Scarlet Scarab Is The MCU's Most Important New Superhero (Not Moon Knight)

Warning: Spoilers for Moon Knight episode 6

During the Moon Knight season 1 finale, Layla's transformation into the Scarlet Scarab as the MCU's first Egyptian superhero was significant for Marvel Studios. While there was no namedrop, her suit was akin to the scarab artifact that the show put heightened focus on. Multiple easter eggs were dropped throughout the series that Layla would become Marvel comic's Egyptian superhero Scarlet Scarab. For instance, her father's name was Abdallah El-Faouly, similar to the comic book character Abdul Faoul; he called Layla his "little scarab," and he wore a scarlet scarf with a scarab on it that Layla made for him. Moon Knight episode 6, "Gods and Monsters," marvelously paid off this homage in perfect MCU fashion with Layla's exhilarating transformation.

Even before Layla obtained superpowers, she was already innately heroic. She continuously put herself in harm's way to protect others and stop Ethan Hawke's Arthur Harrow. Through her wits and resolve alone, she helped fight off an invisible jackal, chased off an armed jeep with nothing more than flares, and defeated a mummified creature. She could have already been considered a superhero by MCU standards even before becoming Taweret's Avatar, but the superpowers undoubtedly helped.

The emergence of Layla as the Scarlet Scarab is important because it further expands the MCU past only American/New York-based superheroes. During the Infinity Saga, most of the heroes were American, other than the MCU’s cosmic characters. For a universe that seems to face global threats yearly, the lack of superheroes in other countries is nonsensical. If the MCU can explore beyond Earth with cosmic and multiversal characters such as Loki or Sylvie, it must also establish Earth is not solely protected by Americans. Beyond the realistic logistics of including global heroes, representation is also important, especially considering the world's current events.

Director Mohamed Diab stressed the importance of casting an Egyptian for the role of Layla El Faouly, as well as depicting Cairo, Egypt realistically within the MCU. May Calamawy's fantastic performance brought the character to life, but her real-life Egyptian roots instilled a far more profound impact on Egyptians. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a worldwide audience who also desire to be inspired by and represented as superheroes. The world is diverse, and the MCU should reflect that. Marvel Studios started this with Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther, who became the first African superhero. Phase 4 has embraced the importance of representation with characters like Simu Liu's Shang Chi, the vast diversity of the Eternals cast, Hayley Atwell's Captain Carter, and Xochitl Gomez's America Chavez. Now, May Calamawy's Scarlet Scarab has become the MCU's first Egyptian superhero.

While Layla was adamant that she would only remain Taweret's Avatar until they stopped Ammit and Harrow, she will likely realize Taweret is more trustworthy and benevolent than Khonshu, and by being her Avatar she can be a force for good. This understanding is highlighted when a little girl asked her, "Are you an Egyptian superhero?" After a brief hesitation, Layla smiled and replied, "I am." This interaction was both wholesome and telling. It might have been at this moment that Layla realized being an Avatar was a privilege, not a curse, and by remaining with Taweret, she could use her new powers to protect the Egyptian people. While being a superhero may come at a cost, as Hawkeye's Kate Bishop would say, "There are also things you gain...like a cool costume." Hopefully, Moon Knight isn't the last appearance of the Egyptian hero, and Marvel Studios will continue to develop its diverse cast of Earth's mightiest heroes.

Next: All 12 MCU Movies Releasing After Moon Knight (& When)