody Harrelson as Cletus Kasady and Carnage
Woody Harrelson steps into the spotlight as the primary antagonist, serial killer Cletus Kasady. After teasing his introduction in the first film's mid-credits scene, Harrelson returns with a flamboyant, unhinged energy that contrasts sharply with Hardy's weary restraint.
When Kasady transforms into Carnage, Harrelson provides the vocal foundation for the red symbiote. Initially, Harrelson felt hesitant about voicing the digital monster directly, suggesting director Andy Serkis handle the vocal effects. Serkis encouraged Harrelson to find the unique, high-pitched, chaotic tone that separates Carnage's vocal identity from Venom's deeper, more resonant rumble. The result is a screeching, feral voice that matches the liquid-metal terror of the offspring symbiote.
Naomie Harris as Frances Barrison / Shriek
Naomie Harris portrays Frances Barrison, better known as Shriek, Cletus Kasady's lifelong love interest. Confined for years in a maximum-security isolation facility, Barrison possesses a dangerous mutant ability—a devastating sonic scream capable of shattering glass and destabilizing symbiotes.
Harris brings a tragic vulnerability to the character, framing her violent outbursts as the result of a lifetime of cruel mistreatment. Her voice work during the sonic action sequences adds a sharp, piercing layer to the film's sound design, creating a direct counter-threat to the alien entities. Younger actress Olumide Olorunfemi steps in to play Frances during flashback sequences.
Supporting Human Characters
The human supporting cast anchors the superhero chaos in genuine emotional stakes, featuring several returning faces from the original 2018 film.
- Michelle Williams as Anne Weying: Returning as Eddie's sharp-witted ex-fiancée and defense attorney. Williams balances her professional life with occasional, reluctant involvement in Eddie's symbiote troubles, even temporarily hosting Venom again when absolute necessity demands it.
- Reid Scott as Dr. Dan Lewis: Anne's current fiancé and a medical professional who frequently finds himself dragged into helping Eddie manage his alien passenger. Scott provides a steady, grounded comedic relief as the doctor who treats Venom's symptoms.
- Stephen Graham as Detective Patrick Mulligan: A hardened police detective hunting for clues regarding Cletus Kasady's hidden bodies. Mulligan hopes to use Eddie as an informant, setting up a complex web of tension that leads directly into his own comic-book transformation. Sean Delaney portrays a younger version of Mulligan in flashback scenes.
Cameos and Surprise Appearances
The film expands its broader cinematic footprint with brief but impactful cameo appearances during its mid-credits sequence.
Tom Holland makes an uncredited appearance as Peter Parker / Spider-Man, bridging the narrative directly into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe following events from Spider-Man: No Way Home. Alongside Holland, J.K. Simmons reprises his iconic role as J. Jonah Jameson, pulling footage straight from the global news broadcast that outs Spider-Man's identity.
Behind the Scenes of the Voice and Motion Capture
Bringing Venom and Carnage to life required more than just voice booths. The actors worked extensively with digital double reference points, stunt coordinators, and CGI supervisors.
Andy Serkis, renowned for his extensive motion-capture work in franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Planet of the Apes, directed the sequel. Serkis understood the unique physical and vocal demands placed on Tom Hardy. Because Hardy had to converse with himself constantly—switching between Eddie's panicked cadence and Venom's booming baritone—the production utilized pre-recorded dialogue tracks on set so Hardy could react naturally in real time without resorting entirely to post-production dubbing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Tom Hardy voice both Venom and Eddie Brock?
Yes. Tom Hardy voices both characters. He alters his natural speaking voice for Eddie and uses a heavily modulated, gravelly delivery for Venom, which is further processed by the sound design team in post-production to achieve the iconic multi-layered monster sound.
Who plays the villain Carnage in Venom 2?
Woody Harrelson plays the serial killer Cletus Kasady and also provides the vocal performance for his symbiote counterpart, Carnage.
Is Spider-Man in Venom: Let There Be Carnage?
Tom Holland appears as Peter Parker / Spider-Man via archival and crossover footage during the film's pivotal mid-credits sequence, connecting the Sony universe directly to the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Who voices Shriek in the movie?
Naomie Harris portrays Frances Barrison, also known as Shriek, performing both the dramatic dialogue and the character's powerful sonic scream sequences.
