Marvel Studios’ first special presentation was Werewolf by Night. A Halloween special that paid tribute to the classic monster films of yesteryear. The special was directed by renowned film composer Michael Giacchino. Werewolf by Night showcased how the MCU could do one-off specials while continuing to expand its world.
In Werewolf by Night, fans were introduced to Jack Russell/Werewolf by Night played by Gael Garcia Bernal, Elsa Bloodstone played by Laura Donnelly, and new MCU fan-favorite Man-Thing. Those three characters will be pivotal players in the spookier and supernatural side of the MCU. Giacchino was able to get the audience to care about these characters in less than an hour. Maybe more MCU character introductions could be done via special presentation?
The second Marvel Studios Special Presentation goes back into familiar territory. It’s the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Seemingly a tribute to the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. We will get to see the Guardians of the Galaxy back on Earth trying to give Peter Quill the ideal Christmas. This special has the benefit of including pre-established characters and also can fall back on being a true holiday special.
Both Werewolf by Night and Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special are true holiday specials. Yet what comes next for Marvel Studios Special Presentations? Will these specials only be for holidays? Will they be for character introductions?
At the beginning of October, our friends over at The Cosmic Circus shared that Marvel Studios was planning more special presentations. A lot of fans rejoiced at the news because not everyone has been thrilled with Marvel Studios’ approach of doing a boatload of Disney+ series. Now Marvel Studios has the ability to take a concept that might’ve only eeked out 6 episodes and just give it a condensed special presentation.
The future of Marvel Studios Special Presentations however could be a slippery slope. It could easily fall into over-exposure if special presentations happen more frequently than Disney+ series. I tend to imagine keeping these around holidays or significant days in Marvel history would be the best play.
There is a possibility that Disney+ series that have been in development could get changed to special presentations. Just like how Armor Wars which was originally going to be a Disney+ series became a film. We also know the Black Panther franchise will expand on Disney+ with projects centered around Okoye and Wakanda itself. Maybe Okoye becomes a Special Presentation?
The Ten Rings were promised to return at the end of Shang-Chi. Most speculated that the group would get a Disney+ series but maybe The Ten Rings will just be a special presentation? Marvel could even save the group for Shang-Chi’s inevitable sequel. May make it worth the wait.
The Cosmic Circus also reported on the fact that Nova and Silver Surfer may be special presentations. Silver Surfer having a special presentation set before Fantastic Four could make a lot of sense. Nova being a special presentation seems like a missed opportunity for a Disney+ series or even a film (although it seems like Marvel Studios is moving away from solo films to establish characters instead opting for Disney+ series and leaving the big screen solely for ensemble event films).
We also can’t rule out the possibility that the X-Men could get rolled out by utilizing special presentations before teaming up in either a Disney+ series or feature film.
Special presentations could allow the MCU more flexibility as well with them being one-offs. We could potentially get an Eternals special presentation instead of a traditional sequel. What about what happened during The Blip? Give it a special presentation. What about the fallout on Earth 838 after Multiverse of Madness? Address it in a special presentation.
I’d also like to say I think it’s a safe bet that Marvel Studios could continue to do special presentations around holidays. I mean Halloween 2023 having an Elsa Bloodstone or Man-Thing special seems like a virtual lock after the reception to Werewolf by Night. Many enjoy Christmas specials and the MCU has a plethora of characters that could pull those off.
My personal preference is that Marvel Studios uses the special presentations sparingly. Although I do think they have the ability to do more One-Shots (short films). Then again, I won’t complain if I get more glimpses inside the MCU even if it’s just for an hour at a time. Marvel Studios Special Presentations are here to stay, and this format has a bright future ahead in the MCU.
Be sure to continue to follow Boardwalk Times for more coverage of The Walt Disney Company.
Support Boardwalk Times on Ko-Fi.
If you like this article. Subscribe to our free newsletter Boardwalk Times: Stories from the Seashore, a monthly dose of Disney and its businesses.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
