Howl Yeah! Michael Giacchino Confirms Werewolf by Night Sequel is Happening

Get ready for more monster-hunting thrills and gothic vibes! Director Michael Giacchino reveals his unique Marvel Special Presentation, Werewolf by Night, is officially getting a follow-up.

TL;DR

• Director Michael Giacchino has confirmed he will helm a sequel or follow-up to the 2022 Disney+ special, Werewolf by Night.
• The original special was highly praised for its distinctive black-and-white, classic horror aesthetic, diverging significantly from typical MCU fare.
• This news suggests a deeper exploration of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's supernatural and monstrous elements, with Jack Russell, Elsa Bloodstone, and Man-Thing likely returning.

Remember that surprising, black-and-white gem that dropped on Disney+ back in 2022? The one that felt less like a typical Marvel entry and more like a classic monster movie straight out of Universal's golden age? Yeah, we're talking about Werewolf by Night, and if you loved it as much as critics (it scored a whopping 90% on Rotten Tomatoes!), then get ready to howl with delight because director Michael Giacchino has confirmed a follow-up is officially in the works!

This news, initially reported by Deadline and widely picked up by various entertainment outlets on November 11-12, 2025, marks a significant moment for fans who've been craving more of the MCU's darker, supernatural side. Giacchino, a celebrated composer who made his directorial debut with the special, stated that the follow-up is his "next project," suggesting production could begin sooner rather than later.

A Glimmer of Hope for the MCU's Supernatural Side

The original Werewolf by Night special arrived during a period when Marvel seemed keen on expanding its supernatural corner. We had seen Moon Knight, the tease of Black Knight in Eternals, and talks of a Blade movie. This felt like an exciting time for those who appreciate Marvel Comics' more macabre elements.

However, Marvel's strategy has shifted since then. A second season for Marc Spector's adventures hasn't materialized, Kit Harington's Black Knight has remained on the sidelines, and the Blade film has faced delays. Hopes for a truly dedicated supernatural corner of the MCU seemed to be dwindling, especially as new focus shifted towards the X-Men, Thunderbolts, and Fantastic Four.

Because of this, Giacchino's confirmation of a Werewolf by Night follow-up isn't just news; it's a beacon for fans. It indicates that Marvel isn't entirely abandoning its monstrous characters or the unique storytelling opportunities they present. The special introduced compelling characters like Gael García Bernal's Jack Russell (the titular Werewolf), Laura Donnelly's formidable monster hunter Elsa Bloodstone, and the misunderstood swamp creature Man-Thing, all of whom have been left mostly available for future adventures.

What Made the Original Werewolf by Night a Standout Marvel Special?

What truly set Werewolf by Night apart was its bold departure from the established MCU formula. Giacchino, known for his incredible scores in films like The Batman and several Marvel projects, brought a distinct vision to his directorial debut. The special was originally released in black-and-white, a deliberate homage to classic supernatural horror movies, which instantly gave it a unique and fresh feel.

This stylistic choice was more than just an aesthetic flourish; it enabled Marvel to explore themes and visuals that might have been challenging under the typical MCU umbrella. As Giacchino himself shared in an interview: "The vision from the beginning was to do this thing in black and white so that we could then do something different under the Marvel umbrella. To do something that hadn't been done before."

Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and Executive Producer Brian Gay also highlighted the special's importance for the MCU's future. Gay explained how it was "peeling back the corner of monsters in the MCU," revealing that "for centuries there have been monsters within the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and they've been being tracked or hunted or kept at bay by these hunters." This groundwork laid a rich, largely untapped foundation for future stories.

"If you haven't seen it, watch it. It's on Disney+ if you still have that."

— Michael Giacchino, Director/Composer

Unpacking the Ambiguity and Confirming the Howls for More

The initial report from Deadline was phrased, "Next, Giacchino will direct his follow-up to Werewolf By Night, which he still touts." While ScreenRant initially approached this with caution, noting it could refer to Giacchino's next general directorial effort rather than a specific sequel, the widespread interpretation across multiple news outlets like IGN, ComicBook.com, GeekTyrant, FandomWire, and Beebom has solidified it as a confirmation.

These reports all cite Giacchino's direct statement or Deadline's strong assertion, indicating that this isn't mere speculation but a concrete plan from the director himself. It's also important to remember that Marvel has adopted a more cautious approach to announcing projects recently, often holding back until production is firmly underway. Giacchino's candidness here provides a rare early peek.

