‘VisionQuest’ Features ‘Werewolf by Night’ Reference and Paladin’s MCU Connections

Laura Bais
Visionquest werewolf by night marvel
Share:

Few areas of the MCU spark as many “when do we see them again?” inquiries as ‘Werewolf by Night’. The Disney+ special, which debuted on October 7, 2022, was directed by Michael Giacchino and starred Gael García Bernal as Jack Russell. This gothic, black-and-white monster story introduced a unique texture to the MCU, making any mention of it a hot topic among fans.

The special remains a fan favorite, boasting a 90% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a fully colored version was released in October 2023. Therefore, when it appears in unexpected places, the reactions are swift.

In ‘VisionQuest’, episodes 3 and 4 premiered on Disney+ on October 20, 2026. In episode 3, titled ‘Reboot’, Paladin’s dialogue with his Handler subtly references ‘Werewolf by Night’. She inquires about the bite marks from a creature caught between man and wolf, to which Paladin responds that he’s a “perfectly reasonable fella by day,” clearly nodding to Jack Russell.

The scene continues with the Handler referencing a Brooklyn job that left Paladin extracting shrapnel from an IED, which he describes as a punishing disagreement with an old friend, hinting at the Punisher. Another mention of a steel fiber billy club concludes with Paladin advising to leave Hell’s Kitchen if you can’t handle the heat, alluding to Daredevil.

Additionally, the scene reveals that the Ten Rings syndicate provided the adamantium vest that protected him from Vision’s wrath. In just one conversation, Paladin connects to the Punisher, Daredevil, a werewolf, and one of the MCU’s most notorious criminal organizations.

While these clashes are not shown, this ambiguity adds to the allure. By integrating Paladin into the MCU this way, Marvel Studios provides a newly introduced character with a rich backstory, hinting at his potential future beyond this franchise. It creates the impression that he has existed long before ‘VisionQuest’ began.

This approach aligns with his comic book origins. In the comics, Paladin’s mercenary exploits often put him at odds with heroes like Daredevil and the Punisher. The writers seem to have crafted his new MCU background from this foundation while incorporating a monster-hunting twist.

The episode also adds complexity to his character. A flashback reveals that his abusive father was killed by an older mercenary named Paladin, who raised him, indicating he isn’t a Paladin by bloodline. Earlier episodes established Paladin as the latest in a long line of bounty hunters using that codename. By the episode’s conclusion, his client dismisses him and ends his contract, leaving him wounded, unemployed, and free to pursue any path.

Screenshot 2026 10 14 at 18 23 40 VisionQuest Rotten Tomatoes

A mere name-drop doesn’t confirm Jack Russell’s return, but the timing is intriguing for fans eager for more. Reports suggest that Marvel Studios is working on several projects leading to a planned ‘Midnight Sons’ movie, including a sequel to ‘Werewolf by Night’ featuring Bernal’s Jack Russell, Laura Donnelly’s Elsa Bloodstone, and Man-Thing. However, this report has not been officially confirmed by the studio.

Bernal has expressed his desire for more involvement. In a recent Reddit AMA, he encouraged fans to voice their interest in bringing Jack Russell, Ted, and this segment of the MCU back. He indicated he would be ready to reprise his role as Jack Russell, viewing the 2022 special as a chapter that could still be explored.

For now, this nod allows the show to acknowledge the MCU’s supernatural elements without diverting from its own narrative. Fans quickly picked up on the reference, which fits seamlessly alongside the other Easter eggs in ‘Reboot’. It also demonstrates how ‘VisionQuest’ is willing to draw from the broader Marvel universe while telling a deeply personal story about Vision.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!

Share: