Marvel really loves their holiday-themed specials right now. Not only is there a Christmas one from James Gunn featuring Groot of the Guardians of the Galaxy, but we’ve been hearing of their search for a Latino lead actor to star in a Halloween special on Disney+ that will likely center on the Werewolf by Night. Well, that hunt for a star has come to an end as Gael Garcia Bernal has been cast according to TheWrap.
Previous rumors had In the Heights’ Anthony Ramos up for the role, but that looks to have been a mistake. Or, perhaps, Bernal was just the guy Marvel decided to run with. You certainly can’t blame them. The Golden Globe-winning Mexican actor has been a fixture since breaking out in 2000’s Amores Perros, then again with 2001’s Y tu Mama Tambien. He was most recently seen in M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller Old. As far as Disney experience goes, Bernal voiced one of the many characters in Pixar’s Coco.
Details on the werewolf-themed project are being kept under wraps. It’s not even confirmed to be about Werewolf by Night, although that has been the buzz. The most recognizable version is Jack Russell, an adventurer with a cursed bloodline, he was able to transform into a werewolf at will. He’s been associated with the character Moon Knight, who has a Disney+ series on the way starring Oscar Isaac.
The second incarnation is Jake Gomez, whose werewolf connection is steeped in Native American lore.
It’s possible Marvel won’t use either version of the character, but instead decide to try something new. The Marvel Halloween special is expected to shoot early next year.
