After the monumental success of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ventured into new territories, experimenting with a diverse array of TV shows and movies.
One of the boldest entries was Eternals, directed by Oscar-winner Chloe Zhao. This film, spanning millennia, attempted to introduce a new set of characters and lore into the MCU.
When will Captain America: Brave New World release?
14 February, 2025
However, despite its ambitious scope, Eternals faced a lukewarm reception at the box office and mixed reviews from both critics and fans, casting doubt on the future of its teased sequel.
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Kevin Feige Speaks Out
In an exclusive conversation with Inverse, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige addressed the lingering questions surrounding Eternals and its potential sequel. Feige’s update, however, was far from encouraging for fans eagerly awaiting more from these cosmic characters.
“There are no immediate plans for Eternals 2,” Feige revealed. He mentioned that the narrative elements introduced in Eternals would not be ignored, citing a recent trailer as evidence. “There are, and I think you’ve seen maybe in a trailer we’ve released recently, an acknowledgment of some of those events. Certain giant things came out of the ocean.”
Impact on Upcoming Movies
Feige’s reference to the trailer was for Captain America: Brave New World. This trailer includes brief scenes depicting a battle over Tiamut Island, the landmass created when the Eternals prevented a Celestial from emerging from Earth’s core. This event, one of the most significant in Eternals, appears to be influencing future MCU storylines. The speculation suggests that Tiamut Island, with its mysterious resources, could become a central plot point in the upcoming Captain America sequel.
Loose Ends and Unresolved Plots
Despite this integration, numerous threads from Eternals remain unresolved. The film’s mid-credits scene introduced Harry Styles as Eros and his companion, Pip the Troll. Yet, two-and-a-half years have passed with no indication of their return in any forthcoming MCU projects.
Additionally, the post-credits scene hinted at Kit Harington’s character, Dane Whitman, embracing his destiny as the Black Knight. In this scene, he is seen holding the Ebony Blade, an ancestral weapon, while Mahershala Ali’s Blade character questions his readiness to wield it. This tantalizing setup has left fans wondering when and how these storylines will be further explored.
The MCU’s Balancing Act
The Marvel Cinematic Universe faces the intricate task of keeping numerous story arcs interconnected. Upcoming films like Captain America: Brave New World and the highly anticipated Blade movie are expected to address some of these plot points. However, the challenge remains in ensuring that all introduced elements receive adequate development. As Feige acknowledges, the MCU cannot afford to introduce significant characters, such as Harry Styles’ Eros, without following through on their story arcs.
Kevin Feige’s recent update on Eternals 2 underscores the complexities of managing an expansive, interconnected universe. While immediate plans for a direct sequel to Eternals are absent, the film’s legacy will continue to influence future MCU narratives. Fans can look forward to seeing how the unresolved plotlines from Eternals will weave into the broader tapestry of upcoming Marvel projects.
Unfinished Business in the MCU
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, extraordinary events are commonplace. A world where half the population vanished for years before returning as if nothing had happened means that alien invasions or peculiar light displays in the sky hardly cause alarm anymore, especially with numerous superheroes ready to restore normalcy.
However, such stability isn’t always assured. In the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World, Sam Wilson must not only establish himself as a worthy successor to Steve Rogers but also protect the unfinished business of another superhero team.
Released in 2021, Eternals stood somewhat apart from the rest of the MCU. While the characters acknowledged the events of Avengers: Endgame, there were no major crossover cameos, and much of the narrative unfolded in the distant past. Despite this, one unresolved plot point from Eternals remains for the MCU to address: the Celestial known as Tiamut.
