Characters like Mac Gargan, Flash Thompson, and Anne Weying have already used the moniker of Venom in the past. Weying suited up as Lady Venom before her tragic death, while Thompson's time as Agent Venom has defined the character. But there are many more heroes and antagonists who would be fascinating replacements for Eddie Brock.
Brock and the Venom symbiote complete one another. Brock's time as the King in Black has meant that other characters could take over as Venom and continue serving as the Lethal Protector. Eddie's own son, Dylan, has bonded with the Venom symbiote. When considering a good candidate, it's important to look at how that symbiotic relationship would impact their narrative.
10 Ben Reilly
Ben Reilly has been through a lot in recent years. The character had a major identity crisis, transforming into Chasm after failing to piece together his broken memories. The Peter Parker clone has already spent years as the Scarlet Spider, but perhaps it's time for yet another change.
The Venom symbiote feeds on pain, anger, and uncertainty. Ben Reilly might be the perfect host for Venom and may bond with the beast in an attempt to rebuild his life. Not only would a narrative like this parallel the black suit saga that Peter Parker himself went through, but it would also allow Reilly to continue to toe the line as an anti-hero.
9 Ned Leeds
Ned Leeds is a complex character, most commonly known as a version of the Hobgoblin. The figure returned recently, suiting up as Hobgoblin again and getting corruptly enhanced by the Goblin Formula. But there could be an interesting redemption arc to explore here.
Ned Leeds might have been a willing Hobgoblin, but clearly, he needs direction in his life. The Venom symbiote could provide that. Leeds would certainly enjoy the strength and power of the Klyntar. But in a shifting of dynamics, it may well be that Venom himself can help to lead Ned to a better path. That could be a fascinating way to use Leeds in a new capacity while keeping the Venom character fresh.
8 Kraven The Hunter
Sergei Kravinoff has masqueraded as Kraven the Hunter for the majority of his career. But readers will remember Kraven's Last Hunt where the titular character took on the mantle of Spider-Man after seemingly killing his prey. The Venom symbiote could provide a follow-up to that narrative.
Kraven is already being turned into an anti-hero thanks to the live-action film. There are other iterations of the Hunter now in the comics. It's time for something new for Kravin. Of course, if bonded to the alien symbiote, Kraven would become the ultimate hunter. That's an idea he would relish. He's tried being a hero before, maybe this is a way of treading that path again.
7 Jessica Drew
Jessica Drew has done almost everything in Marvel. But she has a difficult relationship with alien imposters, thanks to the psychological damage caused by the secret Skrull invasion. Drew has continued to operate in that cosmic landscape, teaming with best friend Captain Marvel on multiple occasions.
Marvel is always willing to try something different with Jessica Drew, and perhaps it's time to retire the Spider-Woman mantle. A Drew/Venom partnership would be confrontational but entertaining. It would be especially fascinating to see how their unique powers mesh together, especially since Spider-Woman's venom blasts provide the symbiote with a different ability. Regardless, she's a worthy successor to Brock.
6 Peter Parker
Peter Parker is heavily involved in the lore of the symbiotes. Parker initially bonded to Venom on Earth after all and influenced the symbiote to begin using spider-like powers. There are currently two Spider-Men on Earth-616: Peter and Miles Morales.
Marvel Comics seems intent on exploring the darker side of Peter's life. So maybe this is the right opportunity to allow Miles to be the one and only Spider-Man. Peter has already tested himself as a host to Venom and their bond worked well. All these years on, it would be a deeply gripping arc to see the two reunited once more, long-term.
5 Wolverine
With the former X-23 taking on the Wolverine mantle, there is space for Logan to finally drop the moniker. The X-Man knows a lot about controlling an inner beast and is quite the anti-hero in his own right. The idea of the viciousness of Venom and Wolverine combined is sure to create plenty of savage imagery.
Logan has fought plenty of his own demons and would have firm control over Venom if they were to bond. Their combined healing powers would certainly make them indestructible. And a symbiote with additional claws is definitely something to fear. Personality-wise, there are also distinct similarities between Eddie Brock and Logan so in many ways, he's a logical successor.
4 Echo
Maya Lopez is most well-known for her time as the vigilante Echo. But the street-level hero has also taken on the Phoenix Force. This powerful cosmic entity was subdued by Maya for a time, demonstrating her immense strength and resolve. That's exactly what's needed to bond with a symbiote.
Lopez's time as Phoenix indicates her potential as a Venom successor. She's no stranger to violence and bloodshed and would ensure that Venom continued to operate as a lethal protector for the average Joe. Venom has been involved in so many strange events, world-ending disasters, and cosmic-level destruction that Echo could be the key to grounding the character.
3 Black Knight
Dane Whitman has struggled with his own inner darkness for most of his career. The influence of the corrupting Ebony Blade certainly hasn't helped matters. But there is now a Black Knight to replace Dane: his daughter. That means Whitman could become a new Venom.
Whitman's resolve and dedication to wielding the Ebony Blade demonstrate he has the mental fortitude to bond with a symbiote. Taking Venom into the world of Arthurian legend would be an incredibly unique narrative to watch unfold. Considering the Klyntar feels like a shadowy beast of old mythology, it would be a creative turn to see Whitman become the monster rather than slay it.
2 The Punisher
The debate whether Venom or Carnage is stronger has raged on. While working with the Hand, it seemed as if Frank Castle would be better suited for Cletus Kasady's former symbiote. However, when looking at his time as Punisher, he could be an ideal host for Venom.
Both Castle and Venom see themselves as lethal protectors, getting the job done through any means. Versions of Castle have been depicted as Cosmic Ghost Rider, demonstrating that the character is capable of this alien bond. The only concern would be whether Venom and Punisher were a bad influence on one another and thus would get a little out of control. However, it's easy to imagine Castle as an Agent Venom variation.
1 J. Jonah Jameson
It's always interesting to watch non-powered human characters suddenly imbued with great gifts. Thunderbolt Ross' transformation into Red Hulk is a perfect example. J. Jonah Jameson becoming Venom feels like a narrative that could easily follow that same trajectory.
Jameson has had a lot of hate in his heart for Spider-Man in the past. That's immediately an area that Venom and Jameson could bond over, considering their complex shared history. Although Jameson has already been on a redemptive arc, throwing him into the middle of the superhero world would allow him to get a sense of what this lifestyle is actually like on the day-to-day. Jameson would ultimately want to be a hero worthy of his community making him a good replacement.