Tom Hardy shares how 'Venom: Let There Be Carnage' reacted to savage reviews (exclusive)

Watch: Tom Hardy reveals his response to negative Venom reviews

Tom Hardy says he was prepared to "fully acknowledge and take on board" the criticism of the first Venom movie when making sequel Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

The 2018 movie scored an impressive global box office haul of $856m (£632m), but was mercilessly mauled by film reviewers.

According to aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, only 30% of critics gave the film a positive review, with the site's critical consensus describing it as "chaotic and noisy".

Read more: Ruben Fleischer still doesn't know why critics hated Venom

But for Hardy, who plays a key role behind the scenes on the franchise and has a "story by" credit on the new movie alongside screenwriter Kelly Marcel, the reviews were less important than the audience the film found.

"You have to look at it and go, okay fine, 99% of people are indifferent anyway," Hardy told Yahoo Entertainment UK.

He added: "So we're looking at calibrating a piece of work that fundamentally found an audience that really, really wants it.

"What worked? What didn't work? How can we best develop that? We love what we do, so how do we engage that and put our best foot forward in order to present in a way that what comes next is stronger, more nuanced, more fun?

"Basically, it covers more ground — fully acknowledging and taking on board the criticism of the prior, and also the praise and the enjoyment of the first as well."

Read more: Study finds gap between film critics and public opinion

Venom: Let There Be Carnage sees Eddie Brock clash with serial killer Cletus Kasady, who becomes the crimson-hued symbiote Carnage in the wake of his appearance in the first movie's post-credits scene.

Andy Serkis replaces Zombieland helmer Ruben Fleischer in the director's chair, with Naomie Harris and Stephen Graham among the new additions to the cast.

Elsewhere, Michelle Williams returns as Brock's ex-girlfriend Anne, along with Reid Scott also back as her new partner Dan.

Read more: Tom Hardy really wants Venom to meet Spider-Man on screen

Venom: Let There Be Carnage debuted in American cinemas this week and is receiving kinder reviews than its predecessor, with 59% of critics giving it a positive rating.

It is also surpassing box office estimates, earning a colossal $37.25m (£27.5m) on its opening day — more than its predecessor managed, without a pandemic with which to wrangle.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage will be released only in cinemas from 15 October.

Watch: Trailer for superhero sequel Venom: Let There Be Carnage