Buzz
Morbius, in fact, is a familiar name in the Marvel comics universe.
After the success of both Venom movies and Tom Holland's Spider-Man series, Sony decided to expand the Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU) with 'Morbius' starring Jared Leto. This marks the first time this vampire anti-hero steps onto the big screen. Though unfamiliar to mainstream audiences, Morbius is actually a familiar figure in Marvel comics lore. The character also plays a key role in the Midnight Sons, a group specialized in dealing with supernatural forces alongside Doctor Strange.
The origin of the Midnight Sons
The Midnight Sons were born during the Rise of the Midnight Sons event in Ghost Rider #31 (1992). The group, founded by Ghost Riders Danny Ketch and Johnny Blaze, was formed to confront Lilith - the mother of all monsters - who was in the process of resurrection. She plotted to use her children, the Lilin, to rule the Earth. Among them, the most loyal four were Pilgrim, Nakota, Meatmarket, and Blackout - former foes of Ghost Rider. While the Ghost Riders take the frontline, it's Doctor Strange who truly leads the Midnight Sons behind the scenes.
In the early days of its formation, Danny Ketch and Johnny Blaze tracked down and captured Morbius. At this time, Doctor Langford plotted to kill Morbius using a mysterious serum. However, Fang - one of Lilith's children - also wanted Morbius dead, so they secretly added their blood to the serum. This not only failed to kill Morbius but also granted him additional powers. Martine Bancroft - Morbius' former fiancée - discovered the truth and was murdered. Enraged, Morbius sought revenge by killing Langford. Finally, Morbius agreed with Ghost Rider to only drink the blood of the wicked and quickly became an integral part of the Midnight Sons.
The Siege of Darkness Event
During the Siege of Darkness event, Doctor Strange officially joins the Midnight Sons to confront Lilith and Zarathos. They split into two groups led by Ghost Rider and Morbius to eradicate the Lilin. However, Morbius turns out to have been infected by Lilin blood beforehand and is possessed by Bloodthirst. Unaware, Doctor Strange brings Morbius into the Sanctum Sanctorum, leading to the Lilin's appearance. Later, Doctor Strange convinces and helps Morbius fight against Bloodthirst's control. Eventually, the group succeeds in defeating Lilith and the Lilin.
After defeating Lilith, The Fallen - a group of sorcerers loyal to Zarathos - suddenly appears. The group is drawn into a new battle with much higher casualties. Through his nobility, Morbius manages to persuade some members of The Fallen to betray Zarathos and join the Midnight Sons. Finally, Blade impales Zarathos with the Justiciar sword, turning him into stone. Johnny Blaze, Vengeance, Morbius, Blade, Hannibal King, Strange, and Caretaker undergo a ceremony and receive the fiery sword symbol on their arms, marking their membership in the Order of the Midnight Sons.
The Marvel Zombies Event
The Marvel Zombies event takes place in a parallel reality where Marvel superheroes turn into bloodthirsty zombies. The Midnight Sons, led by Morbius, consisting of Hellstorm/Daimon Hellstrom - Satan's son, Jennifer Kale, Man-Thing, and Werewolf by Midnight, are formed to stop the undead outbreak. The group briefly appears at the end of Marvel Zombies 3 and officially surfaces in Marvel Zombies 4. Morbius's vaccine not only fails to eradicate the zombies but also enhances their strength. However, the Midnight Sons ultimately destroy the outbreak through magic.
The Midnight Sons also appear in the game Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order. Morbius features in the Marvel Knights expansion pack alongside Punishers, Blade, and Moon Knight. In the Damnation event (2018), Wong assembles the Midnight Sons, including Blade, Doctor Voodoo, Elsa Bloodstone, Ghost Rider, Moon Knight, Iron Fist, and Man-Thing, to aid Doctor Strange in battling Mephisto in Las Vegas, USA.
Coming soon, Morbius - one of the key members of the Midnight Sons - will grace the big screen with Jared Leto in the lead role. The film will delve into the origin of Michael Morbius and his mysterious vampire affliction while expanding the SSU. Moreover, rumors suggest that it will serve as a precursor for this supernatural superhero group to appear on the big screen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with Doctor Strange, Werewolf by Midnight, Moon Knight, and Blade all slated to have their own films in the near future.
Morbius is scheduled for release on 01/04/2022 in theaters nationwide.
