Marvel’s ‘Moon Knight’ burst onto Disney+ in 2022 with a fresh take on a lesser-known comic book hero. Oscar Isaac’s gripping performance as Marc Spector and Steven Grant, two identities wrestling within one mind, brought a psychological edge to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, blending Egyptian mythology with street-level grit.

The show’s bold swings made it stand out, but not every choice has held up over time. Some elements feel stuck in the early 2020s, while others shine brighter with age. Let’s break down five ways ‘Moon Knight’ (2022) has stumbled and five ways it still soars.

5 Ways ‘Moon Knight’ (2022) Aged Poorly

Overreliance on CGI Spectacle

The show leaned hard on flashy CGI, especially in its big action scenes. Giant gods battling in the sky felt more like a video game cutscene than a grounded story, and the effects haven’t aged well, looking dated compared to newer, more polished Marvel projects. 

This focus on spectacle often overshadowed the human drama at the core of Marc and Steven’s struggle. By 2025, the CGI feels like a relic of Marvel’s rush to dazzle, pulling attention from the story’s heart.

Pacing Drags in Early Episodes

The first few episodes move at a snail’s pace, spending too much time setting up Steven’s quirky life before diving into the action. This slow burn frustrated viewers expecting a tighter narrative, and it feels even clunkier on rewatch. 

Modern audiences, used to fast-paced streaming shows, might find the early slog harder to forgive. The delayed payoff, while rewarding, doesn’t fully justify the uneven tempo.

Underdeveloped Supporting Cast

Characters like Layla, played by May Calamawy, had potential but often felt sidelined. Layla’s transformation into Scarlet Scarab was thrilling, but her backstory and motivations got short shrift, leaving her arc feeling incomplete. 

Other side characters, like Arthur Harrow’s cult followers, were barely fleshed out. This lack of depth makes the show feel thinner than it could have been, especially compared to richer ensemble casts in newer series.

Tonal Whiplash

‘Moon Knight’ juggled dark psychological themes with Marvel’s signature humor, but the mix didn’t always land. Steven’s goofy banter sometimes clashed with Marc’s grim trauma, creating jarring shifts that disrupt the mood. 

Years later, this inconsistency feels more pronounced, as audiences now expect tighter tonal control in prestige superhero shows. The humor, in particular, can feel like a dated MCU trope.

Limited Connection to the MCU

The show’s standalone nature was refreshing in 2022, but its isolation from the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe now feels like a missed opportunity. With no major crossovers or ties to other heroes, ‘Moon Knight’ risks fading into obscurity as the MCU grows. 

Fans hoping for hints of Marc or Steven in later projects have been left hanging, making the show feel like a one-off experiment rather than a lasting piece of the puzzle.

5 Ways ‘Moon Knight’ (2022) Aged Masterfully

Oscar Isaac’s Stellar Performance

Oscar Isaac’s portrayal of Marc Spector, Steven Grant, and Jake Lockley remains a standout. He effortlessly shifts between Steven’s nervous charm, Marc’s hardened edge, and Jake’s chilling menace, making each feel distinct yet connected. 

His work carries ‘Moon Knight’ through its rough patches, and in 2025, it’s still a masterclass in acting that elevates the show above typical superhero fare.

Bold Exploration of Mental Health

The show’s focus on dissociative identity disorder was groundbreaking for Marvel. It tackled Marc’s fractured psyche with care, using surreal visuals to depict his inner turmoil, like the haunting hospital sequences. 

This commitment to mental health themes feels even more relevant today, as conversations about trauma and identity grow louder. ‘Moon Knight’ handles it with a sincerity that still resonates.

Egyptian Mythology Done Right

‘Moon Knight’ wove Egyptian gods like Khonshu and Ammit into its story with respect and flair. The mythology wasn’t just window dressing—it drove the plot and gave the show a unique flavor in the MCU. 

The authentic use of Cairo’s culture and music, paired with striking visuals, keeps the show’s world vibrant and immersive, standing strong years later.

Ethan Hawke’s Creepy Villain

Ethan Hawke’s Arthur Harrow is a chilling antagonist, blending calm charisma with unhinged zeal. His cult-leader energy grounds the show’s supernatural stakes, making him a memorable foe. 

Hawke’s performance feels timeless, holding up against newer Marvel villains. His quiet menace still gives me chills on rewatch.

Risk-Taking Narrative

‘Moon Knight’ dared to be different, embracing a chaotic, unpredictable structure that mirrored Marc’s mind. From dreamlike flashbacks to reality-bending twists, it took big swings that paid off in bold, unforgettable moments. 

This willingness to break the Marvel mold feels even more impressive now, as formulaic superhero stories grow stale. The show’s ambition keeps it fresh.

What’s your take on ‘Moon Knight’—do its highs still shine, or do the flaws hit harder now? Drop your thoughts in the comments!