Marvel Hints Marc Spector’s Moon Knight Origin Is Deeper Than You Realize

Warning: SPOILERS for Moon Knight episode 2

A moment in Moon Knight episode 2 hints that there is a secret reason Khonshu chose Marc Spector to be his avatar. After telling origin stories for new heroes in solo movies, Marvel Studios is telling its first origin story on Disney+ with Moon Knight. The Marvel Cinematic Universe series explores the complex relationship between Marc Spector/Steven Grant and Khonshu, the Egyptian moon god. Marvel is playing up the mystery of the character's backstory early on in the series, which includes only offering tidbits about Moon Knight's origin. It is through the mystery, though, that the MCU delivers a potentially significant tease that there's a deeper reasoning behind Marc Spector's origin than initially expected.

After hardly being in the first episode, Moon Knight episode 2 puts Marc Spector in control for more of the runtime. By the conclusion of the episode, he fully takes control of their body from Steven, allowing him to manifest the Moon Knight costume to defeat a supernatural jackal. When it finally comes time for Marc and Khonshu to have a conversation about their bond, Moon Knight episode 2 hints at how Khonshu saved Marc Spector from death in the past. But it also delivers an intriguing line from the moon god. He says, "You know I'll protect you with everything I have. You are worth protecting." It is through this line that the show places a special emphasis on why Marc specifically is so valuable to Khonshu.

Through the first few episodes of the series, Moon Knight has only established that Marc Spector was a former mercenary who became indebted to Khonshu after the moon god saved his life. The reason for Khonshu choosing Marc as his next avatar has not been explained, which is why the moon god's line about Marc being someone who is "worth protecting" with everything he has so fascinating. Khonshu has previously threatened to make Layla his next avatar, and while he might have some interest in her if the situation calls for it, this line also makes it sound like there is a deeper reason why Marc Spector of all people is the moon god's vessel for justice.

The MCU has imbued its heroes with all types of purposes and special connections explaining why they of all people became superheroes. Steve Rogers' character is why he became Captain America despite his scrawny frame, while Thor became one of the few people deemed worthy enough to wield Mjolnir. It's unclear at this stage why Marc Spector is special in Khonshu's eyes, but that is something Moon Knight can explore moving forward. Marvel Studios is just beginning to unravel the mysteries of Marc's past and the Egyptian mythology that comes with Moon Knight, so it is possible that an answer for why Khonshu is willing to protect Marc at all costs is right around the corner.

Until that revelation happens, Moon Knight leaves room for speculation to begin about what secrets Marc Spector's origin could contain. Episode 2 hints that Marc/Steven's mind is the reason why Khonshu chose them as his new avatar, as Arthur Harrow suggests the deity could've broken their mind or was drawn to a mind that was already so broken. There is also the potential explanation that Khonshu's loyalty to Marc comes from a place of necessity, as the moon god knows he needs Marc's help to stop Arthur Harrow and Ammit. In any case, Marvel has once again given audiences more to think about when it comes to Marc Spector's origin.

More: Moon Knight Detail Already Teased Its Next Shocking Identity Twist

Moon Knight releases new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+.