Key Insights on the Midnight Sons and Their MCU Potential
- Agatha All Along hints at an engaging dark side of the MCU, possibly paving the way for the Midnight Sons.
- The original Midnight Sons, as featured in comics, included iconic characters like Ghost Riders, Blade, Morbius, and Doctor Strange.
- The MCU could creatively reinterpret the Midnight Sons by involving characters such as Moon Knight and Blade.
With its captivating narrative, Agatha All Along seems to be ushering in a more sinister chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Amid increasing concerns about franchise fatigue, this series emerges as a macabre breath of fresh air, hinting at the potential presence of everything from zombies to spectral beings. While the MCU has previously explored occult themes through characters like Doctor Strange and in specials like Werewolf by Night, the prospect of a dedicated, nine-episode series focused on magic offers exciting new possibilities.
Helmed by Jac Schaeffer, whose earlier creation WandaVision was hugely acclaimed, there are considerable expectations surrounding her return for Agatha All Along. The series not only introduces Aubrey Plaza’s reimagined Lady Death but also teases the return of Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch. Furthermore, it appears to set the stage for a new team that could rival the Avengers: the Midnight Sons. But is this series the catalyst for their introduction into the MCU?
Understanding the Midnight Sons in Marvel Comics
The Midnight Sons first emerged from Marvel’s “Rise of the Midnight Sons”storyline, debuting in Ghost Rider Vol. 3 #3 in 1992. This legendary team was formed as a crossover event, featuring popular characters such as Danny Ketch and Johnny Blaze (the Ghost Riders), Blade, Morbius, and others. The initial formation was the response to a vision of Lilith, the Mother of All Demons, who was poised to conquer the mortal realm.
Doctor Strange took on the role of the mastermind behind this coalition, although he officially joined the Midnight Sons later, during the 1994 storyline “Siege of Darkness.”Unfortunately, this marked the conclusion of the original run of the team, leading to multiple reboots and revivals over the years.
Following the cancellation of the original series, the Midnight Sons have seen several iterations. The Marvel Zombies 4 storyline brought in new members like Man-Thing and Jennifer Kale, who may have significant connections to Ghost Rider. The team has been reimagined multiple times, with the latest project being Midnight Sons: Blood Hunt, aiming to reunite most of the classic characters.
Who Might Join the MCU’s Midnight Sons?
The MCU has already incorporated significant characters that could contribute to its version of the Midnight Sons. Doctor Strange has been prominently featured, and although the absence of Johnny Blaze is notable, other characters such as Wong, played by Benedict Wong, may function as a mentor in this supernatural arena.
Although fans initially speculated that Werewolf by Night would act as a precursor to the Midnight Sons, little progression has been made in forming the team since that special. With the introduction of characters like Man-Thing and Jennifer Kale, the opportunity exists to connect these stories more deeply, particularly if Kale’s MCU version evolves into a more mystical role.
Nevertheless, it is plausible that the MCU will take a distinct approach to the Midnight Sons, similar to how the Avengers lineup has differed from its comic origins. The critically panned reception of Morbius suggests Jared Leto’s future as the Living Vampire may be uncertain, while Mahershala Ali’s Blade is anticipated to eventually join this dark ensemble.
Rumors indicate a potential direction for a Midnight Sons movie, with director Michael Giacchino reportedly involved. With the narrative around Blade shifting, this project could be expedited, enhancing Ali’s role within this darker sector of the franchise.
Moreover, Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight holds significant potential for inclusion in the Midnight Sons. Despite high anticipation for a sequel to the acclaimed series, no updates have surfaced, leaving his future direction ambiguous. The ending of Eternals hinted at connections between Dane Whitman (Kit Harington) and Blade, suggesting a narrative thread binding these characters together.
Imagine Wong coordinating a newly formed Midnight Sons team, which could include Moon Knight, Blade, Black Knight, Man-Thing, and others from the supernatural side of the MCU. Adding Jennifer Kale into the mix would create further intrigue, especially with her family ties to Ghost Rider, making the formation of this team compelling for audiences.
However, as Kevin Feige has proclaimed a commitment to prioritize quality storytelling, one must question whether there is adequate room for the Midnight Sons alongside other projects like the Fantastic Four and X-Men. Given the current positive fan reactions towards darker tones in the MCU, establishing the Midnight Sons could resonate well with the audience.
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