Werewolf by Night (2022)
SpecialOptional
On a dark night, monster hunters compete for a powerful relic, and one of them hides a beast within. This Phase Four special sits at #59 of 81 in story order. Skipping it won’t cost you anything plot-wise; we grade it Optional. It runs 53 minutes and streams on Disney+ in the US.
| Release date | October 7, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 53m |
| IMDb rating | 7.1/10 |
| Phase | Phase Four |
| Saga | Multiverse Saga |
| Story position | #59 of 81 in chronological order |
| Post-credit scene | No |
Why it matters in the MCU
Marvel’s first Special Presentation, a black-and-white monster story that introduces Jack Russell and Elsa Bloodstone. Standalone and optional.
About Werewolf by Night
Werewolf by Night was Marvel Studios' first Special Presentation, a 53-minute Halloween one-off that shows off the MCU's monster side. Legendary hunter Ulysses Bloodstone has died, and his widow Verussa calls a group of monster hunters to Bloodstone Manor. They'll compete in a hunt for the Bloodstone, a relic with real power. Among the hunters are Jack Russell and Elsa Bloodstone, Ulysses's estranged daughter, who turns up despite her stepmother's warning. The prey is a captured creature called Ted, and Jack has his own plans for him.
Composer Michael Giacchino made his directing debut here and also wrote the score. Heather Quinn and Peter Cameron wrote the teleplay. Gael García Bernal plays Jack, Laura Donnelly plays Elsa and Harriet Sansom Harris plays Verussa. The special was shot in color and finished in black and white, inspired by the Universal monster movies of the 1930s and 1940s. It premiered October 7, 2022, during Phase Four. Critics praised the practical effects, the look and the performances, and it holds 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Some reviewers wished the short running time left more room for the characters.
Good to know
- It won the Saturn Award for Best Television Presentation.
- A full-color version, Werewolf by Night in Color, came out on October 20, 2023.
- A companion documentary, Director by Night, follows Giacchino making his directing debut.
Spoiler Spoilers for Werewolf by Night: tap to reveal
- Ted is Man-Thing, the swamp creature from the comics, brought to life with a practical suit, animatronics and CGI, with Carey Jones doing the motion capture. Kevin Feige suggested adding him, and Giacchino gave him a plain human name to make him more sympathetic.
- Jack Russell is the werewolf of the title, and he came to the hunt to rescue Ted, his old friend.
How to watch it
It stands on its own, so you can watch it anytime after you've started Phase Four. No earlier movies or shows are needed, and it's an obvious Halloween pick. Start with the black-and-white original as intended, then try the color version if you're curious how different it feels. Classic horror fans will feel right at home, and it's a good choice if you want a short MCU entry that doesn't rely on homework. Keep an eye on Jack and Elsa, since Marvel has hinted they could return.
Where it fits in your watch
Werewolf by Night FAQ
Why is Werewolf by Night in black and white?
Giacchino wanted it to feel like the 1930s and 1940s monster movies he loved, such as The Wolf Man. It was shot in color and converted, and Marvel later released a color version.
Who is Ted in Werewolf by Night?
Ted is the creature the hunters are sent after, and he matters more to the story than he first seems. Which Marvel monster he is counts as a reveal, so it's in the spoiler box above.
Will there be a Werewolf by Night sequel?
Nothing is confirmed. In July 2026 Giacchino said early sequel discussions had taken place, but a lot of planning would still be needed.
Can you skip Werewolf by Night?
Yes. It’s a side story we grade Optional; nothing big later hinges on it.
When was Werewolf by Night released?
Werewolf by Night was released on October 7, 2022.
Where does Werewolf by Night fit in the MCU timeline?
It sits at #59 of 81 in our story order.
Does Werewolf by Night have a post-credit scene?
No, Werewolf by Night has no post-credit scene.
Where to watch Werewolf by Night in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Disney+ |
|---|
Where to watch Werewolf by Night outside the US
| Country | Stream | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Disney+ | None needed |
| Canada | Disney+ | None needed |
| Australia | Disney+ | None needed |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
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