Variety reports that writer-director Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) is in talks to direct and rewrite Venom, the movie spin-off of the Spider-Man 3 villain. Ross is currently working on a rewrite of Spider-Man 4, and clearly Sony is pleased with his progress. Ross will start work on Venom when he has finished Spider-Man 4.
Zombieland writers Rhettt Reese and Paul Wernick wrote two drafts of the screenplay, and recently stated that Marvel and the studio were taking their work and figuring out "the next step." Apparently, that next step is to have Ross rewrite their script.
No word on whether Topher Grace will return for Venom. Variety speculates that the role will be recast.
Venom is currently slated for a 2012 release.