AceShowbiz -

Riz Ahmed is close to joining Tom Hardy in Sony Pictures' upcoming "Venom (2018)" movie. Variety has reported that the "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" actor is in early negotiations to play a "popular Marvel Comics character," though details about the character remain under wraps.

Ruben Fleischer ("Zombieland") is on board to direct the film, which will not feature an appearance from Tom Holland's Spider-Man. The studio has previously confirmed that the upcoming spin-off film won't be part of the Spider-Man universe.

Scott Rosenberg ("Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle") and Jeff Pinkner ("The Dark Tower") are attached to pen the screenplay for the film which is set to hit U.S. theaters on October 5, 2018. Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are producing along with Amy Pascal.

Riz Ahmed recently starred in the acclaimed HBO drama "The Night Of", which scored him a Golden Globe nomination. His other credits include "Jason Bourne" and the Toronto Film Festival movie "City of Tiny Lights". He just wrapped production on "The Sisters Brothers", in which he stars opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly.