Marvel readers may have already figured out who the next Venom is. Last December, the publishing company officially debuted a brand-new gold design for an All-New Venom. While the identity behind the black ooze has yet to be revealed, Marvel has promised that this is an entirely new host for the symbiote.

Ever since, comic fans have taken to social media to speculate on who this All-New Venom's secret identity could be, and judging by the evidence that's been presented, All-New Venom might be Mary Jane's current boyfriend Paul. Yes, the same Paul who drew the ire of the Spider-Man fanbase upon being revealed as MJ's new beau during Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr.'s run on The Amazing Spider-Man.

Several Marvel characters, including Rick Jones, have been prime suspects throughout the first several issues of All-New Venom, but the Paul theory is seemingly gaining traction ahead of the big reveal.

Fans Think Paul is All-New Venom – And They Might Be Right

Who is Paul & Why Do Marvel Readers Hate Him?

To best understand the likelihood of Paul being the All-New Venom, readers must understand why Paul is such a hated figure in current-day Marvel Comics. Paul Rabin debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man at a time when long-time readers had been frustrated with Marvel's direction for the hero, particularly in the creative decision to keep him separated from his long-time lover, MJ. This has practically been a mandate from Marvel since Mephisto took their marriage in the franchise's most hated storyline, "One More Day." Since then, Marvel has doubled and tripled down on ensuring their romance was over.

Paul Rabin makes his first official Marvel appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #1 – written by Zeb Wells, with art by John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz, and Joe Caramagna.

By debuting as Mary-Jane's boyfriend, Paul was pegged as the physical representation of the exact thing keeping Peter Parker and MJ apart. His first s saw him seemingly having the happy ending that fans always envisioned for Peter Parker: MJ as a partner raising children. Marvel wasn't going to give fans what they wanted, and in-universe, Paul was stopping Peter from rekindling things with MJ. That was enough for fans to hate Paul. If the goal for Marvel is for its readers to hate their new Venom, then Paul would be the perfect candidate for the role.

Why Paul Is The Perfect Choice To Become Marvel's "All-New Venom"

The Seeds Have Been Planted All Along

It is not like the notion of Paul being the All-New Venom comes out of nowhere. Himself and MJ have already been recurring characters in the series, with MJ's superhero identity, Jackpot – alludes to the title character having to explain his origins and predicament to MJ once his identity is revealed. The preview's description reads:

Now we know WHO the All-New Venom is…the question is HOW? What happened after the events of the Venom War? Why did the symbiote choose this host – and why can’t they separate? Jackpot confronts Venom – and she may not like what she finds out!" .

It would be safe to assume, or at least predict, that the Venom in question will need to explain his ailment to his romantic partner. Never has there been such a disliked incarnation of Venom, but that's what readers would get with Paul in the driver's seat. Traditionally, Venom has been a complicated anti-hero, but even at his worst fans have loved to hate him. There's no love lost for Paul from fans currently, but he certainly checks those other boxes. Marvel's most hated character transforming into its most complicated superhero could add some layers to the All-New Venom.

All-New Venom #6 will be available May 7, 2025 from Marvel Comics.