One new Marvel Studios movie is back in development after being shelved and forgotten about for some time, giving fans something massive to look forward to. Given the MCU's fluidity in producing and releasing movies and TV shows over the last few years, largely due to fan complaints and disappointing reviews/box office results, hearing news about revivals like this one is usually encouraging.
A new rumor indicated that Marvel Studios restarted development on a Midnight Sons movie for the MCU. While the film has never officially been announced or discussed by the higher-ups at Marvel Studios, this team is wildly popular due to its inclusion of some of Marvel's darker heroes and antiheroes, leading to a cry from fans to see them on screen.
According to scooper Daniel Richtman, the Midnight Sons movie's development was "on pause for a while" before restarting again recently. However, this comes with a caveat, as writer Michael Green is reportedly "no longer part of the project," formerly having a job as the film's writer. Green is currently working as the executive producer on the upcoming Blade Runner 2099 series.
In Marvel Comics, the Midnight Sons are a collection of characters with powers largely stemming from the supernatural side of the Marvel Universe. They typically join forces to take on demonic and scarier foes from Marvel lore, including Lillith, Dracula, and Chthon. Thus far, only a handful of characters associated with the Midnight Sons have appeared in Marvel Studios projects, and there has been no mention of the team name in any MCU movie or TV show. Those characters include Doctor Strange, Man-Thing, Elsa Bloodstone, Werewolf by Night, and Moon Knight, although Sony Pictures also introduced Midnight Sons heroes/antiheroes like Morbius.
Midnight Sons was not the only MCU project on the brink over at Marvel Studios. Several movies and shows were in development for a time, but their fates are a bit more uncertain in Marvel's current landscape.
Marvel Studios' Uncertain MCU Projects
Blade
Blade has had a tumultuous development since its initial announcement back in 2019, going through several directors and writers. All signs are pointing to the movie now being on pause, though rumors suggest Marvel Studios is still keen to keep star Mahershala Ali on board as the MCU's Eric Brooks.
Armor Wars
Another troubled movie in the MCU's line-up is Armor Wars, which would have finally given Don Cheadle's Rhodey the spotlight he deserves. Unfortunately, the film has received few updates over the years and is rumored to be on hold internally at Marvel Studios.
Strange Academy
Strange Academy was one of three series to be shelved by Marvel Studios, as revealed in a Deadline report. The show would have reportedly focused on Wong teaching a group of youngsters in the arcane arts.
Terror Inc.
The second Marvel show to face the chopping block was Terror Inc., which would introduced the anti-hero, Terror to the MCU. In the comics, the character is able to use others' dismembered limbs, attach them to himself, and gain the talents of that individual.
Nova
The final show that Deadline's report highlighted was Nova, the long-requested project that would have seen the space-faring superhero make it into live-action. One rumor indicates that Marvel Studios is saving Nova for its next saga, so there still may be hope for Richard Rider yet.
Hawkeye Season 2
After the success of Hawkeye Season 1, a second season seemed like a given. According to Jeremy Renner though, it looks like Season 2 won't be happening anytime soon though after he was offered a measly package to return as Clint Barton.
Ten Rings series
A Disney+ series centered around the Ten Rings was rumored to be in the works after the release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, but little word about the project has surfaced since. Initial rumblings indicated that the show would have focused on Xialing as the new head of the criminal empire.
What Will Happen With the Midnight Sons in the MCU?
Looking at the status of the Midnight Sons in the MCU, the team seems to be a long time away from being brought together for a big-screen adventure.
Blade is still going through massive difficulties getting off the ground, with Mahershala Ali's solo movie's release date now not expected until the MCU goes into Phase 7. There is also no word on whether Oscar Isaac will get a second season of Moon Knight, although there is hope that he will appear in one of the next two Avengers movies.
Elsewhere, Ghost Rider's presence in the MCU is still something of a wild card; some hope to see Gabriel Luna's Robbie Reyes from Agents of SHIELD brought back, while other rumors tease that Marvel has plans for the Devil's bounty hunter. Another character whose future remains uncertain is Werewolf by Night, in which both Elsa Bloodstone and Man-Thing were introduced. However, there are no official plans for any of those characters to return soon.
Should this rumor prove to be true, Marvel may be able to pull together a Midnight Sons movie for a Phase 7 premiere, although there are slim odds that this film could be developed for release sometime in Phase 6. Until more official information comes to light, fans wait to see what becomes of this exciting team of darker Marvel headliners under the MCU umbrella.
Richard Nebens joined The Direct in March 2020, now serving as the site's Senior Writer and also working as an assistant editor and content creator. He started his journalism career as a hobby in 2019 and is passionate about sharing news and stories from the entertainment industry, especially comic book movies, comedy, and sci-fi. Richard looks to expand his knowledge about movies and TV every day, and he is eager to stay locked into the latest releases and breaking news at every opportunity.
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