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Eternals Are Perfect For Marvel Phase 4
Following rumors that Marvel may be developing an Eternals movie for phase 4 of the MCU, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has confirmed that The Eternals is one of several projects the studio is considering for a film. Though a lesser-known property, The Eternals fit perfectly into Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After Avengers 4, the MCU will move on from Thanos and explore new worlds while introducing new characters to take the places of the ones we may lose.
The Eternals are a race of superhuman immortals created by Jack Kirby in 1976. After starring in their own limited series, the characters were featured in many popular titles, including Thor and The Avengers. On occasion, the Eternals are given their own stories, but for the most part serve as guest stars or supporting characters in other comics. A few of them have even become Avengers.
As Marvel plans its slate of movies for the next several years, The Eternals may or may not be on the final list of films for Phase 4. There are other, more well-known properties that Marvel may choose to adapt instead, such as Nova, Moon Knight, and Namor the Sub-Mariner (if the movie rights issue is resolved). However, despite a lack of name recognition, The Eternals may be an even better fit for Phase 4 of the MCU.
THE ETERNALS HAVE STRONG MCU CONNECTIONS
Bringing the Eternals into the MCU could be simpler than many may expect, simply because the foundations for them already exist. By using the Eternals, Marvel can create new worlds while simultaneously building on existing concepts.
In the comics, the Eternals are the creations of a god-like race called the Celestials. The Celestials were introduced into the MCU in Guardians of the Galaxy. Then, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the film’s main villain, Ego the Living Planet (Kurt Russell) was revealed to be a Celestial. An Eternals movie would be able to establish the origin of the characters by tying into Ego and the Celestials in the Guardians movies.
One Eternal already exists in the MCU, and he happens to be Marvel Comics’ most well-known member of the immortal race: Thanos. Thanos was a part of a colony of Eternals that lived on Saturn’s moon, Titan. Though Thanos will likely be dead or gone after Avengers 4, he could still have a role in shaping the MCU in years to come. Flashbacks of the MCU’s most important villain could strengthen an Eternals movie.
THE ETERNALS COULD TAKE YEARS TO EXPLORE
The Eternals make up a corner of the Marvel Universe so massive that a movie could only cover a fraction of their world and characters. If Marvel introduces the Eternals, their genetic cousins, the Deviants, won’t be far behind. Like the Eternals, the Deviants are the offspring of the Celestials. Monstrous in appearance and unable to pass for humans, the Deviants are forced to live beneath Earth’s surface in Lemuria, a subterranean city (which was actually referenced in a Captain America: The Winter Soldier Easter egg).
Though the majority of Eternals live on Earth, many dwell in other galaxies and on other planets. After the Eternals were created, they didn’t all decide to remain on Earth. Some chose to settle on other planets. The main group of Eternals live in a magically concealed city above the mountains of Greece while a second group, known as the Polar Eternals, live in Siberia. Other branches of Eternals are based on Titan and Uranus. There’s no telling how far into the cosmos the Eternals have expanded. The Celestials could have even created Eternals on multiple planets capable of hosting intelligent life.
Since the Eternals cast such a wide net over the Marvel Universe, it could take years for the MCU to fully explore their world. In a way, the Eternals could function like the Kree have in the MCU so far. The Kree have popped up in Guardians of the Galaxy, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and will appear again in Captain Marvel in an extended capacity. We could expect something similar with the Eternals. They wouldn’t be limited to their own franchise and could be sprinkled into other movies and TV shows.
THE VILLAINS COULD BE BIGGER THAN THANOS
Following the conclusion of Phase 3, Marvel will need a new character to become the MCU’s next big villain. The problem is that most villains would seem underwhelming in comparison to someone with ambitions of destroying half the universe. While some fans may doubt that Marvel could introduce any villain capable of trumping the Mad Titan, Marvel may not need to look any further than Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Celestials. Though it’s true that the Guardians already defeated a Celestial, they’ve never had to deal with more than one.
Every few thousand years, the Celestials visit the Earth to pass judgment on their creations. If they are deemed unworthy of living, the Celestials will destroy everyone. The Eternals and the Deviants have to make sure they live up to their creators’ expectations in order to avoid planetary genocide.
What would happen if an army of Celestials came to Earth in the MCU? Even all the superheroes in Avengers: Infinity War may not be able to stand against those odds.
NEW CHARACTERS
Other than Thanos, the Eternals aren’t supported by a lot of big-name characters. Nevertheless, one thing that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has shown us is that a character doesn’t have to be a household name to be a huge success for the studio. Ten years ago, most audiences had never even heard of Rocket Raccoon, Star-Lord, Yondu, Mantis, and Scott Lang. Other heroes like Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, Scarlet Witch, and Vision didn’t see their popularity swell until the rise of the MCU. So while being recognizable to general audiences certainly does help, it’s not necessarily a requirement for a successful movie. So far, Marvel Studios has been adept at creating hits with low-profile characters.
Which characters would Marvel introduce if The Eternals did make it to the big screen? If Marvel chooses to include a Thanos connection, his brother Starfox would be an excellent choice. Starfox possesses an adventurous spirit and the ability to telepathically influence the pleasure center of a person’s brain.
The protagonist of the film would most likely be Ikaris, who usually fills the role of a straight-laced hero. Ikaris would be joined by Thena, a beautiful headstrong warrior woman, and Makkari, a speedster who can outrun Quicksilver. There’s also Sersi, a fun-loving party girl who can manipulate matter on a grand scale. While most Eternals tend to stay out of human affairs, one Eternal, the Forgotten One, has broken their rules and is forced to live as an outsider. Just as his name suggests, the Forgotten One is shunned by his fellow Eternals.
Two Deviants, Karkas and Ransak the Reject, are usually found among the core group of characters associated with the Eternals. Karkas and Ransak are constant companions, outcasts, and polar opposites. Karkas is an articulate, wise monster with “the soul of a poet“, whereas Ransak is a savage fighter with the appearance of a human. Aside from Karkas, his fellow Deviants find his looks detestable, while human and Eternal females are attracted to him.
Some of the Eternals, like Starfox, Sersi, and The Forgotten One have even joined the Avengers. Could they, or any members of the Eternals or the Deviants, be a part of Marvel’s next all-new team movie?
While Phase 4 will be composed of some sequels, fans expect for Marvel to include room for at least one or two new franchises. The Eternals do seem like the perfect candidate to fill that role. An Eternals film could be a world-building movie that would succeed in expanding on established ideas and helping to shape the future of the MCU.
