Summary

• Deadpool 3's R-rating opens up possibilities for Moon Knight to be a darker and grittier hero in the MCU, as his first season was limited by a TV-14 rating.
• The MCU's shift towards R-rated content benefits Moon Knight's character development and allows for a more faithful adaptation of his iconic comic book stories.
• The introduction of more mature filmmaking in the MCU, spearheaded by Deadpool 3, allows for a deeper exploration of Marc Spector and his multiple identities, making Moon Knight a much more compelling and complex character.

One of the MCU's Phase 4 heroes could be changing for the better going forward given that Deadpool 3 will open the franchise up to R-ratings. Since Deadpool 3 was confirmed as an MCU story, many were wondering whether the series would continue the R-rated nature of the first two installments. While Kevin Feige was adamant the MCU would allow Deadpool to continue his irreverent, foul-mouthed ways, the looming presence of Disney meant some did not overly believe this would be the case.

However, the confirmation of Deadpool 3's R-rating has continued to be upheld moving closer to the film's release. As such, Deadpool 3 is expected to be Marvel Studios' first official step into the world of more mature filmmaking. While this is a great sign concerning Deadpool 3's individual success, the MCU's willingness to open projects up to more mature age ratings will also benefit one particular hero introduced in Phase 4 of the franchise.

Deadpool 3's R-Rating Can Make Moon Knight A Very Different Hero

That hero is Moon Knight, Oscar Isaac's mercenary-turned-vessel for the Egyptian god Konshu. When Moon Knight was teased, many hoped it would introduce darker elements to the MCU, specifically concerning the Disney+ shows released up to that point. While this was the case to an extent and the show was still darker than the likes of Ms. Marvel or Hawkeye, the project was still only a TV-14 rating and did not truly push the boundaries of the MCU by being TV-MA.

However, Deadpool 3's MCU story holding an R-rating can change this and make Moon Knight a very different hero in the MCU. Going forward, Moon Knight season 2 or any other appearances of the character will not need to be toned down as was the case in the first season. The biggest issues of Moon Knight stemmed from the steps Marvel Studios took to avoid overly bloody, gruesome fight scenes, something that the titular character's dissociative identity disorder was creatively utilized to achieve. With Deadpool 3 though, Moon Knight could be very different going forward.

Why MCU's R-Rating Stance Change Is Great For The Future Of Moon Knight

The MCU now being open to R-ratings is hugely exciting for the future of Moon Knight in the MCU. The initial marketing for Moon Knight teased much more brutal, bloody action than has been seen in the MCU before. However, the show's attempts to sidestep this left many disappointed, something that will not be the case going forward. With Moon Knight's ending introducing Jake Lockley - Marc Spector's third, more violent personality - future installments involving the character can showcase exactly how rather than avoid it now that Marvel Studios is willing to delve into R-ratings.

Similarly, some of Moon Knight's most iconic comic book stories would benefit from being R-rated. In tying down the character to a TV-14 like Moon Knight season 1, some of the best aspects of the comics would be wasted. Instead, Moon Knight can now be a much darker, grittier exploration of Marc Spector and his other identities within the MCU, something that can only be improved thanks to Deadpool 3 and Marvel's new willingness to explore R-rated stories.