Marvel Studios' Disney Plus Halloween holiday specialWerewolf by Nightis set to receive a special feature of its own in the form of a behind-the-scenes-style documentary about the film’s production. The documentary, titledDirector by Night, seems to indicate that a trend of supplementary projects may be on the rise at Disney to fully utilize the company’s streaming platform.
Based on the Marvel comics character of the same name,Werewolf by Nightpays homage to a bygone era of horror-centric features that the company ran alongside its superhero books. TheMarvel Studiosholiday special details the succession contest a group of monster hunters competes in after their leader, the wealthy and highly connected Ulysses Bloodstone, passes away. As his subordinates compete against each other on the grounds of his estate for both his position and the powerful artifact that represents it, a sinister being approaches to complicate things. Even before its release,Werewolf by Nightwas heralded as the most distinct visual offeringthat the Marvel Cinematic Universe had put forth in a long while.
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On release,Werewolf by Nightdid not disappoint, as it was praised for its atmosphere, application of practical effects, and overall change of pace from the almost formulaic content of other Marvel Cinematic Universe rollouts. It also earned debuting director Michael Giacchino praise for the successful outing in addition to reiteratinghis Oscar-worthy talent as a composer. Likely in part thanks to the warm reception, it has been confirmed thatWerewolf by Nightwill receive a complementary project documenting the behind-the-scenes process of bringing the project to completion (viaAlex Zalben).
TheWerewolf by Nightdocumentary likely serves as a means to bolster parent company Disney’s streaming service, Disney Plus This is where the documentary will be released similar to theMarvel Studios: Assembleddocumentary series or theStar Wars projectObi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return, which documented themaking of theObi-Wan Kenobiminiseriesand premiered earlier this year. This content strategy, coupled with the potential merging of the service with popular competitor Hulu based on a potential deal with Comcast ahead of consolidation of stakes in 2024, will certainly go a long way to consolidate the streaming platform going forward.
A behind-the-scenes documentary seems appropriate forWerewolf by Night, which has been impactful on almost every facet of its presentation with audiences and is believed by many to heavily prototype and influenceMarvel Studios' future Disney Plus strategy, making the BTS content a must-see for anyone that follows the MCU’s offerings closely. For others, this project will simply offer a look at the impressive practical effects, costuming and makeup, special effects, and composing that made the special’s distinct look possible.
All in all, the reception toWerewolf by Nightis certainly a green light for similar future projects, as it was a massive success despite many fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe having to askwho the Werewolf by Night waswhen the project was first announced. While Giacchino has mentioned several times that the project was made as a one-off standalone, he has also admitted to having prepared for a possible continuation if the execs at Disney are of the mind to greenlight one. A documentary likeDirector by Nightcould possibly be a step in the right direction to create an audience clamoring for a sequel.
Director by Nightwill be available for streaming on Disney Plus from the 4th of November 2022.
