Despite the success of 2022’sMoon Knight, I reckon one recent Marvel Studios release and one upcoming project could open the door for theMCUto give us the version of Marc Spector’s Moon Knight we really deserve. Oscar Isaac debuted asMarc Spector and his alters, Steven Grant and Jake Lockley, inMoon Knight, where he was revealed to also be the avatar of the Egyptian God Khonshu. Moon Knight instantly became one of my favorite MCU heroes, so I’ve been disappointed that we haven’t seen him in live-action for almost three years.
While I’m expecting Oscar Isaac’sMoon Knight to return inAvengers: DoomsdayandSecret Wars, I would love to see him also suit up again in his own solo project. This hasn’t yet been confirmed for the MCU, but therecentDaredevil: Born Againseries and its much-anticipated upcoming spinoff might have created the perfect blueprint for a new adventure for Marc Spector. I think Marvel has just created the best opportunity for a comic-accurateMoon Knight to return to the MCU, perhaps following in the footsteps of Frank Castle’s Punisher.
Jon Bernthal Has Promised A Brutal Punisher In His Daredevil: Born Again Spinoff
Jon Bernthal’s Punisher Special Presentation Comments Are Very Exciting
The Walking Deadstar Jon Bernthal first appeared as Frank Castle, the vigilante known as the Punisher, inDaredevilseason 2 on Netflix before embarking on his own two-season spinoff,The Punisher.Bernthal is returning as the Punisher in Phase 5’sDaredevil: Born Again, and, once again, his powerful performance has spurred the development of a solo spinoff, asFrank Castle will return in a Punisher-focused Special Presentation. He has now revealed more about the upcoming project toThe Hollywood Reporter, and his comments have made me incredibly excited.
I care very deeply about Frank. I’m really grateful that I’m getting the opportunity to tell the story that I think the fans deserve. We’re giving it our all, and we’re trying to tell a Frank Castle story that we’re going to turn our back on the audience - it’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be light, and I think it’s the version that this character deserves, and I’m just beyond honored and grateful that we get the opportunity.
It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out the darkness. It’s not going to be easy. I don’t know if that’s the Netflix tone then that’s what it’s going to be. It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that.
The fact that Jon Bernthal stresses hisPunisher Special Presentation will"not be Punisher-lite"means it will likely be all-guns-blazing, R-rated just likeDaredevil: Born Again, which received a TV-MA guidance rating. In the UK,Born Againeven received an 18 guidance rating, which is unheard of for an MCU project, sothe idea of a Punisher-focused spinoff continuing this intensity, violence and brutality is thrilling. FollowingBorn Againand the Punisher’s Special Presentation, I reckon even more characters could get this mature makeover, and I’d love Moon Knight to be next.
MCU’s Punisher Promise Gives Me Hope We’ll Get A Comic-Accurate Moon Knight
Moon Knight Was Dulled Down For His MCU Debut In 2022
Daredevil: Born Again’smature rating and Jon Bernthal’s promise of an unadulterated Punisher in his upcoming Special Presentation has me excited about the prospect ofmore R-rated characters in the MCU’s future. Moon Knight is the perfect candidate to receive this treatment, as his 2022 debut Disney+ series seriously dulled down his violent nature, and even actively hid his most intense and brutal scenes, namely those in which Jake Lockley had control of the body.Giving Moon Knight a more mature rating could bring about the introduction of some of his more comic-accurate qualities.
Moon Knight is one of Marvel Comics' most unhinged and violent antiheroes, but this was all but ignored to fit the family-friendly tones of the MCU back in Phase 4.Jake Lockley’s fight sequences in which he took down followers of Arthur Harrow and Ammit, and even when he killed Harrow, were not shown on-screen, even though these may have been the series' most exhilarating moments. I would love to see Moon Knight return with a mature rating, following inDaredevil and the Punisher’s footsteps, and I think Marvel has already set up the perfect way to accomplish this.
Marvel Might Have Just Revealed The Best Way To Bring Moon Knight Back To The MCU
Moon Knight Is The Perfect Character For A Special Presentation
Even though the format hasn’t yet gained a great deal of traction,Marvel Studios' Special Presentations have been popular, withWerewolf by NightandThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Specialachieving success in 2022. Until now,it seemed as though the Special Presentation format would be abandoned by Marvel, but the Punisher’s new revelation means there is still faith in this concept. I love the idea of short and snappy adventures for solo heroes and antiheroes, and I reckon Moon Knight is the perfect MCU character to focus on in a new Special Presentation.
Guardians of the Galaxy
2026
Frank Castle’s Punisher
Special Presentations give Marvel Studios more creative freedom than usual, allowing for the possibility of more experimentation and pushing of boundaries. This is what madeWerewolf by Nightso captivating andThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Specialso entertaining, and this has raised anticipation for thePunisher-focused spinoff, as it might be the bloodiest and most outrageous Marvel Studios project ever. Following his debut inMoon Knightand him becoming one of my favorite MCU heroes, I’d love to see Oscar Isaac’s Marc Spector also get this honor.
