Directed by horror icon Sam Raimi, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness will introduce an element of horror that has yet to be seen in the MCU. This will pave the way for the horror genre to be a part of the MCU.
Through Hero or villain, if the character can invoke fear in others, then they can lead their own movie. While some characters on the list can serve as the protagonists, the more villainous characters can take the place of horror icons like Jason and Pennywise.
Nightmare
The name itself should be a self-explanatory reason as to why this character can lead a horror movie. Primary an opponent of Doctor Strange, Nightmare is the ruler of Nightmare World, who feeds off humanity’s psychic energies.
Nightmare can best be described as a mix between Pennywise and Freddy Krueger as he delights in the fear and suffering of others. Although Marvel could potentially make the next Doctor Strange movie a full-on horror, giving Nightmare a lead solo movie would allow a villain fitting of the genre to shine in a solo movie.
Purple Man
Having the power of mind control using his voice, the twisted Kilgrave took advantage of it with a sick sense of joy. He was portrayed this way in Marvel’s Jessica Jones through a spine-tingling delivery by David Tennant as he made several disturbing demands.
With Charlie Cox’s Daredevil crossing over into the movies and the multiverse allowing characters to return in a new light, there is a possibility for Purple Man to make his return. Redesigning him with purple skin and his appearance can be just as terrifying as watching him make others vulnerable. All Marvel needs to do is put him in the role of a villain again.
Werewolf By Night
Passed down from a family curse, Jack Russell has the power to turn into a werewolf at will. He uses his werewolf powers to fight crime; however, on the nights of a full moon the change is involuntary, and he starts to lose his humanity.
Marvel can bring back the horror classic of having a movie about a teenager that turns into a werewolf by night. Werewolf By Night received his own comic series, which eventually saw the debut of Moon Knight in August 1975 in issue #32. With the fist of Khonshu receiving his own television series on Disney+, this does open up the possibility of Werewolf By Night joining the MCU. Something to know about Werewolf By Night is that Halloween special is planned for Disney+ and could potentially lead to bigger things for the character.
Jean Grey/ Pheonix
An honorary X-men and apprentice of Professor Xavier, Jean Grey is a powerful mutant with little control of her power of telepathy and telekinesis. Her powers are amplified to extreme levels when given the Phoenix force that allows her to manipulate cosmic fire and matter itself.
Actors who could play Jean Grey in the MCU could use that sadness and fear that is often seen in her movies to tell an origin story of her gaining her powers or the Phoenix Force itself. Whether placed in the role of the killer or the final girl, the genre would allow her power and character to be explored in a way never seen before.
Man-Thing
Trying to hide his recreation of the super-soldier formula from AIM, Ted Sallis crashed his car into a swamp that holds the connection/Nexus of All Realities. With only his soul trapped inside, the Man-Thing is a mindless creature that suffers pain at the sense of fear. He would travel from the swamp to the source, where his touch burns those that are afraid.
The Man-Thing is a misunderstood creature built for a horror movie. A 7ft tall swamp monster that burns people alive with touch is bound to make someone afraid. With the Nexus being introduced within Loki and playing a major role within the next phase of Marvel, Man-Thing can serve as a guardian of sorts for the Nexus in future movies.
Mephisto
Characters who made a deal with Marvel’s Devil are aware of the horror and suffering that comes with him. A lord of lies, Mephisto’s skill of deception causes many heroes to make the tragic mistake of giving something of value only for the hero to try to go back on the deal.
This wouldn’t be played as a slasher or monster movie but as psychological horror. Antagonists are often seen as being more important within a horror movie as their evil actions have the most impact on that movie. Mephisto would be the horror movie antagonist that instead of killing the hero would just slowly torture them until they slowly descend into darkness themselves.
Nightcrawler
Born with blue skin, yellow eyes, and a tail, Nightcrawler was feared by others for his appearance. He was often compared to a demon despite being a catholic studying for the priesthood. His power of teleportation allows him to appear out of a puff of smoke leaving behind a “bamf” sound and the smell of brimstone.
Any mutant could get a horror movie as they are often terrified when learning about their powers and are feared by others. Despite being a man of peace, Nightcrawler is often chased by an angry mob. A Nightcrawler movie would show the fear of both the main character and fear of those who deem him evil.
Ghost Rider
A brimstone biker is a character that is feared by many. Making a deal with Mephisto, Jonny Blaze would inherit a demon that gives him and his motorcycle the power of hellfire and the Penance Stare.
Ghost Rider has had multiple live-action adaptations, with one played by Nicolas Cage in the 2007 movie and the other played by Gabriel Luna in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D; but was never given a horror adaptation despite his connection with hell demons. Ghost Rider, with his best allies, can be the ones to lead the Marvel movies in a more violent direction by hunting down criminals (much like a horror movie villain would). Marvel Studios now has a chance to use Danny Katch by giving him a horror movie that would separate this Ghost Rider from previous movies.
Blade
Blade is a safe choice as he already received a horror movie starring Wesley Snipes before Marvel Studios cast Mahershala Ali as their interpretation of the sword-wielding vampire slayer.
Vampires are horror movie classics and, with Blade being one himself, this movie would be guaranteed to have blood and violence. With the character making an appearance in the end credits of Marvel’s Eternals talking to the Dark Knight, it is possible for the set-up of their own version of Midnight Sons. With enough magical characters on the team and demonic villains yet to be explored, a Midnight Sons horror movie wouldn’t be opposed by fans.
