Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Marvel Studios

  • ‘Moon Knight’: The Bushman Reference and the Future of the Superhero’s Classic Comics Cast

    ‘Moon Knight’: The Bushman Reference and the Future of the Superhero’s Classic Comics Cast

    Marvel Studios’ latest television series, Moon Knight, has been notable for plenty of things including Oscar Isaac’s performance, the focus on a relatively obscure Marvel character, the exploration of complex mental health issues, and the wacky journey into supernatural realms not yet seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Another interesting aspect of the series is how distant it can be from its comics source material at times.

    Not only does Moon Knight make significant changes to the identities of Moon Knight and Mr. Knight, but the hero’s supporting cast from the comics has either been missing or reduced to cameos and Easter eggs. Ethan Hawke’s villain is original (though he looks like a combination of several comics villains) and May Calamawy’s Layla was also meant to be an original character for the series despite having a what looks like nearly the exact same background and general role as Moon Knight’s love interest from the comics.

    After the reference to Jean-Paul “Frenchie” Duchamp, multiple cameos from Bertrand Crawley, and Layla’s similarities to Marlene Alraune, a decent proportion of Marc Spector’s classic supporting characters have made some type of appearance in the live-action series. One of the biggest characters in Moon Knight’s history has been notably absent, but Episode 5 of Moon Knight dropped a quick reference to him.

    ‘Moon Knight’ (1980)

    While Marc was revealing to Steven how he met Khonshu and became his avatar, they walked through the desert area where numerous people, including Layla’s archaeologist father, were killed. Marc explains to Steven that he was not responsible for the massacre and that his mercenary partner, Bushman, got greedy and killed the crowd. It is a single, quick reference, but it is the latest purposeful inclusion of Moon Knight’s classic characters.

    In the comics, Bushman (or “the Bushman”) is easily Moon Knight’s greatest enemy, and the villain appears many times over the decades of comics. As Marc mentions in the episode, he worked with Bushman while a mercenary, and Bushman killed those people in a tomb raid before nearly killing Marc as well. The superhero’s origin story in the comics is almost identical with respect to Bushman’s role in those events. Since then, Bushman remained iconic in Moon Knight comics and was a major part of numerous different arcs. 

    Marc did not need to say “Bushman” in Episode 5. But, obviously, the writers of Moon Knight included it for a reason. In a story that has not relied on the comics, these references were probably placed throughout the live-action series for a couple of reasons. On one hand, they could be simple nods to Moon Knight’s history and nothing more. While fan service can be great (and may sometimes be the best route), there are reasons to believe that the superhero’s supporting characters are being saved for future stories.

    A couple of references to the comics stand out, but Bushman in particular should pique people’s interest. As mentioned, Bushman is an absolutely integral character in the Moon Knight comics. The villain’s actions and presence have influenced the costumed vigilante time and time again. Bushman’s importance goes far beyond the hero’s early days. Moon Knight’s arguably most violent moment came decades after his origin and involved Bushman (he tore off his face), which led into a severe depressive episode for Marc that changed the character’s course as well as heightened the mental health element of his stories. 

    ‘Moon Knight’ (2006)

    The point is that Bushman has always been an obvious choice for a live-action Moon Knight adversary. If the superhero gets more time in the MCU, he remains a clear choice. If the series wanted to totally avoid the character and his impact, he did not need to be name-dropped. Similarly, the Crawley cameos in Moon Knight make his future appearance seem more likely—not only did he make a physical appearance, but he has appeared across multiple episodes. 

    Moon Knight may very well be saving some of these classic characters for future stories with Oscar Isaac’s hero. As was clear from Episode 5, the live-action series is not making too big of a deal of Marc’s original meeting with Khonshu where he agrees to be his avatar. The Disney+ show is likely setting up its finale to be, for all intents and purposes, the Moon Knight origin in the MCU. 

    If that is the case, the character moving forward may likely take on a more traditional superhero role. With that role, a solid supporting cast is bound to follow. The basic setup in the live-action series could be signaling that the iconic comics characters will be around in the long run. And who knows? The Moon Knight finale could prove quite informative about the future of Marc Spector’s, Steven Grant’s, and Jake Lockley’s classic entourage.

