Laura Donnellyhas joinedGael Garcia Bernalin Disney+’s Marvel Halloween Special, which willreportedly bringWerewolf by Nightinto the MCU. While official information about the special is still scarce,Deadlineconfirms Donnelly is now part of the cast and could be playing the heroine known as Vampire by Night.
Donnelly is the second star attached to the project, which previouslyadded Bernal supposedly as a lead. Donnelly is best known for playing Amalia True in HBO’sThe Neversand for her parts in moviesTolkienandThe Program. Donnelly also won the Best Actress award at the Olivier Awards for her performance inThe Ferryman. She’s not currently attached to any project, which gives her plenty of time to deep dive into the MCU’s mysterious Halloween Special on Disney+.
The first Werewolf by Night, Jack Russell, was introduced in 1972’sMarvel Spotlight#2and was created byGerry ConwayandMike Ploogfrom an idea byRoy Thomas.Stan Leebaptized the comic book series, and Roy andJean Thomasdefined the plot for the first issue, making Russell a rare superhero created by five different people. In the comics, Russell comes from a long lineage cursed with lycanthropy. Still, he remains fully aware of most of his transformations and controls his powerful werewolf body to fight evildoers.
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As for Nina Price, a.k.a. Vampire by Night, she first appeared in 2005’sAmazing Fantasy #10and was created by writerJeff Parkerand artistFederica Manfredi. The niece of Jack Russell, Nina can transform into either a werewolf or a vampiress between dusk and dawn. If Donelly proves to be Nina Price, that would all but confirm that the upcoming MCU Halloween Special indeed follows the story of Werewolf by Night. Also, with the upcomingBlademovie starring Oscar-winning actorMahershala Ali, the MCU is more than ready to explore the many vampire characters of Marvel’s comics.
It’s also worth noticing that Werewolf by Night has a deep comic book connection with the character of Moon Knight, who is getting his own solo series next year starringOscar Isaacin the title role. Moon Knight was created by writerDoug Moenchand artistDon Perlinfor 1975’sWerewolf by Night #32, so it would be fitting if both characters made their MCU debut together.
Moon Knightcomes to Disney+ this year. As more news of the Disney+ Halloween special potentially featuring Werewolf by Night is revealed by the full moon, you’re able to expect to read all about it here at Collider.
