One thing fans appreciate about the Marvel Cinematic Universe is that if they dig a particular character, they often feel confident that the hero, villain, or anti-hero will return, especially if the film or series was a hit. Tell that to Jack Russell, the Werewolf by Night. It has been two-and-a-half years since the outstanding Disney+ Halloween special was released, and we've yet to see more All Hallows' Eve werewolf mayhem. Is that streak of wolf-creature-less full moons about to end?
Werewolf by...Sometime in the future
The original Halloween special drew critical acclaim, fan appreciation, and solid ratings. As reported by CBR, the special's director, Michael Giacchino, told Entertainment Weekly that production upheavals and MCU "recalibrations" stalled any follow-ups. However, he hints that there may be a chance to revisit Marvel's resident lycanthrope in new stories once Disney/Marvel Studios settles on a new path forward.
"I would love to do another Werewolf by Night [special] more than anything. I think we're just waiting for the industry to settle into its new norm, whatever that is at this point, before we figure out what to do there." - Michael Giacchino
Giacchino notes he has no definitive plans to step into the director's chair for any MCU productions. However, he is enthusiastic to revisit Jack Russell's live-action curse.
Retro by night
Werewolf by Night debuted in Marvel Spotlight #2 (February 1972). The character proved popular enough to warrant a solo series, and the outstanding Werewolf by Night monthly comic ran 43 issues from September 1972 to March 1977. Although the series featured incredible writing by Marv Wolfman, Gerry Conway, and Doug Moench, and art by luminaries such as Gene Colan and Mike Ploog, classic horror monsters became passe, and Werewolf by Night faced cancellation.
The character did return periodically, often as a guest star in other books. Currently, Marvel publishes a regular series titled Werewolf by Night: Red Band, but there is room for another special issue featuring the perfect choice for a writer.
Jumping from the director's chair to the writing desk, Giacchino will handle script duties on Werewolf by Night: Blood Moon Rise, making his Marvel Comics debut. Intriguingly, the one-shot takes place in the '70s and will be part of the original run's timeline during the darker Bronze Age of Comics. Scant details about the plot reveal Jack Russell will face off against Dracula, giving long-time fans a spin on the classic 1974 Tomb of Dracula #18/Werewolf by Night #15 crossover encounter.
While no confirmation of a new MCU special exists, the one-shot comic book keeps Jack Russell and Michael Giacchino in the spotlight and hope alive that the live-action Werewolf will return.