Warning: Spoilers for All-New Venom #5! A new chapter in the Venom saga has begun, yet it may not endure. Speculation surrounding the identity of the latest host of the Venom symbiote has flourished since the debut of Al Ewing and Carlos Gómez’s All-New Venom series. Fans tossed around names from Rick Jones to Paul Rabin, sparking intense discussion. But now, the mystery has been solved.
According to Marvel, ahead of the release of All-New Venom #5, it has been confirmed that Mary Jane Watson takes on the role as Venom’s new host. This pairing is noteworthy, given the unconventional history between MJ and Venom, promising dynamic storytelling opportunities.
While excitement builds for the April 2, 2025 release of All-New Venom #5, it’s essential to temper expectations. Historically speaking, temporal arrangements with Venom have rarely been permanent.
Mary Jane Watson’s Tenure as All-New Venom May Be Fleeting
The Venom symbiote has a long history of various hosts, starting with Peter Parker’s iconic black suit. Following Parker, the most recognized host has been Eddie Brock, and more recently, Eddie’s son, Dylan, has donned the symbiote. However, as of now, both Eddie and Dylan have stepped back from being the primary hosts—Eddie embracing the Carnage symbiote and Dylan taking on a supporting role in the latest storyline. It’s vital to recognize that while Eddie and Dylan are prominent figures, they are not the only ones to have held the symbiote.
Other characters, including Flash Thompson, Deadpool, Mac Gargan, Groot, Anne Weying, Captain Marvel, Spider-Gwen, and Black Widow, have all experienced time as host. This variety illustrates that no Venom host is meant to be permanent, even Eddie Brock. Despite being a fan favorite, Eddie’s time as Venom was not guaranteed to last forever, and neither should we expect the same for Mary Jane Watson.
Marvel’s tradition of frequently rotating the symbiote’s hosts suggests that Mary Jane will likely not break the mold. In fact, the shift of Black Widow to Venom less than two years ago, complete with a revamped costume, emphasizes the temporary nature of these roles within the comic book realm; most character arcs, especially with Venom, are typically short-lived.
Mary Jane Watson’s Previous Heroic Persona Was Also Brief
If Jackpot Was Temporary, How Long Can MJ’s Venom Role Last?
Mary Jane Watson’s previous superhero identity, Jackpot, was never meant to be permanent. Introduced in late 2022 during Mary Jane & Black Cat #1, MJ showcased extraordinary powers obtained through a magical slot machine, transforming her into Jackpot. Interestingly, she represents the third character in Marvel’s history to assume the Jackpot name, underlining the transient nature of superhero identities.
Although Mary Jane’s time as Jackpot had significant potential to reinvigorate her character—typically seen as Spider-Man’s love interest—her tenure was cut short. Just shy of two years with the Jackpot alias, MJ’s takeover of the Venom symbiote may mark the end of her previous role. If her stint as Jackpot was not designed to endure, it’s unlikely her time as Venom will differ.
How Long Will Mary Jane Watson Hold the Venom Title?
Marvel’s Trend of Short-Lived Roles: MJ’s Venom Legacy Follows Suit
Based on past experiences, Mary Jane Watson’s tenure as Venom will likely be limited to two years or less. In reality, it may be even shorter, given that Marvel often revamps character roles within that timeframe. Notably, MJ had barely settled into her Jackpot role before evolving into the All-New Venom.
This pattern seems to reflect a larger issue within Marvel—and the comic industry at large—where new concepts and character shifts rarely have lasting power, often not exceeding two years. Hence, readers should not anticipate any extended duration for MJ’s association with Venom. In fact, her time in this role may conclude before many even realize, as Marvel continues its cycle of reinvention.
All-New Venom #5 is set for release on April 2, 2025, by Marvel Comics!
For further details, check out Marvel.