The Disney+ series Moon Knight, starring Oscar Isaac and May Calamawy, is one of the most unique entries into the MCU thus far. With a plot centered around Egyptian gods and their avatars, the show is a high-stakes adventure that elevates what it means to be a Marvel superhero.
Amid the drama of the show's central mystery, Marc Spector and Layla El-Faouly's relationship draws viewers in, allowing them to dig deeper into the emotional lives of Moon Knight's central characters. The pair balance one another perfectly, but their imperfect communication proves that superhero projects are able to successfully create complex and heartfelt portrayals of romantic love.
10 Layla Was Inspired By Marc's Girlfriend In The Comics
The creative team behind the TV show put their own spin on many aspects of Moon Knight's comics of origin. One major change is the character of Layla El-Faouly, who was created specifically for the MCU. Still, Layla draws some inspiration from an important character from the Moon Knight comics.
Marlene Alraune is one of Marc Spector's primary love interests in the comics, and she shares a few significant similarities to the character of Layla in the show. Marlene and Layla are both the daughters of archeologists who are killed by mercenaries working alongside Marc Spector. However, Moon Knight producers have confirmed that Marlene was never intended to be included in the series, as they wanted to create an Egyptian character for the role instead.
9 Marc Couldn't Admit His Guilt To Layla
Marc's guilt over the death of Layla's father plays a key role in the dynamic of their relationship. Although he always wanted to, Marc was unable to bring himself to admit his involvement in her father's murder. In "The Tomb," Moon Knight's primary villain, Arthur Harrow, reveals to Layla that her father was killed by mercenaries and hints that Marc may have been involved. Layla then confronts Marc, desperate for the truth about his role in the murder.
Marc explains what really happened that night and that he wanted to tell her the truth since he first met her but could not bring himself to do so. Despite Marc's omission of the truth, Layla understands that Marc's intentions were good all along.
8 Layla Wasn't Marc's Original Love Interest
In the early days of Moon Knight's production, Marvel was planning a different love interest for Marc Spector. Series creator Jeremy Slater revealed that Maya Lopez/Echo was first intended to be Moon Knight's female lead.
Although Maya and Marc were romantically linked in the comics, the producers decided to take the television adaptation in a new direction. Layla El-Faouly was created instead, and Maya Lopez was ultimately introduced in Hawkeye. She is set to star in a television series of her own, Echo, which is currently scheduled for a 2023 release.
7 Marc Hid Steven From Layla
Layla's very first appearance in Moon Knight is over a phone call, where she speaks to Steven Grant, whom she believes to be Marc. When Layla finally understands the truth about Steven, she remains empathetic towards her estranged husband. In "The Friendly Type," Layla assures Marc that he could have told her about Steven. Marc tells her that he believed he had it under control until recently.
Fans have put forth their own theories as to why Layla never knew about Steven. Since Steven was created as a response to the trauma of Marc losing his brother and suffering abuse from his mother, Layla may not have known about Steven because she was able to provide Marc some protection from pain, thus reducing his need to rely on Steven.
6 Marc And Layla May Have Both Survived The Snap
According to the most updated MCU timeline, Moon Knight takes place after Hawkeye, which was set in December 2024. While the show never states when Marc and Layla got married, it is most likely that the pair both survived Thanos' snap in Avengers: Infinity War and began their relationship during the Blip.
"Summon the Suit" reveals that Marc Spector was issued a new passport in December 2018, which is after Thanos' snap. When Steven calls Layla in "The Goldfish Problem," she tells him that she has been trying to reach Marc for months, which would place their separation in early 2024. The couple was most likely married for some time before the separation, and dating for a time prior to that. While the possibility that Layla did not survive the snap cannot be completely ruled out, the show provides more evidence for the alternative.
5 Layla Knew Marc Was Moon Knight
Although Layla did not know about Steven Grant, she was aware of Marc Spector's superhero alter-ego. Marc became the avatar of Khonshu, the Egyptian god of the moon, after he was shot by the mercenary who killed Layla's father. Severely injured, Marc made a deal with Khonshu to save his life and became the god's avatar.
In "Summon The Suit," Layla plays a vital role in pushing Steven to adopt his Mr. Knight persona for the first time. Layla's ability to motivate Steven suggests previous experience working with Marc when he was acting as Moon Knight during their marriage.
4 Marc Didn't Sign The Divorce Papers He Sent Layla
One seemingly small detail from Moon Knight's second episode may reveal further insight into the relationship between Marc and Layla. Layla confronts Steven, whom she still believes to be Marc, with the divorce papers he sent her. Layla notes that, even though Marc was the one to send them, he didn't actually sign them.
Marc tells Steven that involving Layla in the mystery surrounding the scarab would put her at risk. This danger is why Marc sought to distance himself from Layla through the divorce proceeding. However, Marc's failure to sign the papers may suggest that he didn't want to leave Layla behind and sought to preserve a semblance of hope for their relationship.
3 Marc And Layla Are A Super-Powered Couple
By the conclusion of Moon Knight, Layla El-Faouly has become the avatar for the goddess Tawaret, donning an impressive set of golden wings and armor. When a girl on the street asks if she is an Egyptian superhero, Layla proudly confirms her new superhero identity.
The scene indicated that Layla is the MCU's version of Scarlet Scarab from the Marvel comics, which was later confirmed by the official Marvel website. Scarlet Scarab's powers in the comics include flying, superhuman strength, and mystical energy manipulation. Layla's newfound powers as the avatar of Tawaret make her the perfect match for Marc Spector.
2 Steven Helped Improve Their Relationship
In many ways, Steven Grant represents the side of Marc that was missing from his relationship with Layla at the show's start. When Steven first meets Layla, his affection for her is clear. He expresses disapproval towards Marc's treatment of Layla, even telling her that, unlike Marc, he would never divorce her. Small details further reveal the connection between Layla and Steven, such as her favorite poet being his favorite as well.
While Steven creates a bit of an awkward love triangle, he ultimately motivates Marc to confront his poor behavior towards Layla. Even though Marc's intention is to protect Layla, he fails to communicate with Layla in the way she deserves.
1 Their Relationship Status Is Left Ambiguous
With the last-minute reveal of Jake Lockley, it is safe to say that the finale of Moon Knight left viewers desperate for more. But Jake's introduction is not the only ambiguous aspect of "Gods and Monsters." When Marc and Layla reunite in the finale, the affection between the pair is obvious. However, the show does not make it clear where the couple stands in their relationship.
Given the growth Marc and Layla experience, it is likely that their divorce will not proceed. Marc's primary intention in filing for divorce was to protect her from danger. The circumstances have evolved significantly, and it will set up an important new path for Marc and Layla.