10 Beloved MCU Characters Rumored to Return in Marvel Horror Movie

As a die-hard movie buff, I can’t contain my excitement about the latest buzz in Tinseltown! Word on the street is that Marvel Studios might be reviving the long-awaited Midnight Sons film project. Now, this isn’t an official announcement yet, but industry insider Daniel Richtman claims they’ve quietly restarted development. For over a decade, the groundwork has been subtly laid through intricate character introductions in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its related titles, hinting at the potential for this darker supernatural team to make their big-screen debut. Fingers crossed, fellow fans!

The Midnight Sons, an ever-changing group of Marvel’s darker and mystical heroes, traverse a world teeming with vampires (including Blade), monstrous beings, ancient magic, demons, and other fearsome creatures. In the event that the Midnight Sons project progresses, it could reintroduce several beloved MCU characters that fans have eagerly anticipated seeing more of in the expansive superhero realm, as well as those yet to make their official appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

10 Marvel Characters on the Shortlist for a Midnight Sons Movie

Dane Whitman (Black Knight)

2021’s Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Eternals, saw the low-key yet captivating entrance of Dane Whitman, portrayed by Kit Harington, who was Sersi’s charming partner. However, in a cryptic post-credits scene, he showed apprehension as he approached the foreboding Ebony Blade, an ancient weapon with a haunted past. This encounter was then interrupted by an unseen voice (later revealed to be Mahershala Ali’s Blade).

2025’s “Captain America: Brave New World” is poised to delve into the long-awaited resolution of some events from the movie “Eternals”, particularly the colossal corpse of Celestial Tiamut rising from the Indian Ocean. It’s high time another hint from the film comes full circle in a significant manner.

In an interview with Screen Rant in 2024, despite having ambivalent sentiments about the character, Harington conveyed his wish to keep portraying Whitman.

I’m eagerly anticipating further development of this character in the story. This character is incredibly intriguing and ingeniously created. I adore their journey portrayed in the comics, particularly the concept of a hero corrupted by his powers. I find that idea remarkably clever. As far as I know, we haven’t had a main character like this before, so I believe it presents a powerful opportunity for storytelling. I’m hoping they revisit and expand upon this character.

In the comic books, Whitman transforms into the Black Knight, a character who’s been tainted by a family heirloom sword that brings out his bloodlust. He’s had several tenures with the Midnight Sons and aligns perfectly with their grittier, supernatural vibe. Fans have eagerly anticipated what becomes of him following his encounter with Blade, and a Midnight Sons movie would be an ideal platform to delve deeper into this storyline.

Blade

The challenging journey of Blade, the renowned vampire slayer, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe has earned its own share of legend. Originally played by Wesley Snipes in a trilogy during the late ’90s and early ’00s, this character is now set to be revitalized with Mahershala Ali, best known for his role in “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” taking on the lead role since 2019.

Ever since, the movie has experienced multiple postponements, script changes, and creative overhauls, ultimately getting taken off Marvel Studios’ list of upcoming releases.

In summary, it’s worth noting that the renowned dhampir character, a blend of vampire and human ancestry, has entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) through a voice cameo. As we stand in 2025, Ali’s involvement in the MCU is currently limited to the post-credits scene of Eternals. Here, the unseen Daywalker delivers a chilling question to Kit Harington’s character, Dane Whitman.

The highly anticipated complete resurgence of Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a significant milestone. In the 2024 film Deadpool and Wolverine, Snipes’ iconic character humorously asserted, “Only one Blade has ever existed, and there will only ever be one Blade.

Marvel Studios and its enthusiastic fanbase are likely viewing their recent quip about the Blade reboot’s production issues as more of a humorous remark than a prophecy. To avoid any further hurdles with this long-in-the-making film, one possible solution could be to transform the Blade movie into a team-up project; this would allow him to join forces with various other characters centered around horror and supernatural themes, many of whom have yet to fully shine on screen.

Among the notable members of the Midnight Sons group, Blade stands out as a character with an intriguing background. As a half-vampire who fights against his own kind, he presents both personal and external struggles that make for compelling storytelling. With a gifted actor breathing life into this character, it’s no wonder that Blade is indispensable to the team, much like Iron Man was to the Avengers. If the movie goes ahead, it seems highly likely that we’ll see Blade playing a significant role in the story.

Elsa Bloodstone

In the smash-hit 2022 Marvel Studios presentation Werewolf by Night, Elsa Bloodstone emerged as a captivating new character. Portrayed by Laura Donnelly, her tough demeanor, sorrowful history, and sharp humor quickly won over viewers, who have eagerly anticipated her reappearance in the MCU since then. Despite hailing from a family of monster hunters, including her distant father, Ulysses, and his wife Verussa, Elsa has no inclination towards hunting monsters herself.

