Variety’s Michael Fleming is reporting on his blog that Gary Ross is in talks with Columbia to direct a “Venom” spin-off, which will include re-writing the script for the solo feature debut of Spidey’s ultimate nemesis. Ross was recently brought in to do re-writes on an early James Vanderbilt script for Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 4, due out in 2011.

Once again, this continues the trend of Marvel properties not immediately affected by Disney’s acquisition of the company being fast-tracked in an effort by these studios to maintain control of the film rights. We’ve recently seen 20th Century Fox and Columbia announce further installments of Fantastic Four and Ghost Rider, among others.

Gary Ross’ past credits include scripts for Big, Pleasantville and Seabiscuit with directing credits on the latter two. He is also currently in production to helm the legal drama, The Crusaders, starring Spider-Man himself, Tobey Maguire – also due out in 2011.

The idea for a “Venom” spin-off just sounds excessive and poorly timed, what with the recent flubbing of the character by Raimi and Topher Grace, just a small sliver of the problems with Spider-Man 3. Fleming’s post goes on to say that a potential spin-off would start from the characters origins and most likely re-cast the role.