The final trailer for Marvel’s Eternals was released this week, and fans are already eagerly analysing all the clues and Easter Eggs.
With promises of iconic supervillains, mythological lore and intense fight sequences, the new film looks to be a huge step away from what viewers are used to seeing in a Marvel film. The first teaser established the characters and offered a glimpse into director Chloe Zhao’s artistic vision, with this latest preview building on this to further showcase the same distinct, expansive yet intimate style that she used to such great effect in 2020’s Nomadland.
The trailer also suggests that Tony Stark’s influence on the Marvel Cinematic Universe is far from over. In its opening, Ajak (Salma Hayek) reveals that Iron Man’s sacrifice, through the iconic “snap” that vanquished Thanos, released an energy surge that started “the Emergence”—confirming that Eternals‘ central conflict will be a direct byproduct of Avengers: Endgame (2019).
The trailer also introduces us to new character Dane Whitman, played by Kit Harrington—whose appearance has prompted excitement among viewers at the possibility of an on-screen Game of Thrones reunion. (Harrington and Richard Madden—taking on the role of Ikaris in Eternals—co-starred in the record-breaking HBO fantasy series between 2011 and 2013.) Fellow Eternals Sprite (Lia McHugh) and Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) also make notable appearances.
Whitman’s conversation with Ikaris’ fellow Eternal Sersi (Gemma Chan), meanwhile, is a narrative goldmine. In it, Sersi explains that the Celestials—the powerful cosmic beings who created the Eternals—exert a great deal of control over their actions, and are responsible for the team’s lack of response to the Thanos situation. Along with explaining their absence prior to this film—something which has confused fans, since the characters have been on earth for 7,000 years—the trailer also reveals the film’s villains: the Deviants.
These beings, to cut a long story short, are the evil counterparts of the Eternals. The appearance of the Deviant Kro, a well-known comic book villain, suggests that the original backstory of Thena (Angelina Jolie) will feature heavily in the film. In the comics, the complicated relationship between the two caused chaos among the Eternals. (Read our guide to learn more about the Eternals’ comic book origins.)
Eternals will be the third feature film in Phase Four of the MCU, following Black Widow and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. It will be released in cinemas on November 5, 2021.
Words by Olivia Gacka
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.