Per his Marvel foundation, Moon Knight is a character co-created by Doug Moench and Jon Paul DuChamp, who sprung from the popular Werewolf By Night. Moon Knight is otherwise known as Marc Spector, a rabbi's son, distinguished by his Marine/CIA background. Above all, he has chosen to become a costumed vigilante to (gasp!) right wrongs after overcoming death, even when haunted by the distracting (though sometimes beneficial) curse of schizophrenia, or is it now more a matter of Multiverse/past-life regression?
For Disney+'s six-part adaptation, Spector, ersatz Steven Grant, is portrayed by imagi-movie veteran, Oscar Isaac. Considering the actor's legion of devotees, this should extra-clinch the series as a ratings champ. For the record, Isaac's characterization will, indeed, encompass his printed-page counterpart's cerebral complexities, even though in Grant from, he's reinterpreted as a fidgety, museum-store employee, thus further distancing the character as a forefront, military dynamo and/or Tony Stark-type entrepreneur. Even with the alteration, the actor will no doubt have much to play with and fans much to savor.
Moon Knight's prime antagonist is Arthur Harrow, portrayed by the seasoned Ethan Hawke (a once-contender for Stephen Strange). Harrow is a religious fanatic/beguiling prophet reminiscent of David Koresch, who yearns to possess a magical scarab that could bestow him world power. Moon Knight, therefore, acts as an erratic but effective obstacle to Harrow's dictatorial pursuit.
Other cast members/characters include the late Gaspard Ullial as artifacts thief, Midnight Man; Mary Calamawy as alluring archeologist, Layla El-Fauouly; Loic Mabanza as swordsman extraordinaire, Bushman; and F. Murray Abraham as the chiding/guiding voice of Egyptian god, Khonshu.
As with the comics, Moon Knight's live-action outfit looks splendid, both spectral and imposing (a cross between the attire of Space Ghost and the Dark Knight). The suit also incorporates the comic book's chilling tone, though word has it, the series will offer Hawkeye-ish levity (and a dab of Tom Jones background music) to contrast its chaotic passages.
I subscribe to Disney+ for its Marvel material, which I've found quite engaging thus far. I anticipate Moon Knight will also please, and maybe if we're lucky, the character will swoop into a few big-screen chapters. Spector/Grant deserves that much, and so do Marvel fans.
Moon Knight premieres Wed, March 30.
Quite enjoyed the opener. More levity than I expected, but that's fine. It's of an identifiable, character-building sort.
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