The first episode of Moon Knight arrived on Disney+ earlier today, but we've known for a while that the character's supporting cast won't factor into the series. Marc Spector's love interest, Marlene Alraune, has been swapped out for May Calamawy's Layla El-Faouly, and there's no sign of Frenchie.
As for the villain, Arthur Harrow may have a familiar name, but he's primarily a newly created character. Thanks to Moon Knight Head Writer Jeremy Slater, we have an explanation about why Marvel Studios decided to shake things up and not adhere to the comic books for this adaptation.
"Honestly, we didn't have room for his classic supporting cast," Slater responded to a fan on Twitter, noting that they should "keep [their] eyes peeled for some Easter Eggs."
Bushman, meanwhile, is one of Moon Knight's most iconic foes. Responsible for leaving Marc Spector for dead all those years ago, he's plagued the hero ever since, though eventually had his face cut off by the vigilante. As for why he's not part of this series, Slater explained that the character "just felt too close to Black Panther's Erik Killmonger."
We don't know what the future holds in store for Moon Knight in the MCU, but there's no doubt room for all these characters to appear at some point. Slater's explanation as to why they were shelved this time around does make sense, anyway, but fingers crossed they don't remain there too long.