How the MCU could do a horror phase with new projects
It’s not a surprise that the latest Disney+ superhero horror series Moon Knight, that takes part on the Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU), is a total success. The introduction of the character next to the confirmed multiverse could open the door to a horror phase. Right now we’re on Phase 4 of the MCU, that started in 2021 with the release of Black Widow. But as new projects has been released the phase is turning darker while introducing new characters.
It’s important to mention that this would not be the first time that we see superhero horror movies from Marvel. Back in 1998 New Line Cinema released Blade, a superhero horror film about vampires. Being a commercial success Blade became the beginning of Marvel’s success on the big screen settings the stage for further adaptations. A reboot of the film was announced back on 2019 with production set to start on July 2022 that will take place on the MCU. With an unofficial release date of 2023 is most likely that the film will be part of Phase 5 with Phase 4 being the beginning of horror projects on the MCU.
Another superhero horror film that we saw before the MCU officially started, it started with Iron Man (2008), is Ghost Rider (2007). Portrayed by Nicholas Cage the character was brought to life by Sony. Despite the mixed reviews the film and the sequel were successful. A third film was possible but since Marvel acquire the rights of the film in 2013 the project was cancelled. The character was introduced to the MCU in the TV Series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (2013-2020).
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The shared universe, much like the original Marvel Universe in comic books, was established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters.
Official definition of the MCU
Is not until 2020 that we see another superhero horror movie being The New Mutants, a spin-off of the X-Men film series produced by 20th Century Fox. In March 2019 Marvel Studios obtained the rights of the films and characters. While it’s not confirmed, the possibility of seeing characters from this film series on the MCU is big. The biggest rumor is that they will do an appearance on the upcoming film Doctor Strange 2: On the Multiverse of Madness (2022).
One of the most expected moments for fans to happen was the multiverse. After Disney acquired Fox in 2019 the possibilities of seeing all of this characters together on the big screen became real. Being teased on different projects the multiverse was eventually confirmed on Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) were we saw the three versions of Spider-Man, two of them being part of the Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU). During this time Sony released Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) and Morbius (2022) with both films having post-credits scenes that confirmed once again that the multiverse was happening.
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films produced by Columbia Pictures in association with Marvel Entertainment. Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, the films are based on various Marvel Comics properties associated with the character Spider-Man
Official definition of the SSU
On March 30, 2022 Disney+ released the sixth tv series of the MCU Moon Knight. From the first episode the series received a positive reaction from fans and a new conversation started. Moon Knight is considered a superhero horror series, being one of the darkest projects on a long time. This brought the attention from fans who are now waiting for a confirmation that the horror phase of Marvel is near. Especially after the fact that Moon Knight, Morbius, and Doctor Strange 2 are all superhero horror projects that will be released close one to another.
The Midnight Sons?
Many fans, including myself, believe that the supernatural group of superheroes called Midnight Sons will be introduced to the MCU. This group has as members Blade, Ghost Rider, Morbius, Moon Knight, and Doctor Strange. Characters that, excluding Morbius, are part of the MCU and with the multiverse being a reality there’s the possibility of seeing them all together. Only time will tell but there’s no such thing as coincidence when it comes to Marvel introducing characters. But if one thing is certain, it is that horror is coming to the MCU.