    ‘Moon Knight’ (2016)

    The first five episodes of Moon Knight are now streaming exclusively on Disney+.

  • Why the ‘Moon Knight’ and ‘WandaVision’ Memory Episodes Were So Successful

    Why the ‘Moon Knight’ and ‘WandaVision’ Memory Episodes Were So Successful

    Moon Knight Episode 5 is arguably one of the best installments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s television series. While answering a lot of questions about our protagonists and the nature of the show itself, it managed to feel incredibly unique from its companion episodes. Despite being a standout for the Oscar Isaac-led series, it had quite a few similarities to a popular episode of the first Phase Four installment, WandaVision. 

    If Episode 5 of Moon Knight reminded you of Episode 8 of WandaVision, you are not alone. Both penultimate episodes carried similar themes and structures that ultimately accomplished the same task: rewriting the origin stories of the MCU characters. This article explores the resemblances and differences between the two episodes to highlight Marvel Studios’ fresh technique in introducing or re-introducing heroes.

    Marvel Studios’ ‘WandaVision’

    No Flashbacks

    While often referred to as the “flashback” episode, WandaVision Episode 8 does not actually feature any true flashbacks, and the same can be said for Moon Knight’s most recent installment. While there are numerous memories showcased in each, they are in the form of physical spaces that the main characters can, essentially, be a part of. In both episodes, the physical path to the memories was represented by doors–Agatha leads Wanda through a door in her basement, while Marc Spector and Steven Grant travel from room to room in the mentally-projected psych ward. 

    Marvel Studios’ ‘Moon Knight’

    A slight difference is how the characters exist within these memory spaces. In Moon Knight, Marc and Steven could move around as separate entities from their past selves as highlighted by Steven desperately trying to save the young Marc and his brother from drowning. In WandaVision, however, Wanda generally relives the memories and takes on the form of her past self. For example, rather than watching herself go through the HYDRA experimentation with the mind stone, she inhabited that past body and lived through it once more. Even with that slight variation, the outcome is the same. The memories of the lead characters play out in what feels like real-time, and the fact that our heroes relive these dark moments makes it more potent for the audience.

    Timing

    Obviously, both of the episodes at hand were the penultimate installments of the series. Both Moon Knight and WandaVision took a break from their ongoing plots to spend virtually an entire episode in the past. Because they were immediately before the finales, they changed the momentum of the Phase Four entries and paved the way to conclusions that feel drastically different than their beginnings. The memories served to answer many questions that plagued the shows. In both, there existed a sort of “final” or “peak” memory that revealed the most fundamental concepts that had before been mysteries. 

    In WandaVision, we see the build-up and finally the actual moment that Wanda created Westview. Previously, the viewer did not know when Westview started, and the memory furthermore explained how the Scarlet Witch’s background and then-current grief combined to manifest as the series. While Moon Knight has not yet concluded, it is safe to say that the reveal that Marc is the original personality is a watershed moment for the show. It answered several questions surrounding the existence and relationship between him and Steven, which is the bedrock of the series.

    Spotlight on Mental Health

    Neither the MCU nor other comic book franchises are known for their deep character-level emotional explorations or dives into the sphere of mental health. But both Moon Knight Episode 5 and WandaVision Episode 8 put the spotlight on those themes. These two episodes spend a great deal more time on the mental health or emotional aspects of their lead characters than other series or films in the MCU. Because of that, they are noticeably different experiences than what the viewer is used to.

    Marvel Studios’ ‘WandaVision’

    Wanda’s depression, trauma, and grief were the underlying cause of Westview and all of the events of the series. While often media is satisfied in suggesting that, for example, a character is grieving deeply, the WandaVision penultimate episode genuinely and successfully elected to show it. 

    Similarly, Episode 5 of Moon Knight put the spotlight on Marc’s inner struggles. While deep trauma is unrooted like in WandaVision, the presence of and respect given to the character’s dissociative identity disorder leads the series to explore a much more concrete and narrow area of mental health. Still, Marc is developed as a well-rounded character with emotional and psychological turmoil beyond it.

