Disappointment for the fans who were hoping for an R rating for Sony’s sequel.
Those of us (myself included) that were hoping that the upcoming Sony sequel ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ would get an R rating are to be sorely disappointed. It has been confirmed that the film has been officially rated as PG-13 by the MPAA. While it isn’t really a shock (2018s ‘Venom’ got the same rating), it is a letdown for the fans of the comic books and the characters. It was hoped that the film would garner an R rating due to the introduction of Cletus Kasady/ Carnage fully this time around. The fans were clamoring for the film to be more in line for an adult audience. Sadly, it isn’t to be.
THE PG-13 RATING AND THE REASONS FOR IT
According to the MPAA weekly ratings bulletin and now confirmed on Sony’s own website for the film, it has been awarded a PG-13:
“for intense sequences of violence and action, some strong language, disturbing material, and suggestive references.”
Carnage in VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE.
THE FANS DISAPPOINTMENT
Many fans have made their feelings known that they were hoping for more. One fan commented that the film “is literally meant to be rated R”. Another chipped in with “Booooo…I wanted an R rating. However, I will take it if it is a really hard PG-13.” The feeling is that the film won’t nearly as scary enough at PG-13. The anger is being directed at Sony themselves for not daring to pull the trigger and go full-on R-rated. From a box office standpoint, PG-13 would be better than an R as it means it will entice a broader audience, including families.
Venom in VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE.
However, from a fan’s perspective, PG-13 won’t do the material justice. Over the years, Carnage has been extremely nasty and graphic. This won’t be seen in a PG-13 movie. It is likely to be a watered-down version of the material and not what we wanted at all. To be honest, Sony has run scared from going into R-rated territory. Instead of taking a chance and going for it, they have played safe. I just hope it pays off and has been done right. Because I’d expect the fans to tear the film apart big time if it hasn’t.
Carnage from Columbia Pictures’ VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE.
‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ opens October 15th.
Do you agree with the PG-13 rating? Would you have preferred the film to aim for an R rating? How do you think the rating will affect the material? Let us know your thoughts below!
Carl Roberts 
