Werewolf by Night has finally arrived on Disney+ and has been a hit with fans and critics alike. The Halloween special introduces not only the titular monster into the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also the monster hunter Elsa Bloodstone and the popular cult icon Man-Thing. The black-and-white special tells a self-contained story and can be enjoyed by both hardcore Marvel fans and also those unfamiliar with the franchise and just want a good old fashion monster movie throwback.

The special's black-and-white color presentation makes it distinctly different from everything else in the MCU, which also allows for more brutal violence and some light gore. While it appears on the surface not to have any major MCU Easter eggs, connections, or overt setups for future projects (it doesn't even include the typical MCU after-credit scene), it features plenty of smaller details that might indicate where Marvel plans to take these monster characters in the future. Werewolf by Night and Man-Thing both got a coveted spot on a promotional poster for the new Avengers ride at Disney's California Adventure, so these characters are likely vital components of the franchise moving forward. This is how Werewolf by Night sets up the future of the MCU.

Monster Hunting Re-Examined

Werewolf By Night MCU Phase 4
Marvel Studios
Disney

The MCU version of Jack Russell has been reimagined as a 'hunter,' but he isn't a typical monster hunter. Here it is shown that he protects and frees monsters. Sooner or later, this will put him into conflict with Blade, the vampire hunter that is set to be played by Mahershala Ali in his own feature film. Vampires and werewolves already have conflict baked into them, but what happens when a man who dedicates himself to hunting monsters crosses paths with someone who has dedicated his life to protecting monsters? Blade and Werewolf by Night likely will come into conflict but will shift each other's perspective.

Related: Werewolf By Night: Monster Or Superhero

Elsa Bloodstone also will likely factor into this, as she now is in possession of the Bloodstone. Unlike the other hunters, she seemed less interested in using it for power but instead to keep it out of the hands of her stepmother. It is unknown if Blade had any ties or connections to the Bloodstone hunters, but Elsa and Blade are sure to cross paths soon.

Agatha: Coven of Chaos

Kathryn Hahn in Agatha House of Harkness
Marvel Studios
Disney

Kathryn Hahn's portrayal of Agatha Harkness on WandaVision made her a breakout character. She was so popular that in 2021, it was confirmed that the character would get her own television series now titled Agatha Harkness: Coven of Chaos. While it is unknown what the series will exactly be about, it is safe to say it will likely touch on Agatha's origin story and her many years throughout history as a witch.

This series could see the appearance of a younger Ulysses Bloodstone, someone who Agatha possibly encountered in the past. It also might be an area to explore the origins of Werewolf by Night as the character's origin typically tie into the Darkhold, the evil book that Agatha had in her possession in WandaVision. Elsa Bloodstone could even appear in the series as a supporting character.

Werewolf By Night and The Black Knight

Kit Harington's Dane Whitman in the Eternals post-credit scene
Walt Disney Studios

Eternals introduced the character Dane Whitman into the MCU. In the comics, Whitman becomes the superhero Black Knight and wields the powerful sword the Ebony Blade. The item was teased in the films after the credit scene, along with the off-screen voice of Mahershala Ali's Blade. Similar to how Elsa Bloodstone comes from a long line of monster hunters, Dane Whitman comes from a family with a long connection to the ancient Ebony Blade.

Related: Black Knight: Who is Kit Harington's Eternals Character?

The opening of Werewolf by Night shows a drawing of a group of hunters and one resembles a medieval knight. It could be a number of those in the Whitman family legacy to wield the Ebony Blade, possibly Sir Raston who was active during the late sixth and early seventh century and was an agent of Kang the Conqueror, the main overarching villain of the Multiverse Saga. It is possible the Ebony Blade has been a weapon used to slay monsters in the past and will draw the attention of Elsa Bloodstone, Jack Russell, or Man-Thing in future MCU projects.

Man-Thing: Guardian of the Multiverse

Varieties of Man-Thing
Disney
Marvel

Man-Thing's origin in the comics has various connections to elements that have already become commonplace in the MCU. He was working on recreating the Super Soldier that made Captain America, his wife Ellen Brandt was a villain in Iron Man 3, and he himself was referenced by name on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D and shown as a statue in Thor: Ragnarok as one of the Grand Master's former champions. The Multiverse might reveal Man-Thing's true purpose in the franchise moving forward.

In the comics, the swamp that turns Ted Salis into Man-Thing has magic properties due to being a Nexus of Realities. Man-Thing becomes the guardian of the Nexus, stopping multiversal threats. Phase 4 and 6 are dubbed The Multiverse Saga, and with the cracks in realities resulting from Loki, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness the multiverse needs a guardian watching over it and Man-Thing can step in to fill that void.

A Legion of Monsters is Coming to the MCU

MCU Midnight Suns team
Marvel Comics

Phase 4 of the MCU has been exploring the supernatural side of the franchise. WandaVision not only introduced the witch Agatha Harkness but also explored Wanda's history as the Scarlet Witch which was further elaborated on in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Moon Knight has close connections to many supernatural figures. Blade is getting his own film set for release on November 3, 2023.

With Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, Elsa Bloodstone, Moon Knight, and Blade all now in the MCU, along with the rumors that Ghost Rider might be joining soon it seems like Marvel is assembling a team of supernatural heroes. While Legion of Monsters is a strong name, the inclusion of non-monsters like Elsa Bloodstone and Moon Knight might imply a name that can welcome all corners of the supernatural MCU. Midnight Suns seems like the prime candidate, as Marvel is about to give the title a big push with the upcoming video game of the same name.

Werewolf by Night might indicate the need for a supernatural team might not just be to protect the normal world from the supernatural but to protect monsters from the threat of humans. This team of unlikely heroes will likely be vital in the battle against Kang the Conqueror in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and also major players in Avengers: Secret Wars.