    Marvel Studios’ ‘Moon Knight’

    New Origins

    Marvel Studios’ ‘WandaVision’

    While the emotional penultimate episodes certainly add fresh and enriching experiences to their respective series and the MCU at large, they both appear to do something interesting for their titular heroes. We know that WandaVision’s finale acted as a sort of renewed origin story for the Scarlet Witch in the cinematic universe. There, Wanda had been introduced as a character years before and her series served to re-establish the hero and her mantle. Moon Knight, in contrast, was introduced in the current series. While Moon Knight has less to rework, it is likely building up to establish the MCU’s own unique take on the character’s origin. His classic comics origin was very briefly shown in Episode 5, and it seems as though the show is eager to establish Moon Knight in a way unique from his history and expectations. The penultimate episode is almost certainly laying the foundations for the superhero’s true MCU-specific origin story to be fully revealed in the Moon Knight finale. 

    The first five episodes of Moon Knight are now streaming on Disney+, while the entire series of WandaVision is currently available on the streamer.

  • REPORT: America Chavez’s Mothers Have Been Cast in ‘Multiverse of Madness’

    REPORT: America Chavez’s Mothers Have Been Cast in ‘Multiverse of Madness’

    As Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness approaches, the secretive film has been dropping more and more information. Even with the rumored high-profile cameos on fans’ minds, one highly-anticipated character already known is Xochitl Gomez’s America Chavez. The young hero’s ability to make portals to alternate universes will surely come in handy in the multiversal sequel.

    Still, the character also marks major milestones for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as America’s Latinx and LGBTQ+ comics background will make its way into the live-action film. In the comics, her traditional origin story is that she used her dimension-hopping powers to travel from a universe known as the Utopian Parallel after her mothers gave their lives to save that universe. Multiverse of Madness has made headlines after some countries banned the film and others asked Disney to remove LGBTQ+ references from the film.

    While we knew America’s mothers would be referenced, it looks like we now know that the two have been cast. According to One Take News, actresses Ruther Livier and Chess Lopez played the role of America’s mothers in the Doctor Strange sequel. While the scope of their roles is not yet known, it seems likely that they may be relatively small. Still, the fact that the roles have been filled does indicate that we will likely see a significant part of the young hero’s past.

    Livier has appeared in 90210 and has done a lot of voice work, particularly in video games such as Sly 3, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Dead Rising 3. Lopez seems to be relatively new to the entertainment scene, having appeared in a few short films.

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness his theaters on May 6, 2022.

    Source: One Take News

  • CONFIRMED: ‘Reservation Dogs’ Actor Devery Jacobs Joins ‘Echo’

    CONFIRMED: ‘Reservation Dogs’ Actor Devery Jacobs Joins ‘Echo’

    Production on one of the next Marvel Studios series for Disney+, Echo, has already kicked as confirmed by star Alaqua Cox via Instagram. In the post where she confirmed the production start, she revealed that star of Reservation Dogs, Devery Jacobs, had sent her flowers wishing her luck on the first day and telling her she would “see her soon.” This led to us speculating that Jacobs could be playing a role in Echo and it seems that turned out to be true.

    Deadline has confirmed that Jacobs has indeed joined the upcoming Disney+ original series focusing on Maya Lopez. Although her role remains unknown, the trade believes that Jacobs could be playing the character of Julie, which we speculated in our Connecting Imaginary Dots piece as Jacobs matched the description of the character quite well.

    This is the second casting for the series, with Jacobs joining both Cox and the previously announced Graham Greene in an undisclosed role. The series is also rumored to feature the return of Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, which will see the two reunited following Daredevil season 3’s cancellation.

    It was announced back in March of last year, months before Cox made her debut as Echo that the deaf, Native American hero would be returning in her very own solo series. Cox made her debut as the character in Hawkeye, which premiered late last year and saw the character working alongside Wilson Fisk, before turning on him and leaving town.

    Echo is currently in production and has no set release date.

