Oscar-winning film composer Michael Giacchino is reportedly directing Marvel’s Werewolf by Night Halloween special. Giacchino’s past filmmaking experience includes the 2018 short film Monster Challenge, starring Patton Oswalt, Ben Schwartz, and Dermot Mulroney. He also helmed an episode of Star Trek: Short Treks.
Gael García Bernal (Coco, The Motorcycle Diaries) will be headlining Werewolf by Night, possibly playing as the Jack Russell version of the character. Laura Donnelly (The Nevers, Outlander) has been cast as the female lead in the special. As per Deadline, Donnelly could be playing the niece of Jack Russell, Nina Price, who becomes Vampire by Night. Werewolf By Night will begin filming this month and is expected to debut on Disney+ on Halloween.
Michael Giacchino is best known for his memorable soundtracks for films such as The Incredibles, Jurassic World, Rogue One, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and, most recently, The Batman. His poignant score for 2009’s Up earned him the Academy Award for Best Original Score. Giacchino's terrific work will next be heard in upcoming blockbusters, Jurassic World: Dominion, Lightyear, and Thor: Love and Thunder.
Rumors of Michael Giacchino’s involvement in Werewolf by Night began circling on the internet last month after Marvel insider Daniel Richtman shared the news on his Patreon account. And now Variety has seemingly confirmed the rumor. In a recent article related to The Batman film score, Variety reported that "he [Giacchino] is reportedly off directing a television project for Marvel."
Although Giacchino isn’t completely new to filmmaking, having made some good short films, directing a high-profile holiday special for Marvel is a big leap. However, Giacchino has been part of the industry for over 3 decades and has worked with several acclaimed directors during that time. Hopefully, Werewolf by Night will allow Giacchino to showcase his hidden talents as a filmmaker. You can check out his short film, Monster Challenge, below.
Mahershala Ali’s Blade Is Also Rumored To Make An Appearance In Werewolf By Night
Werewolf by Night is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Marvel projects of the year. In stark contrast the MCU, the Halloween-themed special will have a darker tone, featuring vampires and lycans. As per reports, Werewolf by Night could potentially feature a fan-favorite vampire hunter – Blade. Fans have been waiting for his first appearance in the MCU; although Mahershala Ali was heard in the Eternals post-credits scene. It’s been nearly three years since the announcement, and we are yet to see even a leaked image of Ali suited up as Blade.
Blade appearing in Werewolf by Night makes perfect sense, considering they share a common enemy, Count Dracula. The pair have also had an affiliation with Moon Knight, who makes his live-action debut in the upcoming Disney+ series. Ali’s solo Blade movie is currently in pre-production, with filming expected to commence in the summer. Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli) will direct the film from a screenplay by Stacy Osei-Kuffour (HBO’s Watchmen). So far, the only other actors cast in Blade are Delroy Lindo (Da 5 Bloods) and Aaron Pierre (Krypton).