After a long search for a Latinx lead, Marvel has tapped on Golden Globe winner Gael García Bernal (Mozart in the Jungle) as the lead for their Werewolf By Night Halloween special, confirmed by The Wrap. Production is set to begin in early 2022.
A Halloween special for the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been long rumored as Marvel was looking for a Latinx actor to headline the special. Sources close to the project confirmed that the series will focus on the Werewolf By Night character, a name used by two different characters in the Marvel comics.
The first was Jack Russell, who debuted in 1972. Russell’s iteration of the character ran for 43 issues until 1977. The series also included the debut of Moon Knight, who is getting a Disney+ series starring Oscar Isaac (Dune). Russell is a descendant of a mystical race of humans known as the Lycanthropes. Upon turning into a werewolf, Russell still retains his intellect.
The second iteration, Jake Gomez, made his debut last year. Gomez is a Hopi Native American whose family is cursed with lycanthropy and comes in conflict with a pharmaceutical company exploiting members of his tribe.
Although it is not clear which iteration will be the special’s focus, with the incoming introduction of more recent characters such as Ironheart and Mr. Marvel in the MCU, Jake Gomez seems to be the likely candidate for the Halloween special. Marvel continues to expand its television realm with the success of shows like WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special recently wrapped production which is set for a release in the 2022 holiday season. Production for the Halloween special is rumored for February and will probably be set for October 2022.
Bernal is a Mexican actor known for his roles on Bad Education and Mozart in the Jungle. He earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Musical or Comedy for his role in Mozart in the Jungle.