    SOURCE: Deadline

  • Episode 5 Has the Final Clues That Jake Lockley Could Appear in ‘Moon Knight’ Finale

    Episode 5 Has the Final Clues That Jake Lockley Could Appear in ‘Moon Knight’ Finale

    With only the finale remaining, Moon Knight feels like a completely different series now than it did when it first premiered. There are numerous outstanding questions going into the final episode, but among them is still whether Jake Lockley — Marc Spector’s third identity from the comics — will make an appearance. Episode 5 seemed to focus exclusively on Marc and Steven, and there were fewer obvious nods to another identity being present. But the episode still leaves the door wide open for Jake to appear.

    Because Episode 5 is the last chance to speculate whether Jake will or will not actually show up in Moon Knight, here is a bit of a recap of the evidence we have so far. In Episode 1, there were several suspicious reflections where it looked like more than Marc was present, the inclusion of Crawley (a traditionally Jake-centered character), and some interesting imagery in the end credits that seemed to have a theme of three Oscar Isaacs. In Episode 2, reflections, comments from Layla and Harrow, and a violent Marc outburst were all notable. Episode 3 did all but confirm that a third personality took over when both Marc and Steven blacked out during a fight. And Episode 4 practically showed us Marc and Steven passing by Jake’s own sarcophagus. Now, let’s talk about Episode 5.

    The Scales

    One of the most significant components plot-wise of Episode 5 were the scales of justice that weighed Marc and Steven’s hearts against the feather of truth. To enter paradise, the scales had to balance. The episode used the fact that the hearts were not balancing as an excuse for Marc to lay out his past—including Steven’s origin as a personality. But most interesting was the fact that Taweret said that the hearts were “not full” and “incomplete.” Now, there is plenty of suggestion that they were incomplete because Marc had not revealed the truth to Steven, but it would also make a whole lot of sense if they were incomplete if there was a third heart/identity out there not on the scale.

    However, all of that gets confused when the scales balance after Steven seemingly dies in the sand of the Egyptian underworld, Duat, and Marc is allowed into the Field of Reeds. It is not entirely clear if Steven’s apparent “death” is what actually caused the scales to balance. Essays could probably be written on different theories for this, but the incompleteness of Marc/Steven up until then seemed like a huge clue that the acknowledgment of a third identity could make them whole. While less certain by the end of the episode, I would not count it out.

    Marvel Studios’ ‘Moon Knight’

    Marc Spector’s Fugue State

    As Marc and Steven travel through the psych ward that is Marc’s mind, Marc at one point casually drops the information that he was discharged from the army after going AWOL in a fugue state. Fugue states are often associated with a dissociative identity disorder. He does not imply that the fugue state is a time when Steven took control, and it also implies that he does not know who or what was in control at that time. That tracks with the fact that Marc did not seem to know who took control when he and Steven blacked out during a fight in Episode 3, and Marc has obviously never mentioned another alter. So, if something else took control of Marc’s body during that time, another personality could likely be the culprit.

    Marvel Studios’ ‘Moon Knight’

    We will find out for sure if Jake Lockley will appear in the series when the Moon Knight finale airs on May 4, 2022. The first five episodes of the series are now streaming on Disney+.

  • THEORY THURSDAY: This is How Jake Lockley Will Appear in the ‘Moon Knight’ Finale

    THEORY THURSDAY: This is How Jake Lockley Will Appear in the ‘Moon Knight’ Finale

    While the fifth and second-to-last episode of Moon Knight accomplished quite a lot, it kept fans hanging on one of the most theorized, anticipated, and likely inclusion of one specific thing: Marc Spector’s third personality, Jake Lockley. Every single episode of the series has included references and evidence that seem to point directly at another alter’s existence, and Oscar Isaac himself has seemingly confirmed this on multiple occasions. 

    Many are surprised that the alter (presumably named Jake Lockley given the comic book history) has still not fully appeared given that Moon Knight has only the finale remaining. After the events of Episode 5, there is reason to think that Jake will make his appearance in a bold way. This article explains my theory that Jake will be the personality that has full control of Marc’s body when he is resurrected in the finale. At the end, I do mention a couple of other easy ways for the personality to be revealed, though they are nowhere near as fun. 

