Phase 4 Is Making Blade's MCU Debut A Lot Easier | Screen Rant
The additions Moon Knight and Phase 4 in general are making to the MCU mythos are making it much easier for Blade to be properly introduced. The voice of Mahershala Ali’s character was briefly heard in one of Eternals’ two post-credits scenes, but he’s yet to appear in the flesh. Marvel may be saving his official debut for his solo movie, which is expected to be a part of its Phase 5 plans.
Vampires were mentioned in Loki, but none of their kind have appeared in any MCU movies or shows. However, that will certainly change when Blade bursts onto the scene. As a modern-day vampire hunter with superhuman abilities, Blade is a key figure in the supernatural corner of the Marvel Universe. An MCU adaptation of his story could incorporate all sorts of important concepts from Marvel Comics into the MCU, such as werewolves and even Count Dracula himself. But for the time being, exactly what Marvel has planned for Blade’s introduction remains unclear.
Ever since Blade was confirmed for the MCU’s future, there have been questions about how a character like him (and the world that goes with him) could work in a cinematic universe that’s supposed to feel grounded. While the MCU already has gods, elves, and aliens, there was a sense that vampires might be more difficult to pull off in a way that works. However, Phase 4 has essentially made this a non-issue. After all, Moon Knight episode 4 just added zombies into the mix. That term applies perfectly to the mummified, undead creatures that attacked Steven Grant when he was looking for Ammit’s tomb. With zombies now on hand, it’s easier than ever to imagine vampires running loose in the MCU.
Before Moon Knight, zombies already existed in the MCU’s multiverse via one of the alternate realities depicted in Marvel’s What If…?, but there’s a big difference between zombies appearing in an animated show and live-action, undead monsters showing up in the MCU’s main timeline. In introducing zombies, Phase 4 is continuing to show that nearly anything is possible in the MCU. In Phase 4 alone, Marvel has unleashed jackal monsters from another dimension, zombies, a new race of mystical beings, and more. Plus, what’s been said about Marvel’s Halloween special on Disney+ hints that werewolves are on their way as well.
All things considered, Marvel has done so much to expand the supernatural side of the MCU in such a short period of time. It’s reached a point where vampires should fit in rather seamlessly with the MCU in its current state. And with Moon Knight’s zombies and possibly werewolves around, Marvel will have built an impressive stable of monsters for the MCU’s future after Blade.
Moon Knight releases new episodes Wednesdays on Disney+.