It's 2026, and the web-slinging hype train shows no signs of slowing down. At this point, it's the worst-kept secret in gaming: Insomniac Games is absolutely cooking up a third mainline Marvel's Spider-Man title. The massive success of the first two games and the clear narrative threads left dangling at the end of Spider-Man 2 make it a foregone conclusion. Fans have been dissecting every clue, from the introduction of Cindy Moon (aka Silk) to the cryptic teases hidden in side missions. Now, a major piece of the puzzle might have just been confirmed, straight from the mouth of Spider-Man himself.
The Voice Actor Lets It Slip 🎤
The rumor mill went into overdrive recently when Yuri Lowenthal, the iconic voice behind Peter Parker, reportedly dropped a major hint. At Fan Expo Canada, a major hub for all things pop culture, Lowenthal was asked directly about the potential appearance of the chaotic, murderous symbiote known as Carnage in the next game. His response, while coy, was dripping with implication: "I can’t say anything about that but… they’re definitely cooking something up." This wasn't just some random fan speculation; the interaction was shared by attendee Austin Medeiros, complete with a photo of an autograph from Lowenthal, adding serious credibility to the claim. It seems the actors are just as excited as the fans! 😄
The Spider-Man 2 Breadcrumb Trail
For players who completed the chilling "The Flame" side quest chain in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, this tease is the final, glaring neon sign. Let's break down what that mission laid out:
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The Cult: The quest involves Yuri Watanabe (now Wraith) and Spider-Man tracking a dangerous cult leader.
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The Symbiote Sample: At the climax, the cult secures a precious sample of the Venom symbiote.
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The Man in the Shadows: A mysterious, unsettling man appears, takes the sample, and vanishes. This character is visually designed to be a dead ringer for Cletus Kasady, Carnage's infamous host in the comics.
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The Name-Drop: The word "Carnage" is explicitly mentioned during the encounter.
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The Final Proof: The game's database later confirms one of the suspect's aliases is... you guessed it, Cletus Kasady. Case closed! 🔍
| Spider-Man 2 Tease | What It Means for Spider-Man 3 |
|---|---|
| Cletus Kasady's Appearance | Establishes the host character in the game's universe. |
| Acquisition of Symbiote Sample | Explains how Carnage is created without Venom's direct involvement. |
| "Carnage" Name-Drop | Directly confirms the villain's identity and future threat. |
Why Carnage is the Perfect Next Villain
With Insomniac confirming no story DLC for Spider-Man 2, all signs point to this setup paying off in the trilogy's finale. Carnage isn't just another strong enemy; he represents a terrifying escalation. Here’s why he fits perfectly:
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A Personal Threat: Unlike the world-ending plans of previous villains, Carnage is pure, chaotic evil. He kills for fun, creating a deeply personal and horrifying challenge for Peter and Miles. It’s a street-level threat with planetary stakes.
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Symbiote Evolution: After exploring the corruption of the black suit with Peter and the heroic use of a symbiote with Miles, Carnage is the next logical step—a symbiote completely devoid of morality, fused with a psychotic host.
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Opening Act Potential: Just as Spider-Man 2 opened with a spectacular Sandman fight, Spider-Man 3 could kick off with a brutal, shocking confrontation with Carnage, immediately setting a darker, more intense tone for the game.
The Bigger Picture: What's Next for the Spider-Verse?
Carnage is likely just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The introduction of Silk (Cindy Moon) opens up a whole new dynamic for the Spider-team. Will we see a trio of Spider-heroes? How will they handle a threat as vicious as Carnage? Furthermore, the existence of the symbiote sample opens the door for other offshoots or even the potential return of Venom in some form. The possibilities are endless and incredibly exciting! 🕷️🕷️🕷️
Final Thoughts
Yuri Lowenthal's playful tease feels less like a rumor and more like a soft confirmation. Combined with the blatant setup in Spider-Man 2, it seems all but guaranteed that the crimson nightmare of Carnage will be wreaking havoc in the next game. Insomniac has a proven track record of delivering fantastic, character-driven stories with their iconic villains, and the thought of them tackling one of Spider-Man's most terrifying foes is enough to make any fan's Spider-Sense tingle with anticipation. The wait for an official announcement is going to be brutal, but knowing they're "definitely cooking something up" makes it all worthwhile. Get ready, true believers—the red and black terror is coming. 😱