Along with the classic MCU action coming to the big screen and Disney+ over the next few years in Phase 4, Marvel Studios is using Disney+ to deliver new and unique content that still ties into its overarching narrative. This includes entries like The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special being filmed alongside the third Guardians solo movie, and there is even a Halloween special in the early stages of development as well.
Outside of the Halloween-centric episode of 2021's WandaVision, this will be Marvel Studios' first time tackling a story centered on the spooky holiday as more centralized adventures come into play. There aren't many signs pointing to specifics regarding the plot or its place in the MCU timeline, but reports have hinted that it will be centered around Werewolf By Night, who has ties to Moon Knight in the comics.
In November 2021, Gael Garcia Bernal of Disney's Coco was cast in the Halloween Special as Werewolf By Night as the project looks to hopefully release sometime this year. Now, the MCU newcomer finally has a co-star in this mysterious project, one who will bring yet another spooky character into MCU lore.
New Addition to Werewolf By Night
Deadline revealed that actress Laura Donnelly has joined the cast of Marvel Studios' Werewolf By Night project, which is being prepped for a Disney+ premiere. Her role wasn't officially announced, although Deadline's sources point to her potentially playing Nina Price aka Vampire By Night.
Insider Daniel Richman responded to this news on Twitter, supporting the likelihood that Donnelly will play Nina Price by retweeting the article with the caption, "Vampire by Night!"
Vampire By Night Coming to the MCU?
Laura Donnelly has built up an impressive resume of projects on TV and on the big screen over the last few years, highlighted by a supporting role in Tolkien and a leading part in The Nevers. Now, with this appearance in the upcoming Marvel Studios Halloween Special, she should have the chance for her most high-profile entry to date.
As for the character she may be playing, Vampire By Night could potentially be a thrilling new addition to the MCU's growing cache of spooky heroes and anti-heroes. Mahershala Ali's Blade and Oscar Isaac's Moon Knight will help lead the way in this regard, although this Disney+ Halloween Special will hold its weight when it makes its debut.
Nina Price is the niece of Jack Russell, the classic alter-ego of Werewolf By Night, which should indicate that Garcia is taking on that version of the character in this special. She has the ability to shapeshift into either a werewolf or a vampire, and her comic origins also have ties to the Darkhold, which famously made its Disney+ debut in Episode 9 of WandaVision.
As the year moves further along, more news about this Halloween Special should hopefully find its way into the light and give fans more of an idea of what to expect. For now, excitement is growing as vampires and werewolves move closer to becoming a reality in the ever-expanding MCU narrative.
