Church's version of Sandman was influenced by Frankenstein's monster, the folklore character Golem, and the sadness that Lon Chaney Jr. brought to his portrayals of misunderstood creatures, such as the Wolf Man.
- Topher Grace as Edward "Eddie" Brock Jr. / Venom:<br>Peter's rival photographer at the Daily Bugle who becomes possessed by an extraterrestrial symbiote. Grace had impressed the producers with his performance in the film In Good Company. As a comics fan who read Venom stories during his childhood, Grace viewed his character as someone under the influence of a substance, similar to an alcoholic or drug addict.