Phase four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) really dove into the supernatural.Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessbegan the descent, withLokiseason one offering throwaway lines about vampires and werewolves. These stories have teased audiences about the horror-filled future, but the universe was finally introduced to its first Halloween special on Disney+ with the release ofWerewolf by Night.
Update July 19, 2025: In honor of the release ofWerewolf by Night in Color, this article has been updated with what the future may hold for Werewolf by Night.
Werewolf by Nightwas a big hit for Disney+ and the MCU and was seen as a bright spot in the shaky reaction to the franchise’s post-MCU lineup. The special introduced Elsa Bloodstone and Man-Thing, as well as teased the wider supernatural world that can be built off of in projects like Blade. It has been a year since the special aired, and a new version in color just premiered on Disney+. What isWerewolf by Night’spotential future in the MCU?
Werewolf by Night: Protector of Monsters
Werewolf by Night is one of the MCU’s most obscure characters, at least in terms of leading characters. He was such an obscure character that when Michael Giacchino pitched it to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, even he was shocked. Being a literal monster, he is a vicious and unpredictable creature after his transformation, as seen in the massacre scene. Yet the series also established him as a monster humanitarian, looking out and protecting creatures of the night from those that hunt them.
This could draw Werewolf by Night into a future conflict with Blade, a vampire hunter. Blade’s mission to hunt vampires has tended to go unchallenged, as in hisoriginal trilogy of films before the MCUshowcased the vampires as monsters who needed to be hunted, withBlade IIoffering a bit of nuance. If Blade has the same mission to kill all vampires, Werewolf by Night could be a counterpoint to Blade. Vampires might have killed Blade’s mother, but not all of them are bad and should not be punished. This makes for an interesting conflict between the two.
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Werewolf by Night could also show up inDoctor Strange 3. While no official announcement has been made regarding the film, it seems to be a safe bet it is a film Marvel Studios has planned before Avengers: Endgame. Doctor Strange was last seen leaving with Clea to go to other dimensions to stop incursions. Similar to Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange 3 could see a wide array of Marvel heroes recruited by Doctor Strange to stop the coming incursions. Jack Russell and his werewolf alter ego could provide a much-needed perspective.
Werewolf by Night and Moon Knight Cross Paths
With the introduction of both Werewolf by Night and Moon Knight relatively close together, the two might cross paths soon enough. After all, Moon Knight debuted in a Werewolf by Night comic. It would be enjoyable to see the characters cross paths. However, the character’s appearance in the unconfirmedMoon Knightseason 2right now depends on whether that series gets another season. Marvel Studios is restructuring its television division.Moon Knightseason 2 should be a priority for Marvel, as it ended on a cliffhanger, and the character is well suited for an episodic television series.
The Creation of a New Supernatural Team
Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, and Elsa Bloodstone’s introduction alongside Moon Knight the same year seems toimply Marvel is building to the Midnight Suns. The project could include characters like Doctor Strange, Agatha Harkness, Blade, and even an appearance by the fan-favorite Ghost Rider. Werewolf by Night could fill many roles, from team leader to also the “Hulk” of the team, the normal man who hides a powerful weapon that, when pointed at the right target, can turn the tide of battle.
A supernatural threat might be on the rise, as seen in projects likeShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,andMoon Knight. While Marvel Studios struggles to find out what to do regarding Kang the Conqueror, shifting focus to a supernatural threat and uniting their darker mystical heroes might be a nice change of pace.
Werewolf by Night: Avenger
Currently,there are no Avengers in the MCU. That has been a point of discussion within the universe and fans. There does not seem to be an official team, and with the threat of Kang the Conqueror on the horizon, a team will need to form really quickly. While Werewolf by Night might not jump out as Avengers roster material, that is the reason he should be considered.
Part of the fun of the Avengers is how the roster is a diverse lineup that ties together many aspects of the Marvel Universe. He might not seem like a traditional hero, but Jack Russell is clearly a good man who wants to do the right thing if needed and will come to the aid of others. That is hero material, and it would be great to see him interact with characters like Sam Wilson, Carol Danvers, Jennifer Walters, and Shang-Chi.
Why MCU’s Werewolf by Night Is a Modern Halloween Classic
The use of practical effects, a classical score, and callbacks to Universal monster movies ensure Werewolf by Night will be a holiday classic.
InThe Reign of Marvel Studios, it was revealed that Marvel Studios intended for the three new faces of the MCU after Avengers: Endgame were going to be Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther, Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, and Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel. Sadly those plans have shifted as Boseman tragically passed away in 2020, Holland’s Spider-Man is stuck in contractual problems with Sony, andBrie Larson has gotten so much unwarranted hate online from certain subsets of fandomshe might want out of the part. Marvel now needs new pillars, and Werewolf by Night could be that.
In many ways,Werewolf by Nightwas the MCU’s nextIron Manin terms of elevating a lesser-known character who became a fan favorite. He also provides a perspective on the supernatural side of the MCU that has grown in recent years and, as mentioned earlier, has a lot in common with Bruce Banner and the Hulk. Marvel could upgrade Jack Russell and Werewolf by Night to be one of the biggest heroes in the franchise by making him a founding member of the New Avengers.
Werewolf by Night Teased Other MCU Characters That Could Spin-Off
The Halloween special ended with a bloodbath, really only leaving four characters alive. Jack Russell escaped with Ted, aka Man-Thing, and Elsa won over the butler and her family mansion. While many fans are excited to see where Werewolf by Night may go,Elsa Bloodstonemight tie their story into future projects. At the end of the black and white special, the color returns to the screen, signifying the change Elsa has made. It’s possible that she could team up with Blade to help defeat the more dangerous monsters. If so, who else would be better to call on for some backup than the werewolf that saved her life?
Elsa isn’t the only other character that might tie in with other stories. Although he didn’t get that much screen time, Man-Thing is quite an important character. His real name is Dr. Theodore “Ted” Sallis, and his powers are quite impressive. Although he is a monster, he retains his human intellect. His transformation came from a mix of science and the Nexus of All Reality in an attempt to recreate the super soldier serum.
What might makeMan-Thing vital to future stories, and how he and his best friend may join the bigger MCU, is his ties to the Nexus of All Reality. He can make portals to alternate realities, even controlling the way reality works to some degree. Not only does that tie him into Captain America’s story, but the wider multiverse story unfolding in the MCU.
A character such as Werewolf by Night has endless directions to go. Having the Multiverse Saga, the character has the potential to appear anywhere. It is an exciting proposition that comic book fans hope will deliver.
