As the Multiverse Saga continues, an unfortunate trend has developed that has only added to the Infinity Saga sequel’s many teething problems. No matter how acclaimed a project may be upon its arrival, every MCU project of Phase Four and Five so far has had its reputation worsen over time. Thor: Love and Thunder, for example, was once seen as an acceptable slice of Marvel entertainment but now is regarded as a franchise low-point. The same goes for Doctor Strange 2, Moon Knight… Even Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
One Marvel Studios product from the past couple of years has broken the curse, however, by remaining just as howlingly popular as ever with the fandom. Namely, it’s Werewolf by Night, the MCU’s first-ever Special Presentation (not to mention its inaugural Halloween special) that introduced Gael Garcia Bernal’s Jack Russell into the fray. Folks loved its homage to old-school horror and anthology TV series, and that remarkably hasn’t changed over the past half-year.
Redditors over on the r/MarvelStudios sub have been debating what the unique Phase Four project was, and WbN quickly clawed its way to the top, thanks to all the praise heaped on it in the replies.
It’s a no-brainer.
The special was the whole hairy package.
Shout-outs are also being given to its fellow Special Presentation, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
For all its faults, though, Phase Four probably does deserve credit for its experimentation. It’s just that not all these experiments have aged as well as Werewolf by Night.
By the sounds of it, Marvel lovers would have no problem with a Werewolf by Night special becoming a regular October tradition.