A sequel to 2018”s Venom is now in pre-production in the UK.

Venom 2 will be directed by Andy Serkis with Tom Hardy reprising his role of investigative journalist Eddie Brock, aka Venom; Michelle Williams also stars.

The features are based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name.

Venom was the first film in Sony”s Marvel Universe. Directed by Ruben Fleischer and filmed mainly in New York and Atlanta, it went on to take more than $850m worldwide.

Kelly Marcel, who wrote the first film, returns as screenwriter for the sequel.

Hardy has been working on a new BBC adaptation of A Christmas Carol starring Guy Pearce for his production company Hardy Son and Baker alongside Scott Free Productions. He is also lined up to do a second series of Taboo.

Venom photo: Frank Masi – © 2018 CTMG, Inc/Sony Pictures Entertainment.