Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Eternals

  • Chloé Zhao Believes ‘Eternals’ Could Have Been Even Longer to Explore the Full MCU Timeline

    Chloé Zhao Believes ‘Eternals’ Could Have Been Even Longer to Explore the Full MCU Timeline

    Eternals may give Avengers: Endgame some competition for the longest Marvel Cinematic Universe’s runtime. With 2 hours and 30 minutes, we’ll spend quite a bit of time with this new alien race that could go toe-to-toe with the Avengers. Not only will they face off against a new threat in the Deviants, but the film will also explore the mysterious Celestials we’ve briefly seen throughout the first three phases.

    Chloé Zhao did highlight that the length is quite intentional, as she has quite a lot to tell. Not only will the standalone film explore the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame, but we’ll also see the origins of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plus, she’s got quite the ensemble on her hands with ten brand new characters who have their unique role as part of this unlikely band of heroes. Zhao even highlights that this cut may be on the shorter end.

    It could be longer! You know, it’s ten characters, the Celestials and 7,000 years. There’s a lot going on.

    Chloé Zhao

    It’s no easy task to tell a story that spans millennia within a limited time. We don’t know how much she’ll dive into the history of the MCU, but we’ll certainly see its beginnings. The trailers also teased some parts of history that’ll build upon what we know from our very own. We might witness the events of the past few films through the eyes of the Eternals that recontextualize the events we spent the last decade with.

    Source: Fandango

  • Chloé Zhao Teases Kro’s Motivation in ‘Eternals’

    Chloé Zhao Teases Kro’s Motivation in ‘Eternals’

    Eternals will introduce a new type of antagonist, the Deviants. It wasn’t until the second trailer that we got a closer look at these unique creatures that were genetic offshoots created by the Celestials in the comics. Their designs are quite distinctive from their comic counterparts, who were more humanoid in design. The only bipedal Deviant we meet was their leader, Kro. We briefly see him interact with Angeline Jolie‘s Thena, but that’s the extent of what we know about his motivation.

    Luckily, director Chloé Zhao offered some insight into what drives his actions and perhaps what leads to his confrontation with the Eternals. Perhaps his main motivator is the right to survive and strive in a world that rejects him. The trailers hint that the alien race is on Earth to battle the Deviants and take care of their existence. While Zhao plays coy in her answer, she does give us a clearer picture.

    I think the only thing I can say…he’s very unique. I think in a way I would say he is an accident in evolution, and there is great debate around the right for someone like him to exist.

    Chloé Zhao

    Last month, we learned from Dan Stevens that he is voicing the character, but that was the last we heard on it. The interesting aspect of this character is that he may show up in the story when the Deviants should be gone potentially, as Zhao teases that the Eternals went into hiding after taking care of the offshoot. So, who knows if he might have a larger plan that required a lot of patience.

    Source: Fandango

  • ‘Eternals’ Features Two Post-Credits With Big Surprises

    ‘Eternals’ Features Two Post-Credits With Big Surprises

    Eternals looked like a project that would work independently from the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet, in an interview with Fandango, director Chloé Zhao has teased that not only does it explore the origins of the fictional universe but it may also have huge implications for the future. Luckily, she also confirmed that the Marvel Studios tradition lives on with the film having not one but two post-credit sequences. Not just that, she also highlighted that there will be some big surprises for both that might build upon the events of the film.

    Don’t just stay for the first one — also stay for the second one, too. They are equally as important in weight, and both have big surprises for you.

    Chloé Zhao

    Eternals spans around 7,000 years and there are a lot of aspects that could help establish the future. She teased that the film will mainly focus on the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame which will most likely tie into the post-credit sequence. Perhaps there’s a new aspect of this franchise that’ll finally make its appearance once the credits roll.

    Source: Fandango

  • ‘Eternals’ Exploration of the MCU’s Origins Will Build Its Future

    ‘Eternals’ Exploration of the MCU’s Origins Will Build Its Future

    Marvel Studios has just released its first featurette for the upcoming Eternals film. Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao builds off of her work of Nomadland to explore not just the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame, but also the origins of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The trailers only gave us a glimpse of the Celestials, the ones that started it all but there might be a lot more to them, especially with what it may mean for the MCU moving forward.

    In an interview with Fandango, Zhao offered some insight into her approach to the film, such as how she pitched it with a blow-up macro photo of sand while reciting a William Blake poem. She then went on to discuss how the film dives into the origins of the entire fictional universe and how the Celestials play a big part in the mythology they are building and may have larger implications for its future.