In the previous event at Bloodstone Manor, viewers last spotted Elsa. Here, Verussa gathered a team of five monster hunters, among them Jack Russell (Gael García Bernal). Their goal: to claim the Bloodstone, an object filled with immense power. This artifact was found on the back of a creature, later identified as Man-Thing or Ted in this special production. In the climax of the Special Presentation, Elsa came out victorious, now possessing both Bloodstone Manor and the Bloodstone itself.

In the comics, she’s frequently part of multiple supernatural groups, such as the Midnight Sons. Her character’s ending in “Werewolf by Night” seems to mark a fresh start, making her potential role in an upcoming Marvel movie full of intriguing prospects. There couldn’t be a more suitable setting for the MCU’s monster slayer than a chilling horror film that heavily emphasizes dark magic and supernatural elements.

Doctor Strange (and Clea)

In terms of a Marvel film centered around the mystical, magical realms, and the Mystic Arts, Doctor Stephen Strange (portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch) stands out as a likely choice. Debuting in his self-titled 2016 movie, this character played significant roles in both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. More recently, he clashed with the formidable Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (played by Elizabeth Olsen) in 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Even though he may not always be a permanent member of the Midnight Sons in all comic adaptations, he often takes on roles as their guide or organizer instead.

In the finale of “Multiverse of Madness“, Doctor Strange develops an additional eye and departs Earth-616 on a journey through multiple universes alongside the enigmatic sorceress Clea, portrayed by Charlize Theron. Whether their future escapades will impact the impending “Avengers: Doomsday” is yet unknown, as Theron’s return in any upcoming Marvel Studios productions has not been officially announced.

If the duo make it through both “Doomsday” and its 2027 sequel, “Avengers: Secret Wars”, it wouldn’t be unexpected if these two characters, who eventually get married in the comics, come across or even join forces to form the Midnight Sons. This is because of the mystical and supernatural elements that bind their stories together in this grittier, horror-oriented part of the Marvel universe.

Ghost Rider

Without a shadow of a doubt, when it comes to the mystical aspects of Marvel, Ghost Rider has consistently been a character cherished by fans. The Johnny Blaze incarnation of this character was notably played by Nicolas Cage in the critically maligned 2007 Marvel film “Ghost Rider” and its 2011 sequel “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” which were met with even more negative feedback—sadly, Ghost Rider hasn’t fared well on the big screen.

Despite Cage being a renowned film figure with an extensive movie background, a significant number of Marvel enthusiasts have advocated for the small-screen version of Ghost Rider to intersect with the MCU. The flamboyant antagonist Robbie Reyes, brought to life by actor Gabriel Luna from “The Last of Us”, first appeared in the 2016 season of the long-running ABC series “Agents of SHIELD”.

Luna’s performance was appreciated, but discussions about whether that show fits into the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have gone on for almost a decade without resolution. Setting aside those complexities, Ghost Rider is a crucial figure in the Midnight Sons group. A recent gossip suggests that this character might take charge of the team in a potential Midnight Sons movie. Regardless of whether it’s Robbie Reyes, Johnny Blaze, or Danny Ketch who plays him, fans have been eagerly awaiting Ghost Rider’s debut in the MCU for years.

Jennifer Kale

Jennifer Kale (portrayed by Sasheer Zamata) quickly became a beloved character in the eerie 2024 Marvel TV series, “Agatha All Along“. Her role as the potions witch, known for her witty comebacks and survival instincts, is the sole character from the series who manages to survive the Witches’ Road—without realizing that this perilous path was inadvertently created by Billy Maximoff (Joe Locke)’s subconscious.

Throughout much of the show, it was Agatha Harkness (played by Kathryn Hahn) who kept Kale’s powers restrained. However, she eventually broke free from Agatha’s control, stepping out of the Road with her powers reinstated, and soaring off into the sky.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice that she’s uniquely connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She’s the sole character who’s casually mentioned Mephisto, a devilish figure who stirred quite a buzz as a potential antagonist in last year’s WandaVision, and now, with anticipation building, we eagerly await his MCU debut in the upcoming Disney+ series Ironheart.

As a passionate comic book fan, I can’t help but express my excitement about the potential addition of Jennifer to the upcoming Marvel movie. Known for her formidable magic abilities and connections to the Darkhold and Man-Thing, she’s previously been part of the eerie Midnight Sons team. Her appearance on the big screen could introduce a refreshing dose of humor to this darkly intriguing group, all while giving viewers an unprecedented glimpse into her extraordinary powers.

