No doubt, the MCU’s version of Moon Knight has been a mind-bending adventure. In a show that tackles serious issues such as dissociative identity disorder, changing the media’s perspective on the Middle East, and expanding its lore on its own terms, it has been quite a ride on the Nile.
That being said, with the show’s finale having aired, let’s take a look at what to expect for the Fist of Khonshu moving forward.
IS THERE A “MOON KNIGHT” SEASON 2?
Currently, there is no official confirmation from director Mohamed Diab, the cast, and the crew of “Moon Knight” on whether there will be a second season of the show. That being said, Oscar Isaac has gone on record to express his desire in returning if it makes sense. Co-lead May Calamawy has also said that she has not heard anything but will consider returning if there are plans in motion.
Given the circumstances surrounding the show’s ending, it would make sense to continue Moon Knight’s story. We just don’t know where he will pop up next. There have also been very few connections to the wider MCU in the show save for the Ancestral Plane reference and Steven reading books about Wakanda. So “Wakanda Forever” perhaps? We doubt that. But…
One upcoming project that might feature Khonshu’s avatar is the Marvel Studios’ Halloween Special this year, which is said to be focusing on Werewolf by Night. Now, this is significant, particularly because Marc Spector first appeared in the pages of Werewolf by Night #35 in 1975. This MCU project might be the perfect time to have Moon Knight interact with more supernatural elements.
This would also be a perfect lead-up to the MCU’s Midnight Sons, a superhero team that handles supernatural threats. It would be cool to see the Fist of Khonshu interact with the like of Mahershala Ali’s Blade, Kit Harington’s Black Knight, and fingers crossed, Johnny Blaze aka the Ghost Rider.
WHO IS JAKE LOCKLEY?
While much of the series has focused on the coexistence of both Marc Spector and Steven Grant, the presence of a third personality has been felt throughout. During the initial episodes, reflections play a huge part in creating the stance that Oscar Isaac’s character has more identities in the mix. In some shots, a second or third reflection can be seen.
The mystery further deepens when Marc Spector and Steven Grant become confused upon seeing the carnage around them after certain fights. No definite answer is given. Both personalities remain unaware of that lurking persona in the back of their minds.
The most obvious emergence of the Jake Lockley persona prior to the finale came in episode 5 when a crazed identity picked up a sharp glass object and threatened Dr Harrow. This identity also features a different accent.
Of course, it is revealed in the finale that Lockley has become the champion of Khonshu – that lying old beak (pfft*), of which the other personas might still be unaware. It’s true that Marc and Steven have been set free by the deity, but Khonshu’s manipulation does not stop with his control over Lockley.
Now, in the comics, the Jake Lockley personality is created as a way for Marc Spector to infiltrate the underground by day. He would then use the information he collects to exact his justice by night. Another defining trait of this character is that he is a taxi driver.
Appearing in the post-credits of Moon Knight by name, the persona shows his lethal side while also exclusively speaking in Spanish. Of course, this is intentional considering the other two have British and American accents. Therefore, a distinct trait such as this would help to differentiate the breaks in personalities moving forward.
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It is a safe bet to assume that Jake Lockley will be carrying out Khonshu’s deeds from now on. As to how long Marc and Steven will be placed in the backroom drawer, only time will tell.
A SCARLET SCARAB RISES
Layla El-Faoully may have been the one to open up the mind of Steven Grant when she shows up in episode 2. Declaring that she was in fact his wife, she and Steven go on the run after Arthur Harrow’s forces begin pursuit of them.
During the events of the finale, Layla jumps on board the Ammit train in an attempt to halt Harrow in his tracks. Without Marc/Steven’s help, she soon finds herself in a hopeless situation without anyone to fight the good fight alongside her. Khonshu implores her to become his new Knight but she declines.
Eventually, the goddess Tawaret reaches out to her, offering her a chance to become her avatar. Though not explicitly mentioned by name as the Scarlet Scarab, she sports a gold new look which might make a certain resident Captain jealous.
First appearing in Invaders #23 in 1977, the Scarlet Scarab actually pits himself against the main heroes. Seeking to end Britain’s rule over Egyptian land, Dr, Abdul Faoul took on the mantle and gained powers from a scarab amulet. He soon changed his mind about the Invaders and aided them later on.
It appears Marvel Studios may have taken liberties here (not that we’re complaining) when it comes to the power set. While the comics might have provided the user of the amulet an extra Rogue-like ability to drain powers along with firing energy blasts, the MCU’s version so far has been formidable. Fast, agile, and very strong, the Scarlet Scarab is the Egyptian protector that incites fear in her opponents when she spreads her wings.
Nevertheless, don’t expect to see the same version of the character in future. Layla’s time as Tawaret’s avatar is only temporary. Of course, seeing Layla’s embrace of becoming a superhero, there is a huge possibility that she will return in superhero form albeit with an upgraded outfit.
WILL ARTHUR HARROW BE BACK?
In the post-credits scene, Jake Lockley gives Arthur a rude awakening as he shoves him into the back of his limousine. Arthur comes face to face with Khonshu, who introduces him to Lockley. The latter then shoots him at close range, carrying out the god’s bidding.
As per comic conventions, we should not rule anything out. If we do not see a body, anything is possible. However, from a narrative standpoint, it would make little sense to actually utilise Arthur once again. The story, for him, is complete. He has been the ruthless zealot, one that has fallen from grace along with Ammit. There are other deities and other threats in Moon Knight’s gallery that should be given the spotlight.
One such character is Bushman, a grisly foe who has been a thorn in Marc’s mercenary career. His name is mentioned in passing, being cited as the partner who got greedy. Although the job was to raid an ancient Egyptian tomb, Bushman changed the plan and called for no witnesses. This led to the execution of those at the dig site. Layla’s father, Abdallah, was among those killed with Marc being gravely injured for Khonshu to find.
Bushman has not been confirmed to be KIA yet so an appearance down the pipeline is very much a possibility. It might also be a good source of dramatic conflict not only for Marc but also for Layla since Bushman was responsible for that execution.
All six episodes of Marvel Studios’ “Moon Knight” are currently streaming on Disney+.
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