Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Eternals

  • Marvel’s Earth X Comics Served as an “Uncanny Bible” for ‘Eternals’ Scribes

    Marvel’s Earth X Comics Served as an “Uncanny Bible” for ‘Eternals’ Scribes

    Eternals writers Kaz and Ryan Firpo had a huge task in front of them as they began to crack the story of Eternals. Telling the story of the very origins of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reinventing some very obscure characters for the film and deciding what themes to include were just some of the big jobs they had to handle and they had to pack it all into a huge, sci-fi epic. Inverse got to talk to the writers and, according to Kaz, despite the film featuring all manner of Cosmic being, including the massive Celestials, the pair looked at the film as an opportunity to get philosophical about humanity itself:

    Eternals is using the lens of science fiction to ask big questions about purpose and responsibility and love. Stories provide us an opportunity to ask big questions. If you come from a movie with a big question you’re still grappling with, that’s a great success. Because we’ve gotten you to think about what it means to be human for just a little bit.

    In prepping to take those big questions to the big screen, the writers first dove in to the comic book history of the characters. While the bulk of their stories were told through creator Jack Kirby’s original run and Neil Gaiman’s modern run, another lesser known run also had a big influence on the film: 1999’s Earth X. Earth X was written by Jim Kreuger who worked with Alex Ross (who originally created the dystopian future seen in the series) to put together a 14-issue run that took a look at a world where most everyone had super powers and, pertinent to Eternals, had a Celestial growing at its core! Kaz described the process of digging into the comic book history of the characters and how Earth X stood out for the way it took on the sort of big, philosophical ideas they wanted to tackle:

    The process began with Marvel handing us a 700-page PDF that had everything, every time the Eternals had appeared, even in Avengers [comics]. We read all of it. Comics are an incredible medium because they’re about different artists having different conversations in the shared universe. Comics inherently are about the multiverse; it’s different takes on these same stories. For us, it became [about] bringing our own story to the lineage. Earth X was an uncanny bible that sat around in the writer’s room because it tackled huge ideas.

    Ryan also indicated that while the Kirby and Gaiman runs each lent part of their stories to the DNA of the film, it was the philosophy of Ross’s Earth X idea that caught their attention. The use of Earth X as a “bible” for the film goes to show how valuable any corner of Marvel Comics vast library can be as creators begin the process of adapting these stories and characters for the MCU. The stories begun in Earth X have continued to grow through the subsequent series Universe X, Paradise X and Marvels X; maybe those series will become the bibles for Eternals sequels or for other projects down the road.

    Source: Inverse

  • ‘Eternals’ Couldn’t Film in Hawaii As ‘Inhumans’ “Burned That Bridge”

    ‘Eternals’ Couldn’t Film in Hawaii As ‘Inhumans’ “Burned That Bridge”

    It looks like Marvel TV’s adaptation of Inhumans may have left a bad aftertaste with not only Marvel Studios but also Hawaii. Eternals writers Kaz and Ryan Firbo discussed their initial pitching phase of Eternals and how they tried to approach different aspects of the project. They also went through various filming locations, but it turns out that there was one they weren’t allowed to include Hawaii. The reasoning as Marvel Studios put it was that the Inhumans series “totally burned that bridge” according to Kaz Firbo. He goes on to state that:

    In the Marvel Universe there’s a lot of synergy, but also individuals telling great stories. There isn’t this algorithm that makes Marvel movies great. They hire people who love what they do and let them do what they love. For us, Inhumans was part of that conversation only insofar as — this is a true story — they said, “You can’t go to Hawaii.” Nobody gets to go to Hawaii because Inhumans totally burned that bridge. Beyond that, there wasn’t someone saying like, “We can’t do this, can’t do that.” The door really was open for us.

    Kaz Firbo

    Ryan Firbo added that they also initially envisioned Eternals as a TV Show, but it was mentioned they “kind of tried that” but it was disconnected. So, the actions of the TV studio have left some long-lasting scars. It sadly seems that it might also take quite some time before the studio may enter Hawaii to start a production there that makes use of its beautiful landscape. It makes you wonder if we’ll ever get some insight from Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige how the series may have influenced other decisions.

