The multiverse is the main theme of exploration in phases 4, 5 and 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, not every Marvel Studios project also caters to this theme. And Werewolf by Night, short film released in 2022, is the clearest proof of that. On the other hand, this movie is considered a Marvel experiment with the horror genre, and also set the stage for the debut of one of the strangest and scariest squads in the comics: Legion. of Monsters.
Released on October 7, 2022, Werewolf by Night brought Gael Garcia Bernal to the MCU as Jack Russell, a monster hunter who was plagued by a bizarre curse that allowed him to transform into a werewolf. Besides, this project also brings Man-Thing and Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly) to the screen for the first time in a live-action work. These are all famous characters in many Marvel horror stories.
Werewolf by Night marks the first time such monsters have appeared in the MCU. However, the statements of producer Stephen Broussard show that this is just the beginning, and Marvel Studios will certainly continue to exploit the horror and monster content in projects in the near future.
Werewolf by Night is just the beginning of the monster series in the MCU
During a press conference to promote Ant-Man & the Wasp: QuatumaniaBroussard has revealed that Marvel Studios is “began to introduce the audience to some interesting characters of darker, more monstrous, supernatural, and mystical aspects, in the most natural way“. Broussard also emphasized that such content will continue to be developed in the future of the MCU, as Marvel Studios still wants to “maintain the horror element” in their films. This means that monsters appear in Werewolf by Night will definitely return in new MCU storylines.
Besides Bernal’s werewolf character, Werewolf by Night It’s also the dramatic debut of the Man-Thing, an unusual creature who was once an ordinary person by the name of Dr. Ted Sallis. Not only is it one of Marvel’s iconic standout monsters, Man-Thing also plays a particularly important role in the multiverse idea, because it is the guardian of the Nexus of All Realities – where everyone intersecting timelines. Therefore, it is not excluded that Man-Thing will be the bridge to connect the monster storyline with the MCU’s multiverse.
Besides, Werewolf by Night also introduced the idea of many vampire species to the MCU. This can be seen as a stepping stone before Blade officially steps on the big screen in phase 5, and also helps the monster content array to be “brighter” in the future.
Decoding the monster squad Legion of Monsters in Marvel comics
With more and more monsters entering the MCU, it is likely that Marvel Studios is preparing for the arrival of one of the most bizarre superhero squads of the Marvel comics. That is the Legion of Monsters.
The appearance of Legion of Monsters was once revealed by Roy Thomas, one of the writers who created Man-Thing: “Werewolf by Night has only been on the air for 15 minutes and yet we have already seen the silhouette of Legion of Monsters!In the original, this squad first appeared in Marvel Premiere #28, released in 1976, with members such as Morbius the Living Vampire, Werewolf by Night, Ghost Rider and Man-Thing. Together, they join forces to confront a strange entity called Starseed.
Although this version of the team has not been active for long, Legion of Monsters continues to be maintained with many different lineups. In a recent story arc, the squad included members such as Morbius, Werewolf by Night, Man-Thung, N’Kantu the Living Mommy, and Manphibian. Their mission is to protect the Monster Metropolis city of the Hunter of Monster Special Forces. And to do that, they need to defeat Elsa Bloodstone, who also appeared in the movie Werewolf by Nightand even Doctor Strange, one of the MCU’s already-familiar superheroes.
Therefore, Marvel Studios can completely adapt this story for its future projects. In addition, Legion of Monsters can also be a solid launchpad for the pitch of many highly-anticipated Marvel Comics characters.
Will Legion of Monsters bring Red Hulk to the MCU?
There are many reasons for fans to believe that Marvel Studios is preparing for the appearance of Red Hulk right in phase 5 of the MCU, after they repeatedly brought Hulk-related characters to the screen, including She-Hulk and Skaar. In addition, Harrison Ford has been selected for the role of General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, replacing the late actor William Hurt. Ross will return in two projects. Captain America: New World Order and Thunderbolts.
This unexpected return shows that Ross will have a bigger role in the overall storyline of the MCU, and it is very likely that audiences will finally see the moment he becomes the Red Hulk like in the original comics. . And the arrival of Legion of Monsters will likely be the catalyst to accelerate this idea.
In one of the Marvel comics, Red Hulk once sought the help of Doctor Strange and the Legion of Monsters to destroy the mad spirit of Doc Samson. This connection can be fully exploited in the future of the MCU, helping Marvel Studios bring both Legion of Monster and Red Hulk closer to a mass audience, and also helping the overall story line in the cinematic universe of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. they become more coherent, more connected. At the moment, Werewolf by Night is still an independent work and has almost no connection to the overall plot of the MCU.
What awaits the protagonists of Werewolf by Night?
Judging by the list of projects in phases 5 and 6 of the MCU, the most obvious opportunity for the return of the characters in Werewolf by Night is through the blockbuster Blade. This movie has been in development by Marvel Studios over the years, with the lead role played by Mahershala Ali, and will play a particularly important role in their supernatural world. With her hunting experience, Elsa Bloodstone can completely become a good partner with Blade to sweep the aggressive vampire species. Besides, in the original comic book, Blade has also collaborated with both Jack Russell and Man-Thing, the two main characters of the series. Werewolf by Night.
In addition, this trio of characters can also combine with Moon Knight, Blade, Black Knight, Doctor Strange, Wong and Scarlet Witch to form the Midnight Sons squad. Unlike the Avengers, Midnight Sons will deal with more supernatural issues. However, it is likely that the film or television project dedicated to this team will not be developed in the next two phases of the MCU so that Marvel Studios can focus on the idea of the multiverse. So maybe it won’t be until phase 7 before we can see the seeds of horror content, their monsters sprout and bear fruit.
Source: ScreentRant