As the latest Venom film comes to theaters this month, actor Tom Hardy is leaving the door open for his return as Eddie Brock. Hardy has played the role in two previous movies and is now wrapping up his contractual trilogy with Venom: Let There Be Carnage. However, he continues to express enthusiasm for continuing the character’s story on screen.

During a recent appearance at New York Comic Con, Hardy said he would “never say never” to fighting Spider-Man as Venom in a future film. When asked directly if he’d like to battle Spider-Man, Hardy responded emphatically saying “I would love to fight him now. I’m 100 percent happy to fight Spider-Man today.”

In a separate interview, Hardy reflected on becoming deeply connected to both Eddie Brock and the symbiote Venom over the years. He said he feels a strong “sense of obligation and responsibility” to the characters that will never go away. According to Hardy, he will “always be with” Eddie Brock and Venom, even after completing the planned trilogy.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage expands the symbiote mythology introduced in earlier films. It brings in new characters like the villainous Knull, who director Kelly Marcel called a “massive” part of the comics lore. While his role in the movie is minor, Marcel said it gives “just a little taster” of Knull’s potential for future stories. She hinted there may be “Easter eggs” setting up future plotlines within the symbiote world.

With its parent company Sony also developing other Spider-Man spin-offs like the upcoming Kraven the Hunter, the door appears to be open for Hardy’s return as Venom in possible future installments. As the actor himself continues fueling fan speculation, it seems he may not be done with the duo just yet.

Tags: Action Chiwetel Ejiofor Clark Backo Juno Temple Kelly Marcel Marvel Comics Peggy Lu Sci-Fi Sony Pictures Releasing Tom Hardy Venom: The Last Dance