    The Theory

    Looking at the endings of both Episodes 4 and 5, combined with some knowledge of the comics, Jake Lockley may take the reins immediately upon Marc’s resurrection. After Marc’s apparent double death, a resurrection of sorts clearly seems necessary in order for the story to move forward and conclude in any reasonable way. Episode 4 saw Marc be shot and killed by Arthur Harrow, and the psych ward twist and the events of Episode 5 seemingly confirm that he did, in fact, die. 

    The imagery of his death in the tomb is surprisingly reminiscent of one particular resurrection-based issue from 1991. Even without that reference, Episode 5 ended with the additional apparent deaths of both Steven and Marc individually. So, quite frankly, someone has to be brought back from the dead at some point. In the comics, it is Khonshu who does the resurrecting, but he is currently imprisoned. Since there are currently no obvious other contenders, it might be fair to assume that the god gets released in the finale before bringing Marc back. But his motives are still a little suspect.

    In any event, the real significance of the deaths is that both Marc and Steven died separately. This implies that their individual personalities also died, not just their physical body that also died prior to their journey through the Underworld. So, the focus on their deaths leaves one giant door open—Jake did not die. 

    Marvel Studios’ ‘Moon Knight’

    It’s helpful to look at the comics. The personalities are, by nature, their own people. Extremely relevant to this theory is the fact that in Moon Knight’s history, Jake specifically has survived after Marc “died,” and the same is true for other personalities. After Marc seemingly sacrifices himself in order to stop a villain, everyone assumes he is dead. But as his close friend Frenchie says, while Marc might be dead, Jake Lockley is not. Jake then goes on a non-Moon Knight action-adventure in Mexico as the sole personality. While Marc’s body presumably stayed alive, it is prime evidence that his alters can “die” at least for some time. Those that don’t (Jake), remain and take over some mental space that the others left behind.

    ‘Moon Knight’ (2006)
    ‘Moon Knight’ (2006)

    Basically, the idea is that when Marc’s body is resurrected—however that happens—it will be Jake as the sole personality in control, as he is the only one who did not die in the Underworld or make it into the final paradise. This would be a cool and a bit more unexpected way for the alter to reveal himself, as viewers could think initially that Marc and Steven have returned, only for a brand-new character to go into full-on attack mode.

    This theory could actually help explain why Marc’s scales balanced at the end of Episode 5. It seems to be explained by Steven’s death, considering Taweret told them that their hearts were “incomplete.” But, even with Steven out of the picture, it is almost certain that Jake exists given the extra sarcophagus at the end of Episode 4 in addition to consistent evidence throughout Moon Knight. So, if Jake is still around and Marc has not made peace or separated from all of his alters, it does not make a ton of sense that his scales balanced. My guess is that the moment the scales balanced is the moment Jake was resurrected back into the physical reality. In that situation, because Steven has died and Jake is no longer present in the Underworld, Marc is left alone. 

    Marvel Studios’ ‘Moon Knight’

    One of the big questions with Jake is whether he will have his own Moon Knight suit and what that might be. One of the theories is that the character poster for the series already showcases Jake in the middle, who is wearing some more casual gear rather than an elaborate suit. Interestingly, this theory supports that as well. Marc is killed by Harrow while wearing that exact outfit, so if Jake takes control after the resurrection, that is what he will already be wearing. 

    Marvel Studios

    The major loose end of this theory is where Marc and Steven come back into play. The mechanics of Moon Knight are not totally clear, and they may never be given the complexities of mental health and Ancient Egyptian deities coming together for rather complex metaphysical ideas. But a classic theme in Moon Knight comics is that Marc’s alters can never truly leave. While they may be gone for some time, they will always return. Perhaps Marc and Steven come back as eventual attachments to Jake’s personality. Or, the series finale could be so bold as to keep Jake as the primary identity for the bulk of the episode, only to tease the other two’s later return. 