    Source: Inverse

  • Mahershala Ali Talks Voicing Blade in ‘Eternals’ and His MCU Future

    Mahershala Ali Talks Voicing Blade in ‘Eternals’ and His MCU Future

    Mahershala Ali‘s Blade made his debut much earlier than we initially expected. At the tail end of the Eternals, a voice can be heard talking to Dane Whitman as he tried to touch the Ebony Blade. Director Chloé Zhao confirmed that it was actually the Vampire Hunter actor, who provided the voice-over. After a bit of silence, Ali has opened up on tackling the role for the first time without being physically present.

    It was scary. Because, you know, you’re talking before you’re filming it. I’m pretty particular about my choices, like most actors, and so having to make some choices – even with a line, vocally – this early on, it brought up some very real anxieties. And it made the job real. It’s like, ‘Okay, this is happening now’, you know, and that’s exciting.

    Mahershala Ali

    He was also asked about what it felt like to finally bring the character to life after the announcement all the way back in 2019’s San Diego Comic-Com. Even better, Ali teases that they might finally start work on the project very soon.

    That Marvel world is obviously the biggest in film, and just to get my little introduction to that – starting with the Comic Con a couple years ago, and now the very early stages of stepping into the shoes of that character – it felt special and really cool. I’m excited to get going and do more. We’re getting there. We’re getting close.

    Mahershala Ali

    The last update we got on the project was when they added Mogul Mowgli‘s Bassam Tariq as the film’s director, but there’s been little on the project since. Still, his appearance in Eternals might offer a hint on where this take on the character is heading, especially with the film’s writers teasing a curious connection between vampires and the Ebony Blade. So, we might see him again ahead of his solo film outing.

    Source: Empire

  • ‘Eternals’ Producer Hints at Blade and Ebony Blade Connection

    ‘Eternals’ Producer Hints at Blade and Ebony Blade Connection

    Eternals writers Kaz and Ryan Firbo recently hinted that the post-credit sequence was going to be quite different at one point with Anthony Mackie potentially making an appearance. Yet, there’s still the question of why exactly Maharshala Ali‘s Blade appeared in front of Kit Harington‘s Dane Whitman. His brief voice cameo implied that he is aware of what the Ebony Blade, which Dane was about to touch, had in store for the future wielder. Well, it looks like they might have a connection. In an interview with Phase Zero, Eternals and Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore hinted at why he ended up nabbing the cameo in the post-credit sequence, and it makes quite a bit of sense.

    Cause the Ebony Blade, the characteristics of the Ebony Blade are not dissimilar to some degree to vampirism and we think that’s an interesting kind of thing to play with. So we kind of knew that was on the table

    So, in a way, it would imply that the Ebony Blade might have a deep-rooted connection to how the vampires came into existence within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a way, the origin of the blood-sucking creatures might get tied to the long history of Dane Whitman’s family lineage, as well as the Middle Ages. Perhaps, his role as the Black Knight is further explored within the more mystical side of this universe, as we unravel how they connect. It’s an exciting prospect. Moore has teased “he was for reasons hopefully that would become apparent as you see more things,” which hopefully get unraveled sooner rather than later.

    Source: Twitch

  • ‘Eternals’ Producer Talks Marvel Studios Approach to a Future ‘X-Men’ Film

    ‘Eternals’ Producer Talks Marvel Studios Approach to a Future ‘X-Men’ Film

    Eternals and Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore joined the Phase Zero podcast during a live stream to discuss the recently released film and MCU’s future. In it, he was asked quite a few questions about the future of Marvel Studios, especially with the properties like X-Men or Fantastic Four. especially the former was brought up due to Eternals diverse cast and if there were any thematic connections between these two properties. Moore had a rather interesting answer to the question and highlighted how the Eternals differ.

    To me, our goal with the film wasn’t to make it a film about diversity in a way that I think X-Men has to be. X-Men is a super direct allegory in which these people are, are ostracized and, and persecuted for who they are. And that’s very much the story of X-Men that’s that’s in the DNA. What I find interesting about Eternals is the movie has zero commentary about that. The characters don’t talk about it.

