Venom is Eddie. The New York Post says so. Besides it's on the internet.
http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/69433.htm
New character Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard) was Peter Parker's first girlfriend in the comics. She was killed by the Green Goblin, who dropped her off a bridge (a scene that was copied for the first Spider-Man movie with Mary Jane Watson, who lived). In this film, she'll create a little romantic tension between Peter and Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst).
Gwen Stacy's dad is a police captain, George Stacy (James Cromwell). In the comics, Captain Stacy is killed by falling debris when Spider-Man fought Doctor Octopus. Gwen blamed Spider-Man for his death. Since Doc Ock was killed in "Spider-Man 2," it's doubtful the same plot will be followed.
Spider-Man may get a costume change in this film, as shown by a hint of black. In the comics, Spider-Man found a living black alien suit that responded to his every need. But the suit turned out to be evil, and Spider-Man got rid of it. Instead the creature attached to ...
... Eddie Brock, played in "Spider-Man 3" by Topher Grace. Possessed by the black suit, Brock, a friend of Peter, becomes the villain Venom. Of course, the movie may not follow this rather fanciful plotline, and the black suit may be only an aesthetic choice.
And where are they??!!
Not seen yet, but sure to show up in New York soon:
Thomas Haden Church
Plays the villain Sandman. (Radiation allows him to turn his body to sand.)
James Franco
Plays Harry Osborn, who may become the Green Goblin like his dad before him.
Kirsten Dunst
Love interest Mary Jane is with Peter now, but will they live happily ever after?