    The Less Exciting Options

    To get it out of the way, the most straightforward approach to Jake’s appearance is still on the table. Considering that Jake has become known as the most violent and brutal alter in the comics, a very simple way he might appear is in a moment of great need for Marc and Steven. For example, if the two are losing in a major fight or even a final battle, Jake could dramatically come out of the woodwork to turn the tables. While that seems like a fairly obvious way to introduce the character, you can see it coming a mile away. Plus, it would likely mean that it would take some time for the finale to build up to it, which would mean he might get very little screen time at the end of the day. 

    Another less exciting option is for the series to leave Jake as either a brief cameo or lingering tease at the end of the finale. In this way, Marc and Steven would not have to share the spotlight in the final (probably) hour or so of Moon Knight. It would also leave the audience with a clear sense that the titular hero will return and have plenty to explore in the future. While these two options are certainly strong guesses, there is another avenue that the show has opened up that could bring Jake into the picture early and in full control.

    In any event, the Moon Knight finale is shaping up to be one to remember. The first five episodes of the series are currently streaming only on Disney+.

  • Cinema Con: Marvel Studios Developing the Next Decade of the MCU

    Cinema Con: Marvel Studios Developing the Next Decade of the MCU

    For years, fans have heard about the legendary big board in Kevin Feige’s Marvel Studios office that lays out the future of the MCU. According to Feige, that board is about to get a little larger as he and the Marvel Studios Parliament have been working on the next 10 years of Marvel Studios projects.

    The news comes out of CinemaCon 2022 where Feige revealed that he had been attending a creative retreat where they have been hashing out the stories that will shape the shared cinematic universe over the next decade. Feige left the retreat to attend CinemaCon and was headed back after.

    The studio celebrated it’s 10-year anniversary in 2018 and the first decade and change was devoted to the Infinity Saga. COVID forced Marvel Studios’ 2020 slate into 2021 and has had quite a domino effect beyond that with films still feeling the full force of the delays. It is expected that the next 10 years of the MCU will consist of several streaming projects each year and as many as 4 films each year. It’s also believed the the Fantastic Four and X-Men, characters acquired by Disney in a merger with Fox, will have a huge impact on the stories told over the next decade.

  • Xochitl Gomez Teases the Opening Sequence of ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    Xochitl Gomez Teases the Opening Sequence of ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness remains one of Marvel Studios’ most secretive films. With the release date for the sequel arriving soon, fans have been able to get a few more glimpses into the highly-anticipated MCU installment. In a recent interview with Marvel, America Chavez actress Xochitl Gomez seemed to tease the beginning of Multiverse of Madness:

    [The film opens with Chavez] literally running for her life in the gap junction space between universes with Doctor Strange.

    Xochitl Gomez

    While it is a short quote, it is interesting in its implications for the film. First, if the Doctor Strange sequel opens in this way, it seemingly sets the movie off to a quickly-paced start. Not much is known about the plot, but Gomez might have just allowed viewers to make more sense of the footage provided in trailers and other promotions.

    It makes sense for America Chavez’s character to be in this situation considering that her power set includes punching openings that create doorways between alternative universes. Her dimension-hopping abilities will certainly have a major and helpful role to play in Multiverse of Madness.

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will be released on May 6, 2022.

    Source: Marvel

  • Xochitl Gomez’s America Chavez is Younger Than In the Comics in ‘Multiverse of Madness’

    Xochitl Gomez’s America Chavez is Younger Than In the Comics in ‘Multiverse of Madness’

    With the secretive Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness swiftly approaching, marketing and press for the MCU film is ramping up. With fan expectations all over the place, still one of the most anticipated elements of the sequel is a known character. Actress Xochitl Gomez will be bringing comics superhero and Young Avenger America Chavez to life in the film. Chavez’s dimension-hopping powers will obviously come in handy in the multiversal adventure, and it looks like she will be teaching the stubborn Doctor Strange plenty of things.

