No one expected that a classic love ballad from the 1960s would suddenly echo through the action-packed universe of Marvel. But that’s exactly what happened when Engelbert Humperdinck’s “A Man Without Love” opened the first episode of Moon Knight, catching millions of viewers off guard.
A classic song reborn
Originally released in 1968, “A Man Without Love” is one of Engelbert Humperdinck’s most iconic hits. With its emotional melodies and Engelbert’s signature warm baritone, it became a timeless anthem of heartbreak and longing.
Fast forward more than five decades, and this very song becomes the opening tune in Moon Knight, a gritty new Marvel series on Disney+. As Steven Grant (played by Oscar Isaac) stumbles through his confusing dual life, the melancholic strains of Engelbert’s song drift through the background, creating a haunting contrast with the surreal and fragmented narrative.
Why did Marvel choose this song?
It wasn’t a random choice. According to producers, the song perfectly reflected Steven’s emotional state—lonely, confused, and disconnected from reality. “A Man Without Love” essentially becomes a musical mirror to the character’s psyche, enriching the storytelling through sound.
But more than that, this move showed Marvel’s knack for bringing old gems into the limelight. In an era where Gen Z dominates streaming platforms, reintroducing Engelbert’s music is a brilliant way to bridge generations.
Fans go wild
The internet exploded after the episode aired. Search trends for “Engelbert Humperdinck” soared, and “A Man Without Love” made a surprise return to Spotify’s trending charts. Many younger viewers confessed they had never heard of the artist, but were instantly hooked by the timeless voice and orchestral arrangement.
Some fans even joked that Marvel “did more for Engelbert in one episode than radio has done in decades.”
How did Engelbert react?
The singer, now in his late 80s, was overjoyed. On social media, he expressed gratitude to Marvel for giving his music a new lease on life. He mentioned how thrilled he was to reach a new generation and how moved he felt hearing his song in such a powerful context.
A rare moment of musical magic
This unexpected fusion between classic music and modern storytelling is proof that a great song never truly dies. All it takes is the right scene, the right character—and the right platform—to breathe new life into a forgotten melody.
Engelbert Humperdinck’s cameo through sound in Moon Knight may be brief, but its emotional impact will echo for a long time.