    Nate Moore

    It’s an interesting discussion about the X-Men’s place in storytelling. Moore goes on to highlight that Eternals is “about faith and purpose” rather than its diversity. Yet, he also goes on to highlight that once they approach an adaptation of X-Men, they’ll have to discuss the topic regarding diversity.

    This film is very much a conversation I would argue about faith and purpose and the value of humanity, but not in the context necessarily of the diversity conversation that we’re having in our everyday lives. I think if, and when we get to an X-Men movie, we’re going to have to have that conversation because that’s very much in the DNA of, of that thematically.

    Nate Moore

    So far, we still have no announcement of when we can expect the X-Men or any adaptation of these characters. the last time we heard anything about a potential reboot was back in March when Illuminerdi shared that they are slowly starting work on a project titled The Mutants rather than the iconic name we’ve come to love. Still, it may be a project name that pays tribute to what Stan Lee originally wanted to call the initial comics.

    Source: Twitch

  • ‘Eternals’ Writers Pitch Sequel as an “Intergalactic Rescue Mission”

    ‘Eternals’ Writers Pitch Sequel as an “Intergalactic Rescue Mission”

    Rumors abound on what the future has in store for the Eternals. Their first film has found its way into theaters and many already set their sites on what is heading our way. Writers Ryan and Kaz Firbo shared their excitement for the project, hoping they won’t only get to tackle a sequel but even a Disney+ prequel. While there’s still no confirmation, they offered a tease of what they have in mind in an interview with Screenrant. Ryan Firbo discussed that they certainly have a few ideas while praising the way Marvel Studios approaches their projects.

    The analogy that I use a lot is that, if you’re playing chess, then your objective is to checkmate the opponent, but you don’t know exactly how you’re gonna do that – you’re setting up a bunch of paths to victory, and I think Kevin and everybody at Marvel are brilliant chess players, and they know how to set those pieces up and give themselves multiple paths to victory. So while there is not specifically the exact storyline, we have a lot of ideas of where we could go, and it’ll be based on a lot of other variables that come to fruition.

    Ryan Firbo

    Luckily, co-writer Kaz Firbo was a bit more direct on what we can expect from a sequel, which makes quite a lot of sense considering how the first film ends.

    I think the words ‘intergalactic rescue mission’ is pretty clearly where we’re gonna have to go.

    Kaz Firbo

    Our favorite heroes are split into two groups, as one heads out into space looking for other Eternals before getting visited by a surprise cameo. The others had a darker fate, as the Celestial Arishem appeared to pull his creations in and that he’ll judge Earth based on their memories. It would be quite a story if our group of unlikely heroes have to infiltrate and save their friends from a Celestial threat.

    Source: ScreenRant

  • Jim Starlin Hopes Pip the Troll Returns in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

    Jim Starlin Hopes Pip the Troll Returns in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

    Some time has passed and Jim Starlin, the creator of Thanos, finally had a chance to discuss another of his popular characters, Pip the Troll. At the end of Eternals, we meet the character for the first time voiced by Patton Oswalt as he drunkenly introduces Harry Styles‘ Starfox. It was a surprise little cameo that caught many by surprise and the legendary comic creator revealed that he hopes the character makes his return in the upcoming third Guardians of the Galaxy film.

    There’s no telling with the movies and anything I say is just speculation. I assume that there’s maybe some kind of link up with Guardians 3, because it seems like Warlock’s going to be in there, seeing that they made a big thing about casting an actor on it.

    Jim Starlin

    While his actual next appearance is uncertain, it does make sense to see him return in the third Guardians film. The character has close ties to Adam Warlock, who was also created by Starlin. He acted like a comic foil to add some levity to the story. After fleeing the Universal Church of Truth, he ends up meeting the golden man, who he’d join on various adventures to face the leader of the church, Magus.

    We know that Will Poulter will return for the third and potentially final entry of James Gunn‘s space odyssey. So, Pip’s connection to the character would make it a fitting next appearance. Yet, it’s uncertain what it means for the other Eternals that were out in space to find others of their kind. It seemed like Starfox took over Warlock’s role from the comics, or they might even twist the relationship in new ways. Here’s hoping we get a hint in the near future.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • Chloé Zhao Hints at How ‘Eternals’ Were Affected by ‘Avengers: Infinity War’s Snap

    Chloé Zhao Hints at How ‘Eternals’ Were Affected by ‘Avengers: Infinity War’s Snap

    The article will discuss some major spoilers from Eternals. So, only continue at your own risk.

