The story of Marvel’s Eternals is a complex one, a tale of immense potential marred by a lukewarm critical reception and ultimately, an uncertain future within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the film showcased diverse representation and groundbreaking visual effects, its dense mythology and perceived tonal inconsistencies left many viewers and critics feeling underwhelmed, hindering its performance and impacting its long-term trajectory within the MCU. This article delves into the factors that contributed to the Eternals‘ reception, examines the studio’s response, and explores the possible paths forward for these powerful cosmic beings.
Why the Eternals Didn’t Quite Connect
The Eternals, conceived by the legendary Jack Kirby, are an ambitious addition to the MCU, introducing a race of ancient, immortal beings sent to Earth to protect humanity from the Deviants. The film attempted to grapple with complex philosophical questions about free will, destiny, and the morality of intervention, themes often absent in the more straightforward superhero narratives that had defined the MCU’s success. However, several factors contributed to its less-than-stellar reception.
Density and Exposition
One of the most common criticisms leveled against Eternals was its heavy reliance on exposition. Introducing ten new main characters, a complicated backstory spanning millennia, and a cosmic origin story required a significant amount of screen time dedicated to explaining who the Eternals were, their purpose, and their history. This resulted in a narrative that felt somewhat rushed and lacked the breathing room needed to develop deeper emotional connections with the characters.
Tonal Inconsistencies
The film attempted to blend the grand scale of cosmic mythology with more intimate character-driven moments, but some viewers found the tonal shifts jarring. The serious themes of existentialism and the weight of responsibility sometimes clashed with the lighter, more comedic elements that have become a trademark of the MCU. This lack of tonal consistency may have alienated some viewers who were expecting a more typical Marvel experience.
Character Overload
While the diverse cast of Eternals was a strength in terms of representation, it also presented a challenge in terms of character development. With ten main characters vying for screen time, many felt that certain characters were underdeveloped and lacked compelling arcs. This made it difficult for audiences to fully invest in their individual journeys and motivations.
The Aftermath: Impact on the MCU
The mixed reception to Eternals undoubtedly influenced Marvel’s subsequent decisions. While the film wasn’t a complete box office failure, it didn’t reach the heights of other MCU entries. This led to a period of reevaluation and recalibration within Marvel Studios, prompting a deeper look at how to integrate new characters and concepts into the existing universe effectively.
Eternals: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions surrounding the Eternals and their future within the MCU:
FAQ 1: Was Eternals a Box Office Flop?
No, Eternals was not a box office flop. It grossed over $400 million worldwide against a reported budget of around $200 million. However, its performance was significantly lower than other MCU films, especially those released in Phase Four.
FAQ 2: Did the Negative Reviews Affect Future Plans?
Yes, the negative reviews likely played a significant role in shaping Marvel’s plans for the Eternals. While a sequel was initially hinted at, its development seems to have been put on hold, possibly due to the studio reassessing its approach.
FAQ 3: Will There Be an Eternals 2?
The future of an Eternals 2 is uncertain. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has stated that the characters will return, but whether they will return in a direct sequel or in other MCU projects remains to be seen. No official sequel is currently in development.
FAQ 4: Which Eternals Are Most Likely to Return?
Given their popularity and narrative threads left unresolved, characters like Sersi (Gemma Chan), Ikaris (Richard Madden), and Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani) are considered more likely to reappear in future MCU projects. The post-credit scenes also heavily hinted at further storylines involving Eros/Starfox (Harry Styles) and Pip the Troll.
FAQ 5: How Could the Eternals Be Integrated into the MCU Moving Forward?
There are several ways the Eternals could be integrated into the MCU moving forward. These include:
- Guest Appearances: Individual Eternals could appear in other MCU films or Disney+ series.
- Team-Ups: The Eternals could team up with other established MCU heroes to face a common threat.
- Limited Series: A Disney+ limited series could explore specific Eternals characters or storylines in greater detail.
- Standalone Storylines: Individual Eternals could receive their own standalone films, focusing on their personal journeys.
FAQ 6: What Role Will the Deviants Play in the Future?
While the Deviants were seemingly defeated in Eternals, their origins and connection to the Celestials suggest that they could return in some capacity. Their future role is uncertain but could be explored in future cosmic-themed MCU projects.
FAQ 7: How Does Thanos’s Connection to the Eternals Affect the MCU?
Thanos is the son of two Eternals, making him genetically related to the ancient race. This connection could be explored further in future MCU storylines, particularly in relation to the Celestials and their plans for the universe. Thanos’s lineage is an untapped well of potential for plot development.
FAQ 8: Will We See More of the Celestials?
The Celestials, the powerful cosmic beings who created the Eternals, played a pivotal role in the film’s narrative. Their continued presence in the MCU seems likely, given their importance to the cosmic mythology and their potential to pose a threat to Earth and the wider universe.
FAQ 9: Did Chloé Zhao’s Directing Style Contribute to the Film’s Reception?
Chloé Zhao’s distinct directing style, known for its naturalistic cinematography and emphasis on character development, undoubtedly influenced the film’s tone and pacing. While some praised her artistic vision, others felt that her style didn’t quite align with the established MCU formula. Zhao’s unique approach presented both opportunities and challenges.
FAQ 10: What Lessons Has Marvel Learned from Eternals?
Marvel likely learned several lessons from the reception of Eternals, including the importance of balancing complex mythology with accessible storytelling, maintaining tonal consistency, and ensuring sufficient character development for a large ensemble cast. The film served as a valuable learning experience for the studio.
FAQ 11: How Does the Eternals Story Impact the Multiverse Saga?
While Eternals wasn’t directly tied to the Multiverse Saga in the same way as some other Phase Four projects, its exploration of cosmic themes and the Celestials could potentially have implications for the broader narrative. The Celestials, in particular, could become a major threat in the Multiverse Saga, given their immense power and potential to manipulate reality.
FAQ 12: Is It Worth Watching Eternals Despite the Negative Reviews?
Ultimately, whether or not Eternals is worth watching is a matter of personal preference. Despite the mixed reception, the film offers a unique perspective on the MCU, introduces compelling new characters, and explores thought-provoking themes. It provides valuable context for the broader cosmic narrative of the MCU, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy all viewers.
The Future is Unwritten
The future of the Eternals in the MCU remains uncertain, but their story is far from over. Marvel Studios has demonstrated a willingness to course-correct and learn from past experiences, and it’s likely that the Eternals will eventually find their place within the larger tapestry of the MCU. Whether it’s through guest appearances, team-ups, or standalone storylines, these powerful cosmic beings will undoubtedly return to play a role in the unfolding saga. The key will be finding a way to integrate their unique mythology and complex characters into the established framework of the MCU in a way that resonates with audiences and honors the rich history of the Eternals comics. The potential is still there; it just needs to be carefully nurtured.