Man-Thing

In the 2022 Marvel Studios Special Presentation titled “Werewolf by Night,” a character known as Man-Thing, also referred to as Ted, was eagerly anticipated by both fans and critics. Despite being mute with only roars and feelings expressed, his heartfelt bond with Jack Russell and the expressive nature of his face quickly captured audience hearts.

Following the extraction of the cursed Bloodstone from my spine, leaving me vulnerable and enraged, I found myself slaying Verussa and fleeing Bloodstone Manor. In the final scene of the Special Presentation, there I was, side by side with Jack, taking a well-deserved respite in the woods – a momentary peace after our harrowing experience at the manor.

In the world of comic books, Professor Theodore Sallis, once a biochemist, underwent a terrifying transformation. This metamorphosis occurred when he self-administered an unstable concoction and collided his vehicle with a mystical bog, leading him to become the monstrous swamp dweller known as Man-Thing.

This character safeguards the Nexus, an interdimensional passageway connecting all potential realities. Notably, he’s a regular ally of the Midnight Sons and also serves in the Thunderbolts. If fans are seeking a Marvel movie that embraces the unusual (and it appears the franchise is leaning towards this), reintroducing Ted would be an obvious choice.

Moon Knight

In the 2022 Disney+ show titled “Moon Knight“, Steven Grant (alongside Marc Spector and Jake Lockley, all portrayed by Oscar Isaac), embarked on a thrilling journey. The series introduced Marvel’s most psychologically complex hero to date—a man grappling with dissociative identity disorder, housing multiple personalities, and serving Khonshu, an ancient Egyptian deity of retribution.

In a surprising turn of events, Moon Knight discovered that timid museum gift shop worker, Grant, harbored a dual identity: one as himself and another as the formidable mercenary, Marc Spector, who transforms into the ferocious superhero known as Moon Knight when unleashed.

Throughout this tale, we’re drawn into an age-old struggle between Khonshu and the deity Ammit. As the series reaches its climax, a new and brutal persona named Jake Lockley emerges, causing mass destruction at a psychiatric hospital and ultimately eliminating the main adversary, Arthur Harrow (portrayed by Ethan Hawke).

In the comic books, Moon Knight often comes across characters like Blade and Elsa and is frequently embroiled in Marvel’s world of supernatural events. It would be ideal for Moon Knight to star in a Marvel film focusing on a group of cursed sword-wielders, sorceresses, and demonic bounty hunters.

Undoubtedly, the dynamic trio of Marc, Steven, and Jake would bring an unprecedented level of energy to the Midnight Sons, making their presence truly electrifying.

Jack Russell (Werewolf by Night)

In Marvel’s chilling short story titled “Werewolf by Night“, the character Jack Russell made his appearance. Contrary to expectations, he was portrayed as a kind-hearted individual who joined the hunt at Bloodstone Manor with the intention of safeguarding and liberating his companion Ted, also known as Man-Thing. The role of Jack is played by Gael García Bernal. This half-human, half-werewolf character is a fitting addition to the Midnight Sons team due to his unique nature.

In the Special Presentation, Russell and Elsa join forces to release Ted under an agreement that she gets to retain the Bloodstone (you can learn about its powers here). However, things take a turn for the worse when the Bloodstone pushes him back, hinting at Russell’s monstrous nature—a violent werewolf who subsequently attacks the manor’s guards and flees into the forest. There, he inquires about Elsa’s wellbeing.

As a seemingly ordinary individual capable of morphing into a formidable creature, Russell could bring an unusual flavor to a group of intricate anti-heroes, breaking the traditional mold.

However, within this assemblage of witches, sorcerers, monstrous beings, and monster slayers, maintaining harmony might prove crucial. The pairing of Jack and Ted could become the emotionally stirring duo that Marvel films were unaware they lacked.

When Could We See a Supernatural Marvel Movie?

At present, the Midnight Sons project is merely a tantalizing whisper, lacking any formal confirmation as a Marvel movie. However, the pieces appear to be falling into place, hinting at its possible existence. Characters such as Blade, Clea, Dane Whitman, and Elsa Bloodstone were previously introduced, only for their stories to seem stalled—until now.

A “Midnight Sons” film might function as a connector for these tales, offering Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) creators an opportunity to introduce a team capable of handling the increasing supernatural and mystical perils that have emerged in more recent times.

If Richtman’s news proves authentic, fans might embark on an awaited exploration of the MCU’s hidden, ominous, and mystical corners.

With the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) rapidly approaching “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” and not much space for more movies in between these two, we’re left wondering how long it may take until fans finally witness the long-desired supernatural team-up.

Let the speculation begin.

2025-06-20 23:37