WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Moon Knight Episode 1, “The Goldfish Problem,” streaming now on Disney+.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has done an excellent job of grounding even the most outlandish concepts in a way that honors the source material. One of the best examples of this can be seen with the Asgardians, who, in the comics, are the Gods of Norse mythology. In the MCU, though, they are ancient aliens worshipped as Gods, which changed their origins but maintained their spirit. But with the release of Moon Knight, the question of deities in the MCU has just been thrown a major curveball that could change everything fans have known about the universe forever.
In terms of beings that could be considered God-like in the MCU, the only tangible definition could be the Celestials. The ancient race explored in Eternals are massive beings that can create universes and life repeatedly. They are also worshipped by the Eternals and are just as powerful as any God seen in the comics. However, something still had to create the Celestials, which left a crack in a door previously closed that asked the question of whether or not there could be room for a higher power in the MCU. And with Khonshu’s appearance in Moon Knight, that door has been opened even more.
Ironically, the Marvel Comics version of Khonshu and the Egyptian Gods were much like the MCU’s Asgardians. Known as the Heliopolitans, these beings were extra-dimensional and existed along the Nile, worshipped as Gods much like the Asgardians from the films. The explanation for their existence also helped clear up an already crowded pantheon of Godly races like the Asgardians and the Gods of Olympus. However, rather than follow suit with the trend of the films, Khonshu may actually be a true God rather than a Heliopolitan.
For now, there’s no confirmation, but ever since the supernatural side of the MCU has begun to emerge, what was thought improbable has become even more probable. Before Moon Knight, a great example of this could be shown with Wanda Maximoff’s transformation into the Scarlet Witch. Her awakened powers, along with the debut of the Darkhold, show that there are underworld forces at work that would beckon an equally powerful light side to combat them.
Since the MCU is more saturated with “false gods,” the space for a genuine higher power is more available than what has existed before. Khonshu could easily be the start of something greater as he represented a supernatural side focused on justice. If there’s one God that fights for goodness, then there must be an equally dark entity to challenge him, which could be Khonshu’s fellow God, Ammit, or even deadly forces not seen before, like Mephisto or Chthon. Furthermore, in the comics, Marc Spector is no stranger to combating monsters like Werewolves and Jackals and joining with other supernatural teams like the Midnight Sons. If a stronger supernatural presence has been created, which could allude to true Gods, then Moon Knight would only be the start of a movement more powerful than the Celestials.
With so much still unknown about Khonshu and his place in the MCU, the best way to better understand him would be to dissect the “Gods” that have come before and the ones still on the way. For example, it’s been confirmed that Russel Crowe will play Zeus, the Greek God of lightning and the father of Hercules, in Thor: Love and Thunder. However, there’s a strong possibility he will be as much of a God as Thor, which would make them more science-fiction-inspired rather than supernatural. That said, the comic’s interpretation of the characters is similar to the Asgardians, meaning Zeus’ appearance could add more evidence that, in the MCU, Khonshu is a true God, whereas Zeus and Odin’s races are simply aliens.
There’s still much to unpack before Moon Knight finishes its first season and Thor: Love and Thunder hits theaters. But with so many wheels turning in the MCU so far, it’s easy to miss the big moments hidden in the middle. And with Blade on the way and Doctor Strange entering a multiverse of endless possibilities, Gods could be the next inevitable phase of the MCU.
To see Khonshu’s MCU debut, the first episode of Moon Knight is currently available to stream on Disney+.
About The Author