Web series Moon Knight is among the most recent addition to the Marvel Universe. The show revolves around an ex-mercenary Marc Spector who investigates the truth behind the legendary Egyptian gods and acquires superhuman powers. As it is with any other Marvel creation, the show has sparked immense curiosity about its characters and their origin stories. And this curiosity isn't limited to its superhero lead. Fans are also in awe of Layla El-Faouly- a crucial character in Moon Knight.
TV mini-series Moon Knight is based on the Marvel comic books character by the same name which was created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin. The character first appeared in Werewolf By Night #32. Supporting the titular character in the series is his wife Layla El-Faouly who also plays a pivotal role in the overall plot of the show. Layla El-Faouly is played by Bahraini-born, Egyptian-Palestinian actor May El Calamawy who is popular for her roles in shows like Ramy and Together Together.
Layla El-Faouly is aware that her husband, Marc Spector possesses superhuman abilities and goes about as Moon Knight. However, unlike the comics, the show's director Mohamed Diab created her as a non-Egyptian character. Speaking in an interview, actor Calamawy remarked that she drew inspiration from her character from Middle-Eastern women who possess, "a very unassuming, soft strength to them."
Speaking about her experience of working with the MCU, Calamawy told Elle, "Anytime I felt uncomfortable, I would go talk to (Mohamed) and his wife and I love how Kevin Feige gave us the freedom to share that, let people know, ‘This is not what it’s like, if we do that it’s gonna be a stereotype." She further added, "I realised quite early on this is a space where my voice was going to be heard and that’s the best feeling."
Suggested Reading: Marvel Studios Superhero Web Series Moon Knight Cast: Here’s What You Should Know
Who is Layle-El Faouly?
The character of Layle-El Faouly is one of the strongest female leads of the MCU. While Marc Specter decided to get a divorce and abandoned her to save her from the dangers of his split personality, she remains adamant to help out her husband despite all odds. Her character in the comic books is not too complex and rather easy to comprehend yet she serves as an equally strong and vital character in the series. As a wife of an ex-mercenary, El-Faouly is quite skilled with handguns and actor May Calamawy is often seen in fighting scenes throughout the series. However, the comic books perceive Marlene Alraune as Specter's wife and it is safe to assume that Faouly's character was created for the purpose of the series only.
It is hard to say as to what prompted the change for the series. However, one possibility can be the director's vision to include a proper representation of the Egyptians in Moon Knight. The Marvel Comics have depicted Marlene mostly as a damsel in distress. Furthermore, she is mostly recognised as merely Marc's love interest. However, the evolution of the female characters in the MCU over the years has also been reflected in the portrayal of Layla El-Faouly, who has a distinctive personality and her own ways of doing things and given her fighting sequences, she surely doesn't need to be rescued.
Moon Knight recently released its Episode 5 on April 27, 2022. The series will conclude on May 4, 2022. Marvel superhero series Moon Knight is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
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