Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has changed the state of the MCU in a big way. The film, which introduces America Chavez to the MCU and sees Doctor Strange and Wanda Maximoff tackling the wild nature of the Multiverse, wasn't afraid to bring up big topics or introduce big names. While there is a lot to enjoy in the film, Marvel fans are always eagerly thinking - "what's next?" Those particularly interested in the mystic (and slightly spooky) side of Marvel will likely be eyeing rumors about the MCU's very own version of the Midnight Sons.
For those unaware, the Midnight Sons are a group of heroes strongly tied to the darker and scarier side of Marvel Comics. They've historically battled demons, zombies, and other terrifying creatures, and from the beginning, the team has included fan favorite characters like Ghost Rider, Blade, and Doctor Strange himself. While Multiverse of Madness didn't shed any additional information about the membership of the Midnight Sons, it did provide some info on who might be the man in charge, a la Nick Fury for the Avengers, by narrowing the pool of candidates.
Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts
Warning - the rest of this article contains spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
When the Midnight Sons first appeared in 1992, they were organized by none other than Doctor Stephen Strange. Their task was to battle the Mother of All Demons, Lilith, and the group included notable characters like Blade, Morbius, and two different Ghost Riders. While it's always been possible that Strange could lead the MCU's Midnight Sons, that seems rather unlikely in the aftermath of Multiverse of Madness.
The film's post-credits scene depicts the Master of the Mystic Arts departing into the Dark Dimension alongside Charlize Theron's Clea, a character with a lot of history with the (now former) Sorcerer Supreme. With Strange seemingly addressing this new crisis personally, he doesn't look to be in a position to be the "guy in the chair" for the Sons.
Blade, the Daywalking Half-Vampire
First on many fans' lists of potential members for the MCU's Midnight Sons is one of it's earliest members: Eric Brooks, AKA Blade. While a standalone film featuring the character is on the way, Mahershala Ali lent his voice to the character's off-screen appearance in the post-credits scene for Eternals. His short cameo addressing Dane Whitman (the future Black Knight) left many speculating that he was recruiting in a way that's become synonymous with Nick Fury.
The issue here is that Blade is not the type to lead from afar. Beyond that, Black Knight is traditionally a member of the Avengers, not the Midnight Sons. The Daywalker was likely drawn to the Ebony Blade as a means of ensuring the relic didn't fall into the wrong hands, given his knowledge of the occult. While he is a shoo-in for the group, Blade is far more likely to mirror Steve Rogers' role as a leader from the front, rather than Nick Fury's distant guiding hand.
Wong, the Sorcerer Supreme
Following the events of Multiverse of Madness, Wong finds himself in a position he's held before: Sorcerer Supreme without the influence (or interference) of Stephen Strange. However, with the Scarlet Witch missing following her destruction of the Darkhold, Kamar-Taj ravaged by her earlier attack, and Strange on a field trip with Clea to the Dark Dimension, Wong is in a position of preeminence among wielders of the mystic arts. His primary duty as Sorcerer Supreme is to protect the world, but he's understaffed and potentially outgunned.
Wong is in an excellent position to fill the role of Nick Fury for the Midnight Sons. He's been a leader of the group in the comics, most notably in the Damnation storyline, which featured a roster that is the most like what might come to life in the MCU. That group included figures we've seen (or heard) already, like Blade and Moon Knight, as well as characters likely on the horizon like Ghost Rider, Man-Thing, Elsa Bloodstone, and Iron Fist. While Wong works to train the next generation of sorcerers, his handpicked Midnight Sons can battle the threats that stalk the night.
The Midnight Sun is Rising
While the Avengers have defined the MCU so far, other teams are starting to take the scene. The Guardians of the Galaxy have already fought alongside Earth's Mightiest Heroes, and other groups like the Fantastic Four, the Young Avengers, and the X-Men are coming up quickly. The time is ripe for an appearance by the Midnight Sons to continue Marvel's take on horror that started with Moon Knight and Multiverse of Madness and will continue into the upcoming Halloween Special, Marvel Zombies, and Blade.
While the release date is as of yet unannounced, fans of Marvel horror should keep their eyes on October for the Halloween Special.
