In The Last Dance, Venom and Eddie are not just pursued by Knull, but are also being hunted by a relentless creature known as the Xenophage, whose primary objective is to capture them at any cost.
Throughout the series of Venom films, audiences have witnessed confrontations with formidable foes like Riot, Carnage, and now Knull. However, there’s an additional lethal alien presence in Venom: The Last Dance—the Xenophage.
This terrifying entity tracks Eddie and Venom across various locations, starting from Mexico and leading to Las Vegas, all in search of a particular item that could liberate Knull from his dimensional prison. The Xenophage has its roots in Venom’s comic lore, making it essential for fans to delve into the background of this formidable hunter.
Here’s what you should understand about the Xenophage—its comic book origins and its significance in The Last Dance. (Caution: Spoilers are included!)
Understanding the Xenophage
The Xenophage is a predatory alien race that hunts symbiotes to consume both them and their human hosts.
These creatures have an insatiable appetite for the brains of symbiotes’ hosts, benefiting from the elevated dopamine levels due to their symbiotic relationships. Nonetheless, they are equally willing to feast on standard human brains if the need arises.
Masterful hunters, Xenophages can traverse space and operate without the use of external weapons. They possess an innate ability to pursue symbiotes and exhibit metamorphic qualities, allowing them to take on various forms.
Furthermore, they lack pain receptors and have an inherent capability to sense symbiotes from vast distances, even in highly populated environments.
The Xenophage was first introduced in Venom: The Hunted #1 in 1996, with the initial named Xenophage being Phage. Phage’s brutal rampage across New York City led to many being blamed on Venom. However, detectives from the N.Y.P.D quickly uncovered the truth about Eddie and Venom’s innocence, culminating in Eddie-Venom defeating Phage by detonating a grenade within the alien’s body.
The Role of Xenophage in Venom 3
In Venom 3, Knull dispatches a Xenophage to Earth in a bid to retrieve the Codex Key from Venom and Eddie, aiming to break free from his confinement.
The Xenophage makes its debut in Mexico, tracking Eddie and Venom after they clash with a gang. Its relentless pursuit unfolds across the country, culminating in confrontations on a plane, in Vegas, and at Area 51.
This adaptation of the Xenophage closely mirrors its comic origins, depicted as a massive creature with numerous limbs and an expansive mouth that consumes its prey. Following consumption, it expels the remains of its victims through the back of its head.
During the climactic showdown, additional portals open, allowing more Xenophage creatures to join the fray. This unexpected twist pushes Venom to make a selfless decision, aware of the overwhelming numbers against them.
To eradicate the Codex Key, one of them must perish, leading Venom to sacrifice himself and the Xenophage horde by pulling them into a vat of acid.
In a nod to his earlier battle with Phage, Strickland assists by detonating a grenade, resulting in the demise of all involved. Consequently, Knull’s scheme crumbles, keeping him trapped in his prison and promising that he will one day “annihilate” Earth.
For more exciting updates, check out the latest movie releases this month. You can also explore upcoming Marvel films and what’s new with Spider-Man 4. (By the way, find out if Spider-Man makes an appearance in Venom 3!)
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