Jenny Slate in talks to join Sony's 'Spider-Man' spinoff 'Venom'

Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Jenny Slate is being eyed to star in Sony's upcoming Spider-Man spinoff Venom, starring Tom Hardy in the title role.

Slate is in negotiations to join the film from director Ruben Fleischer, noted The Hollywood Reporter.

In addition to Hardy, the cast of the comic book film also includes Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed in unspecified roles.

Slate is being considered to portray a scientist character, Variety reported citing sources.

Venom, penned by Scott Rosenberg (Jumanji) and Jeff Pinkner (The Dark Tower), is being produced by Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach and Amy Pascal. The film is set for release on Oct. 5, 2018.

The central character is a mainstay in Marvel's Spider-Man comics who first appeared as a villain before becoming an antihero. Venom is born after an alien symbiote bonds with photographer Eddie Brock who is then gifted with powers similar to Spider-Man's along with other abilities. The character was first portrayed by Topher Grace in 2007's Spider-Man 3.

Sony has stated that actor Tom Holland's Spider-Man, who is a part of Disney's Marvel cinematic universe, will not be appearing in Venom or the studio's second spinoff featuring female characters Black Cat and Silver Sable.