Marvel’s Moon Knight character has been rumoured to be joining the MCU since Daredevil debuted on Netflix in 2015 and as the Netflix side of the cinematic universe has grown the rumours have only increased. Moon Knight is the story of Marc Spector, a former mercenary who becomes empowered by the Egyptian Moon God, Khonshu. The dark and incredibly violent character would be a perfect fit in this gritty and grounded side to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s safe to say its only a matter of time for when Moon Knight makes his debut on screens but how should Marvel/Netflix approach adapting this complex character.
Los Angeles Setting
Much like the majority of Marvel’s characters in the comic books Moon Knight has been predominately located in and associated with New York City. However he has also been based in LA after being a West Coast Avenger in the 1980s and more recently in the Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev run from 2011-2012. LA has only been used as the home of Tony Stark and the base of operations for Peggy Carter in the 1940s (see Agent Carter Season 2) so Moon Knight would present the opportunity to a explore a new city and new threats.
Embrace the crazy
One of the most individual aspects of Moon Knight has been his sanity, or lack there of. Throughout his many years in the comic books he has been portrayed as having varying forms of DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). This has gone on to show Moon Knight interacting with various different personalities within his own head from other Marvel heroes to slain enemies to the embodiment of the God, Khonshu.
Make it violent
Moon Knight is one of Marvel’s most violent characters, with only the Punisher tipping him to the number one spot. Empowered by a God of vengeance, Moon Knight tends to viciously attack criminals and villains. This aspect of the character supports the belief that his mental state is not stable. Marvel’s Netflix shows have not shied away from embracing violence and gore proving the streaming service is the ideal home for any Moon Knight adaptation.
Dial back the Batman
Moon Knight is often compared to and cited as Marvel’s answer to Batman, although many comic creators and fans would argue there are many differences, one cannot deny the similarities. If Marvel are to proceed with any Moon Knight adaptation they should be wary of elements that will remind viewers of the Caped Crusader himself. Marvel would be wise to the remove the fact that Marc Spector is a multi-millionaire with Moon themed weapons, vehicles and paraphernalia, instead focusing on his sanity and the ties to Egyptian mythology
How do you think Marvel should adapt Moon Knight for the MCU?
