Chloé Zhao Shares How Eastern Philosophy Inspired ‘Eternals’

eternals eastern

Eternals is quite a different take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not only are we introduced to a curious cosmic addition in the form of the titular race, but also learn the role of Celestials. Director Chloé Zhao has brought together a new vision of how these larger-than-life beings existed among us since the dawn of man. Given her Chinese heritage, it’s not too surprising that some Eastern influences found their way into the project, as the director shares in an interview with Variety. One of the influences was how her characters are inspired by the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, as she highlights:

All the characters in ‘Eternals’ are trying to find the harmony between the masculine and the feminine sides of them, the ‘yin’ and the ‘yang,’ and only when they find the balance do they become whole.

Chloé Zhao

She highlights that it’s also in how she approached the story in how we understand “evil” or the role of “demons” within mythology.

Unlike the classic Western representations of demons, the demons in Eastern religions are often powerful ancient spirits of nature. Instead of exterminating them, we should acknowledge and appease them. There is no such thing as absolute evil. Only energies that have to be redirected with understanding and compassion.

Chloé Zhao

It does highlight how the story technically doesn’t have a definite villain. While Kro technically had a more antagonistic role in the story, he mainly was focused on survival and evolution. Even the Celestial Arishem the Judge technically is their creator, the selfish vision of their kind to ending the existence of millions

Source: Variety

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