WEREWOLF BY NIGHT First Reactions Say It’s a Real Scream
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This Halloween MCU fans don’t have to rewatch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to satiate any spooky superhero cravings. They’ll be able to take a bit out of the franchise’s newest horror venture, Werewolf by Night. After more than 50 years on the page, the Marvel comic will come to life on Disney+ with a holiday special starring Gael Garcia Bernal as the deadly lycanthrope. The first trailer already looks unlike anything else we’ve ever seen in the MCU. Rather than a slick modern day superhero story, director Michael Giacchino (yes, the composer) looks poised to deliver a throwback to the days of classic monster movies. We couldn’t be anymore excited for it, but can it live up to the hype? The first reactions to the film say it does, with a vintage story that delivers both scares, violence, and a howling good time.
Disney surprised attendees at this year’s Fantastic Fest with an unannounced screening of Werewolf by Night. Whether or not the excitement of seeing an unexpected release influenced the response from those in the audience remains to be seen. But the reaction to the film is near universal praise.
I’ve just attended a theatrical screening of Marvel Studios’ #WerewolfByNight. Unexpected to see the MCU at Fantastic Fest but man. That was such a fun time at the movies. Most violent thing Marvel has done yet. @m_giacchino has made a hell of a directorial debut! pic.twitter.com/5K2FQ2Kc4d
— Ernesto Valenzuela (@ThisIs_Ernesto) September 26, 2022
Our secret screening was #WerewolfByNight & it was rad as hell. Totally feels like Marvel took a time machine back to the 1940s to create a badass horror/adventure movie. So many amazing nods to classic horror & so much more too. What a fun surprise! #FantasticFest pic.twitter.com/3cCY8NBj25
— Heatherface Wixson (@MMEFXBook is available now!) (@thehorrorchick) September 26, 2022
Werewolf By Night was the last movie I was expecting at the Fantastic Fest Secret Screening. I loved the film and can't wait to watch it again. Marvel is really turning into a new direction with this one and I'm all here for it! This is a must see! #werewolfbynight #fantasticfest pic.twitter.com/HYw2mnVwki
— Culture Elixir (@cultureelixir) September 26, 2022
I’m excited for more @MarvelStudios Special Presentations because #WerewolfByNight had me howling at the moon with its horrifying visuals & gripping story. @M_Giacchino promises to scare you & give you something fresh and bold. @DisneyPlus @DisneyPlusCA pic.twitter.com/oIEFPba8pY
— Shahbaz • The Movie Podcast (@shayhbaz) September 26, 2022
One of the most common refrains from those who saw the movie is that it is unlike anything the MCU has attempted in a very long time. This is a very different type of entry into the franchise, both in style and intent.
#WerewolfByNight is a classic Hollywood monster movie you won’t want to end. SPOOKY and STRIKING, it’s one of the coolest things EVER to come out of the MCU. @GaelGarciaB is thrilling to watch suppress the beast within. More Jack Russell! What can’t @m_giacchino do at this point? pic.twitter.com/P1AB1702td
— Daniel Baptista – The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) September 26, 2022
Michael Giacchino’s #WerewolfByNight captures the aesthetic of old 40s Hollywood horror but with a Marvel flair. It’s has the right amount of suspense to draw you in and get you terrified. Gael García Bernal is fantastic and Lauren Donnelly is bad ass!@MarvelStudios @m_giacchino pic.twitter.com/3Xxb6VwElP
— Anthony – The Movie Podcast (@AJJetset) September 26, 2022
Despite being set in a superhero franchise, the film is clearly a real horror flick. Which is exactly what we hoped for when we first heard the special announced.
#WerewolfByNight is Hammer horror meets comic books and I love it. Excellent directorial debut from @m_giacchino, wrapped in terror and blood and a great performance from @GaelGarciaB. Hope this becomes a yearly deal! pic.twitter.com/rPBbMkJdif
— Collier “CJ” Jennings
Fantastic Fest 2022 (@CJWritesThings) September 26, 2022
The closest thing to any real criticism offered is that it might not be as good as Guardians of the Galaxy. Which is a standard no film needs to match to be loved.
#WerewolfByNight is the most idiosyncratic MCU project since GOTG. As good? No. But it’s a remarkable breath of fresh air to see Marvel try something like this, as its tone and style are VERY MUCH that of the trailer.
More like this, please. Comics are weird. Let’s be weird.— Eric Italiano (@ericitaIiano) September 26, 2022
Okay, we’re in. I mean, we were already in before, but now we’re even more in. We’re ready to take a big bite—followed by a few rewatch bites—of Werewolf by Night. We just have to wait until it debuts on Disney+ on October 7.