    Well, let’s see… I think a big part of it is that audiences will be discovering the origin of the MCU through the mythology of the Celestials. I think by the end of the film, we will have a new understanding of planet Earth’s relationship with the cosmos, and also with her own inhabitants. But in that sense, it would have a huge effect on the future of the MCU.

    Chloé Zhao

    The origins of the MCU through the eyes of the Celestials may explore how Earth’s creation may tie into the appearance of many superpowered individuals. If it explores the history of the franchise, perhaps we’ll get a window into what makes humanity such a unique host for abilities and powers. In the comics, they also have close ties to Thanos, who’s referenced openly in some of the trailers. Perhaps there’s more to the Deviants than we first expect.

    Source: Fandango

  • New ‘Eternals’ Merch Hints at Black Knight’s Legacy

    New ‘Eternals’ Merch Hints at Black Knight’s Legacy

    There are still many mysteries surrounding the upcoming Eternals film. We have no idea how it will build upon the franchise and what exactly it may hold for its future. Yet, the biggest question mark surrounds the curious case of one Dane Whitman. Kit Harington will bring the classic Marvel character known as Black Knight to life in the film. A recent new merch leak may have hinted there’s more to his character.

    In the comics, the various version of the Black Knight has a Raven-inspired emblem on their chest. A recent reveal of an accessory box to tie in with the film’s release includes items replicated from the film. Among them is a ring featuring the previously-mentioned Raven symbol. It may imply that Whitman is part of a long line that held the title of Black Knight. A close look at the ring was shared by @BestofKitH on Twitter.

    He’s known for wielding the Ebony Blade in the comics, but the trailers seem to hint at him being a normal man wrapped up in the life of the Eternals in the modern-day. So, there’s a chance that it is passed on from generation to generation. Perhaps an ancestor crossed paths with the Eternals and he was doomed to repeat it. They wouldn’t cast someone like Harington just to have a bit role. So, Marvel Studios definitely has plans for the actor moving forward. It also would be interesting to have him wield a sword alongside the Avengers.

    Source: Twitter, GameStop

  • Chloé Zhao Might Be Eyeing a ‘Star Wars’ Project After ‘Eternals’

    Chloé Zhao Might Be Eyeing a ‘Star Wars’ Project After ‘Eternals’

    All eyes are now on Eternals, which may reinvent the way we look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its future. Chloé Zhao lends her unique artistic approach to a story that looks at the past and future. It also raises the question of what project she might tackle afterward. After an Oscar-win with Nomadland and an entry in the biggest franchise in the world, it seems the world is now her oyster. Luckily, in the latest edition of Empire Magazine, she may have given us a hint that talks are already underway for her to visit a galaxy far far away.

    In the latest issue, they take a closer look at the upcoming Eternals films. Al Horner got the chance to ask her a few questions, which led to her referencing the Star Wars franchise quite frequently. So, he took the natural next step and inquired if she might potentially be tackling a project within that galaxy. While technically denying her answer, she may have given away that something is happening behind the curtains.

    Hmmmm. I have to tread very carefully with what I say here. [laughs] Yes. Let’s just say, it’s a world I have so much reverence for because it was such an important part of my life. [laugh]Chloé Zhao

    Zhao‘s visual and directing style would add something special to the Lucasfilm franchise. Plus, Eternals is technically a space-based storyline. So, she already has some experience in that department. The only question is what type of story she might tackle. It would almost seem like the perfect chance to take a closer look at the time when the Jedi were at their peak. Of course, her perchance to explore the early days of a universe, she could also be the perfect candidate to uncover the origins of the Jedi Order and its counterpart, the Sith. Whatever she may end up tackling, here’s hoping her involvement is confirmed soon.

    Source: Empire via Twitter

  • Chloé Zhao Talks ‘Eternals’ Inspiration from Greek and Roman Mythology

    Chloé Zhao Talks ‘Eternals’ Inspiration from Greek and Roman Mythology

    Marvel Studios is back in action with the recent releases of Black Widow and Shang-Chi. Yet, the year is far from over, as we still have two more films heading our way, Spider-Man: No Way Home and Eternals. The latter is an especially important entry, as it’ll expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a very unique way. We’ll explore the long history of the earth long before the Avengers joined in their fight against Loki.

    In an interview with Empire, director Chloé Zhao discusses the inspirations behind the upcoming film and how she loves “the idea of continuing to challenge the straight-forward morality we’re used to in the superhero genre.” It’s a great approach as we’ve seen it in the past as Shang-Chi made us take a different perspective on Wenwu’s motivations. She also highlighted that the story she’s woven is

    […] akin to stories of Greek and Roman gods, who live very human lives with human traits, rivalries, jealousies and frailties.

