Hero, schmero. Thanks to the popularity of Heath Ledger‘s Joker, Hollywood may soon be looking to exploit the audience’s love for much darker characters.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Sony is tossing around the idea of giving Venom his own film. Most probably remember the character as the villain played by Topher Grace in last year’s Spider-Man 3.

As for when we could see the spinoff in theaters is unknown. Right now, the studio is still trying to produce a suitable script. The execs also have to agree on a lead actor. Although Tobey Maguire was given a chance to play the webbed one, those behind the scenes are apparently nervous about Grace’s box office appeal. Fortunately, since Venom is technically a gooey substance and not necessarily a person, they could actually attach any person they want to the project. (Pun intended.)

Whether or not Venom gets off the ground, Sony still intends on producing Spider-Man 4. That installment is expected to debut in 2011.