avatarJonas Campbell, March 28, 2022

UPDATE: Is Moon Knight Safe for Family Viewing? (LGBT, CRT, Politics, Family)

Episode 1 dropped March 30. Here's what we know so far.

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UPDATE: After watching the first episode, language levels are consistent (or lesser) than previous MCU releases. Members of the press who have seen at least the first four episodes have stated that the show is less violent than the Netflix-produced Daredevil and Jessica Jones series, with Alan Ng of Film Threat stating that there is "no woke content" at least through episode 4.

During the first episode we see the aftermath of several bloody fights as the main character's identity flashes back to control of his body. It is likely that the show will contain more violence as the show progresses with the Marc Spector / Moon Knight identity taking on a more primary role.

The newest Marvel Cinematic Universe entry will be releasing on Disney+ on Wednesday, March 30.

Moon Knight tells the story of Marc Spector, a mercenary with multiple personalities (dissociative identity disorder) who becomes the earthly conduit of Khonshu, an Egyptian god of the moon, granting him superpowers. The show stars Oscar Isaac as Marc Spector / Moon Knight, as well as his other personalities.

From the marketing, it appears as though the character will begin the series believing he is a museum gift shop worker named Stephen Grant as he discovers the extent of his own mental health issues and superhero abilities. Other distinct Moon Knight identities have also appeared in marketing.

The main villain of the series is Arthur Harrow, played by Ethan Hawke. Harrow is some kind of religious cult leader with mystical abilities or access to items that allow him to perform mystic acts.

Between these two characters, there are no apparent ties to Christianity.

Marvel's Moon Knight is often compared to the DC Comics icon Batman. Both are costumed detectives who primarily work at night, are well-versed in hand-to-hand combat, and both have some level of mental instability depending on the story. However, due to the popularity of Batman, many other Marvel characters have received this distinction, including Wolverine for his gruff, loner attitude, both Black Panther and Iron Man for their massive wealth, and Daredevil for tone.

It is worth noting that in some Moon Knight stories, there is a question as to whether the Egyptian god Khonshou is simply an imaginary product of Marc Spector's own fractured psyche, or if Moon Knight legitimately has superhuman abilities of any kind.

Based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe track record and marketing possibilities, it is unlikely that the Moon Knight series will stray from giving the character actual superhuman abilities.

The series is rated TV-14, putting it in line with other Marvel Cinematic Universe properties like The Avengers, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki. Some Moon Knight fans have reacted negatively to the "lower" rating of the series, but executive producer Kevin Feige has described the show as "brutal" and pushing the limits of the TV-14 rating.

  • Items of note
    • The show will most likely be more violent than previous MCU properties.
    • From Avengers: Endgame forward, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has included LGBT content in some films. This includes discussions of gay marriage and dating with Captain America approving, props from the show Loki stating that Loki's gender is "fluid" with Loki himself stating that he has dated both men and women, The male superhero character of Phastos having a family with another man Eternals, and a statement from Marvel that Thor's pseudo-love interest Valkyrie will "find herself a queen" in the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder. This does not necessarily mean anything for Moon Knight, as Marvel and Disney tend to announce LGBT elements well in advance in order to market their properties.
    • The Walt Disney Company has announced an LGBTQIA+ task force for children's content. It is unknown if this will impact Moon Knight.
    • Members of the press have seen the first half of the series and have made no mention of any LGBT content. Alan Ng from Film Threat stated in a livestream that the first four episodes contain "no woke content."
    • Due to the main villain being a religious cult leader and the protagonist serving an Egyptian god, it is likely that their will be discussions of religion in general, and possibly Christianity specifically.

Reviews of the first four episodes have appeared online, describing the show as a a mix of psychological thriller, action, horror, and comedy. Many reviews mention National Treasure and Indiana Jones, with reviews being overwhelmingly positive.