    Virtualy no Marvel character makes it to live-action exactly how they were written in the comics and often for good reason. In a recent interview with Marvel, Gomez revealed a difference between her live-action Gomez and the source material that has clear implications for the future of the character. Gomez explained that Chavez is about 14-years-old in Multiverse of Madness, which is years younger than the comics Chavez who fell in with the Young Avengers around 17. The actress explained the implications of the character’s age on her future in the MCU:

    You can definitely see the beginning stages of what future America might become…I took stuff that was in the comics, and kind of lightened it up since she’s less experienced. She’s younger than any of her known appearances in the comics, and I think you can see that. It was a fun challenge exploring what a younger and less experienced America might be, but also hinting towards the serious leader she would soon become. I wanted to keep that kid energy and a little bit of that fake-it-till-you-make-it confidence.

    Xochitl Gomez

    Considering a potential Young Avengers project might still be years away, making Chavez younger in the Doctor Strange film would make it easier for her to be a more comics-accurate age when she appears in a related project. Because the character is appearing now, allowing an extra few years of development not only suits the long-term development of the character but also potentially the real-life aging of the young actress.

    Fans can meet America Chavez when Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness when movie hits theaters on May 6, 2022.

    Source: Marvel

  • ‘Moon Knight’ Might Have Just Closed the Door on a Major Comics Villain

    ‘Moon Knight’ Might Have Just Closed the Door on a Major Comics Villain

    Moon Knight Episode 5 dealt little with the future of the character, and it instead opted to explore the titular character’s past. The journey through the Underworld combined with the search through rooms full of Marc Spector’s memories made for quite an emotional episode. While it did more to develop Marc’s and Steven Grant’s characters more than anything else, the episode also left clues about the way in which the Marvel Cinematic Universe might (or might not) deal with some of Moon Knight’s classic supporting cast and storylines from the comics.

    The heaviest and darkest aspect of Episode 5 came from the series’ take on Marc’s childhood trauma. It was revealed that his dissociative identity disorder and Steven’s personality manifested at least in part from the emotional and physical abuse he suffered from his mother, because she blamed Marc for the accidental death of his little brother. The inclusion—and death—of Marc’s brother might have major implications for a major comics villain’s presence in the MCU.

    In the comics, Randall Spector was the younger brother of Marc Spector. Randall, like Marc, joined the military but later became a mercenary. Randall had an interesting journey into villain territory, generally beginning when he killed a woman Marc was involved with during a mercenary assignment. Randall had a stint as a serial killer and subsequently became motivated to kill Marc to supposedly take on the Moon Knight mantle for himself. He also spent time as a member of the Cult of Khonshu, and was enhanced with powers by goddess Nephthys.

    No Shadowknight in the MCU?

    ‘Shadowland: Moon Knight’

    Randall is most known, however, for his supervillainous role as Shadowknight in the Shadowland: Moon Knight comics arc. Convinced he was the next avatar of Khonshu, Shadowknight carried out numerous murders to get Marc’s attention. The ensuing fights between the two killed even more bystanders, and Moon Knight ultimately decided he had no other option but to kill Randall. 

    ‘Shadowland: Moon Knight’

    The fact that Marc’s younger brother dies as a child in Moon Knight immediately raises the question: does that mean Shadowknight does not have a future in the MCU? Nothing is ever totally off the table for Marvel Studios, but if they wanted to bring the supervillain to live-action, it seems as though they would need to take a non-comics-accurate approach. With the ensuing multiverse hanging over the MCU, the options will always be limitless. But without dipping into that line of storytelling, the series does not suggest that Randall Spector is around to take on the mantle of Shadowknight.

    While Randall Spector is memorable in the comics, he is arguably not one of Moon Knight’s most iconic or classic villains. His storylines were, though, often melodramatic and hyperviolent in nature. So, fans that are hoping for Oscar Isaac’s superhero to move into the violent and brutal space might be a bit disappointed that a comics character in that realm might not be a viable option for Moon Knight’s future. While someone other than Randall could call themselves Shadowknight, that sibling relationship and drama would be lacking. 

    Whether or not the MCU will adapt a version of Randall Spector and Shadowknight will, in theory, never be truly answered until the MCU comes to an end. Still, the fact that Moon Knight just seemingly eliminated his traditional backstory is evidence that perhaps the franchise might not have long-term plans for the villain.

    The first five episodes of Moon Knight are now streaming exclusively on Disney+.