It’s not uncommon for comic book creators to be surprised when their characters make an appearance in big-budget films and television shows. However, it’s rare for said creators to openly express surprise and demand compensation through social media. This is the situation that Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman currently find themselves in regarding their Knull’s appearance in the upcoming Venom sequel, ‘Venom: The Last Dance‘.
In tweets expressing shock and requesting payment, the co-creators have highlighted the ongoing issue of creator rights in Hollywood adaptations. Cates and Stegman first introduced the cosmic entity Knull in the popular Venom comic back in 2018. As the potential inclusion of such a major player from the source material became public, the duo took to Twitter to voice their lack of knowledge about the character’s role in the film.
Creators Express Surprise At Knull’s Cinematic Debut
In a tweet, Ryan Stegman stated “Yes, I did co-create knull. No, I didn’t know until today that he was gonna be in Venom: The Last Dance. Yes, I do expect to finally be able to afford that lazy river moat around my house“. Donny Cates echoed similar sentiments, tweeting an image that simply said “MONEY” alongside a laugh-crying emoji.Â
Their public reactions show how even high-profile comic book creators can be left in the dark about adaptations. With no previous communication from Sony, Cates and Stegman were among the audience learning of Knull’s significance to the film’s plot. This lack of transparency is what has driven their very public call to be compensated for their work bringing the character to life originally in the comics.
Compensation Issues Are Not New in Hollywood
It’s not unheard of for comic creators to battle studios over profits generated from their characters. Marvel themselves have grappled with lawsuits regarding ones like Thanos. Each company maintains different policies and creator contracts make outcomes unpredictable. With Sony overseeing the Venom films rather than Marvel, it remains uncertain if Cates and Stegman will see payment.
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Their social media statement also sparked discussions around fair treatment and royalties, as well as comic book storytelling warrants. As blockbuster films and shows look to mine decades of comics for new stories, the creators shaping those worlds deserve recognition too in their viewings. How studios like Sony choose to handle cases like this one could impact the future willingness of comic talents to bring new characters to life.