    The release of Eternals has given us a new follow-up on the events of Avengers: Endgame. Avengers’ action to bring back half the universe has left quite the impact with Ajak, the leader of this alien race, and kicked off the events of the film. Yet, it opened the question of they were affected by the event. It’s become a common question with every new character introduced, but director Chloé Zhao offered an interesting insight into how their new origin might have kept them from Thanos’s infamous universe-destroying snap, which she describes as “blipped.”

    Well, I can’t say this out loud, but if you think about… if you think about what the Celestials told them. If you think about what the Celestials told them about themselves, technically they can’t get blipped.

    Chloé Zhao

    Eternals took a very different approach to the origins of the alien race. While the opening reveals they are from the planet Olympia, the reality is much harsher. The Celestial Arishem reveals to Gemma Chan‘s Sersi that they are artificial beings. They aren’t aliens but rather created by the Celestials for a very specific purpose and to correct their mistake with their initial creation, the Deviants. So, the fact they aren’t organic may have excluded them from the snap, which means they witnessed these events and had to continue acting as if nothing happened.

    Source: CinemaBlend

  • Anthony Mackie Almost Had a Cameo in ‘Eternals’ Post-Credit Scene

    Anthony Mackie Almost Had a Cameo in ‘Eternals’ Post-Credit Scene

    Now that Eternals has been released, Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to grow. So, there are many more moving parts keeping the franchise going. Disney+ has even added a new layer of complexity, as we also saw Anthony Mackie take the mantle of Captain America. While we know he’s getting his own film soon, there’s uncertainty where and when characters can show up nowadays with so many options. Well, it seems that Mackie may have almost taken over an important role in this film’s second post-credit sequence.

    Quick spoiler warning, if you still haven’t seen Eternals, we are going to spoil the second post-credit sequence. Only continue at your own risk.

    After the credits roll, we see Kit Harington‘s Dane Whitman unveil the Ebony Blade. As he’s about to touch it, a voice, which later was confirmed to be Maharshala Ali‘s Blade, stops him. It seems that role was never set in stone, as Eternals writer Kaz Firbo hints that it may have almost been Anthony Mackie at some point.

    I think that once upon a time it may even been Sam [Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie], our new Cap.

    Kaz Firbo

    The Wrap also tried to see if the rumors of it being Doctor Strange at some point may have been true, they wouldn’t elaborate. So, Sam Wilson is the only other option for that role. It adds an extra layer of confusion about what exactly his role is in this sequence and how it connects to the future of Whitman as the Black Knight.

    Source: The Wrap

  • Earlier ‘Eternals’ Post-Credit Ideas Included the Avengers or Kang

    Earlier ‘Eternals’ Post-Credit Ideas Included the Avengers or Kang

    Marvel Studios’ Eternals offered a new look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet, the rest of the universe always catches up with any new property, most commonly within the post-credit sequence. Surprisingly, the film was a bit more restrained outside of one voice line. We normally don’t get many glimpses into what the original plans were or even what was used in earlier pitches, but luckily the writers Kaz and Ryan Firbo have opened up about initial pitch ideas.

    It seems that they originally envisioned a sequence similar to what we see at the end of Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings, where the Eternals join the new lineup of the Avengers. Yet, they even considered having them sit down and talk with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania villain, Jonathan Majors‘ Kang the Conqueror. Yet, they wanted to focus on one of the series supporting characters instead to further develop their place in the MCU.

    It was a good decision to focus on stories that build out of Eternals and not interconnect them too early. The film stands on its own merits quite a bit and it may have muddled it if the Avengers suddenly appeared at the end. Plus, if they had a discussion with Kang and it just cut there, it may have driven many fans crazy to find out what they are talking about. Plus, it would’ve been a waste to introduce Dane Whitman without teasing the Ebony Blade at some point in his story.

    Source: The Wrap