Posted in: Disney+, Marvel, Preview, streaming, TV | Tagged: disney, Gael García Bernal, halloween, marvel, report, Werewolf By Night

Marvel Halloween Special Taps Gael Garcia Bernal; Werewolf by Night?

So remember back in August when we reported that Marvel Studios and Disney+ were tag-teaming on an as-yet-untitled Halloween special, with reports that the studio & streamer were looking for a Latino actor for the lead? Well, according to reporting from The Wrap and Variety, it appears Gael Garcia Bernal (Old, Station Eleven) will be taking on the lead role in the special. While details on the special are under wraps and reps from Marvel Studios & Disney would not respond for comment, reports are that the special could introduce "Werewolf by Night" to the MCU via Bernal's character- and if that's the case, then there are two versions to consider. In 1972's Marvel Spotlight #2, Jack Russell and his family's history of lycanthropy were first introduced- with Russell using his powers to fight big bads. Now let's flash ahead nearly 50 years (47, to be precise) to Werewolf by Night (Vol. 3) #1, which introduced the Taboo, Scot Eaton & Benjamin Jackendoff-created Jake Gomez. Gomez is a descendant of the Native American tribe Hopi that was cursed with lycanthropy.

While neither the studio nor the streaming service has officially confirmed reports, the move would be in line with Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige's promise to diversify the MCU as the films & streaming series move into Phase IV. Recently, it was announced that Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson/Captain America would be the focus of a fourth film while next month sees the premiere of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In November, Eternals sees Salma Hayek as the Eternals' leader, Brian Tyree Henry & Haaz Sleiman (The Visitor) as the MCU's first same-sex couple, and Lauren Ridloff (The Walking Dead) as the MCU's first deaf character. Looking to 2022 and beyond, Xochitl Gomez (The Baby-Sitters Club) takes on the role of America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, while Disney+ is reportedly developing a Hawkeye spinoff focusing on Alaqua Cox's Echo, a deaf Native American superhero.

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