    Chloé Zhao

    The first trailers offered a glimpse into that very story and we can see these god-like beings trying to pretend they are “normal.” Kumail Nanjiani‘s Kingo is living amongst humans as a Bollywood star. His obsession with attention pushed him to live on Earth as a human but enjoying the riches and fame that come with the job. Speaking of, Empire also provided a brand new image of the Eternal member, which you can check out here:

    Image

    Source: Empire

  • REPORT: ‘Eternals’ Runtime May Be Longer Than ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

    REPORT: ‘Eternals’ Runtime May Be Longer Than ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

    Marvel’s upcoming Eternals film has a lot to unpack, and it looks like it might take some time to do it. It seems that the first indicators on director Chloé Zhao’s large-scale epic’s runtime may clock in at around 2 hours and 36 minutes. The information originates from a Russian site called Kino Metro, which operates as a “Film Distributor Bulletin” in Moscow. This news should be taken with a grain of salt for now, but if it turns out to be true, it would put Eternals just behind Avengers: Endgame as the second-longest film in the MCU. It also hints at an 18+ rating for the film, which is also a curious development given Marvel Studio’s focus on PG-13 releases.

    A longer runtime for a movie like Eternals would make a lot of sense. The amount of lore and world-building a story on that scale might require would expand it quite a bit. Jack Kirby crafted a massive, complex universe when he first started writing stories about Ikaris, Sersi, and the Celestials in 1976. Zhao likely won’t be able to tackle all of it in a single project, but a runtime lasting almost three hours would certainly help her try.

    While we can’t confirm the time listed by Kino Metro, it should be noted that the site lists other films lengths accurately, like Halloween Kills and The Last Duel. It should also be taken into consideration that the 2 hours and 36-minute mark might just be the current cut of the film, and its runtime could shrink by the time it releases in November.

    Source: Kino Metro via The Direct

  • Dan Stevens Seemingly Playing Kro in ‘ETERNALS’

    Dan Stevens Seemingly Playing Kro in ‘ETERNALS’

    Eternals features a lot of borderline obscure characters but easily the most obscure of the entire ensemble is the Deviant big bad Kro. So to hear Legion star Dan Stevens casually namedrop the character in an interview seems oddly peculiar. Stevens was spotted two years ago hanging out with the Eternals cast in London, prompting fan speculation then. In an interview with Collider, Stevens had this to say about the speculation.

    Kro comment [laughs]. Even if I could say anything, I wouldn’t be able to and would have to kill you on Zoom. Is that cryptic enough?

    So unless Stevens just happens to be a real diehard comic book reader that knows the deep cuts, this is a solid indication that he’s playing Kro. The performer playing the CGI character has been noticeably omitted from any of the marketing materials. Having an actor as amazing as Stevens behind the character is assuring, to say the least. It’ll be interesting to find out if he did the motion capture in addition to the voice.

    Source: Collider via Twitter

  • New ‘Eternals’ Promo Banner May Hint at November Chinese Release

    New ‘Eternals’ Promo Banner May Hint at November Chinese Release

    Here’s a curious hint. There have been many discussions if Marvel Studios will manage to release any films in China this year due to various factors. Shang-Chi still hasn’t gotten one and there was no sign Eternals wouldn’t face the same fate. Chloé Zhao‘s win at the Oscars was heavily praised by the country until comments surfaced that changed their attitude to muting anything in relation to the director online. As such, it seemed unlikely her film will get a Chinese release. Yet, a new banner may have hinted at

    Twitter user @FILMemesTW shared a banner that reveals Eternals will release in Hong Kong theaters as of November 4th. The curious aspect is that it would be a day before it releases in the States. There hasn’t been an official statement so we might still need to take this with a grain of salt for now but it popping up online is curious.

    China has been very strict with its releases as of late, which has kept many productions from hitting any record numbers in their international box office. F9 and Godzilla vs. Kong have made around $200M alone in the Eastern country, which boosted their international standing quite a bit. The current leading film worldwide is a Chinese propaganda film that has garnered almost one billion in the country alone.

    Marvel Studios has still been performing well even without their usual Chinese release. Shang-Chi seems to be on route to pass $400M in its runtime which would be on par with films like Ant-Man in non-pandemic times. Black Widow also had the added benefit of releasing on Disney+ Premier Access which gave it a nice boost in numbers but added its own issues when it came to a foreign release. Still, it’ll be interesting to see if the Chinese release gets announced and how it may benefit the Zhao-directed project’s overall box office performance.

    Source: Twitter, The Numbers