Venom may star in Spidey spinoff

LOS ANGELES, July 31 (UPI) -- Venom, the villain from the Hollywood blockbuster "Spider-Man 3," reportedly may be getting his own big-screen adventure.

The Hollywood Reporter said Sony is developing a movie spinoff for the Marvel Comics baddie.

The studio hired "Mean Creek" writer Jacob Estes to write the screenplay for a Venom-themed project, however, is said to be thinking about trying something else and looking for someone to write a new draft, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

Although "That 70s Show" star Topher Grace played Venom in "Spider-Man 3," the role was a supporting one and Sony is reportedly unconvinced he could carry a movie, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Sony and Marvel declined to comment for the report.