This confirmation is particularly welcome given the current MCU landscape, where long gaps between character debuts and returns are common. For instance, Simu Liu's Shang-Chi, who debuted in 2021, isn't slated to return until Avengers: Doomsday next year. A quicker follow-up for Werewolf by Night characters would be a refreshing change, keeping these unique new heroes (and monsters) more present in fans' minds.

What Could the Future Hold for Marvel's Monsters and Macabre Tales?

The first special ended with Elsa Bloodstone claiming the mystical Bloodstone, establishing her as a significant force. Jack Russell also seemed to retain a degree of control over his lycanthropic form, hinting at his potential as a heroic figure. And, of course, the beloved Man-Thing is now firmly established in the MCU. A sequel could further develop these characters and their dynamics.

This follow-up also reignites hopes for a potential Midnight Sons movie. In the comics, Werewolf by Night, Elsa Bloodstone, Blade, Man-Thing, and Moon Knight have all been key members of this supernatural superhero team. With Blade still in development and Moon Knight's presence, the addition of a second Werewolf by Night project could be a crucial step towards uniting these darker heroes.

Example: Imagine a fan, Sarah, who adored Werewolf by Night for its unique vibe. She’d been waiting impatiently for any news about Jack Russell or Elsa Bloodstone, feeling disheartened by other stalled supernatural MCU projects. Hearing Giacchino's direct confirmation would be like finding a hidden treasure, validating her hope that Marvel was indeed still keen on its darker corners, and not just focusing on cosmic or multiversal tales. She could finally start speculating about a crossover with Blade, something she'd dreamed about for years!

Potential Rating and Release Window for the Next Terrifying Chapter

The original Werewolf by Night earned a TV-14 rating, but it certainly pushed the boundaries for Marvel, especially as their "first true leap into the confines of horror." Giacchino initially believed a TV-MA rating was a certainty due to the subject matter. He noted that the black-and-white cinematography likely offered some "leeway" in keeping it within the TV-14 range, as it made the gore less explicit.

However, the landscape for mature content within Disney has shifted. The success of Deadpool 3, which became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of last year, demonstrates a clear willingness from the studio to embrace darker, more adult-oriented material if the project calls for it. This could mean that if Giacchino chooses an even more intense direction for the sequel, Disney might be less inclined to interfere with a potential TV-MA rating.

While no release window has been confirmed, the original special debuted just a week before Halloween 2022. Given its horror themes, a fall 2026 release, potentially around Halloween, seems like a logical and fitting choice. As a special presentation format, it might also have a shorter production cycle compared to a full-blown series or movie, making a relatively quick turnaround plausible.

Practical Takeaways for Eager Marvel Fans

• Get ready for more unique, classic-horror storytelling within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, moving beyond typical superhero fare.
• The confirmation of a follow-up suggests Marvel is still invested in expanding its supernatural roster, beyond just the core Avengers saga.
• Keep an eye out for potential casting announcements for Gael García Bernal and Laura Donnelly, as their return is highly anticipated.
• This project could serve as a vital stepping stone toward a larger "Midnight Sons" team-up, integrating characters like Blade and Moon Knight.
• While no date is set, a Halloween 2026 release feels like a strong possibility, so mark your calendars for some spooky season viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Werewolf by Night

Q: When will the Werewolf by Night follow-up be released? A: There is no official release date yet, but a Halloween 2026 window is a plausible speculation given the original's timing and thematic elements.

Q: Where can I watch the original Werewolf by Night? A: The original Werewolf by Night is currently streaming on Disney+.

Q: What rating did the original Werewolf by Night have? A: The 2022 special received a TV-14 rating. The black-and-white presentation helped manage the horror elements to stay within that rating.

Q: Who are the main characters returning for the sequel? A: While not officially confirmed, fans expect the return of Jack Russell (Gael García Bernal), Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly), and Man-Thing, as they were central to the first special.

Sources

• Deadline Hollywood: (Cited by multiple articles regarding Giacchino's confirmation)
• IGN: "Marvel's Underrated Black-And-White Disney+ Special is Getting a Sequel, Director Michael Giacchino Confirms" (Nov. 12, 2025)
• ComicBook.com: "Composer and director Michael Giacchino has just offered an exciting update about the sequel to his 2023 MCU TV special, Werewolf by Night." (Referenced Nov. 12, 2025)
• GeekTyrant: "Marvel's WEREWOLF BY NIGHT Sequel in Development with Michael Giacchino Back at the Helm" (Nov. 12, 2025)
• FandomWire: "After three years, Michael Giacchino is gearing up for a sequel to Marvel’s Werewolf By Night..." (Referenced Nov. 12, 2025)
• Beebom: "A Werewolf by Night Sequel in the Works at Marvel Studios" (Nov. 12, 2025)