Eternals 2’s Chances Of Happening Look So Much Bleaker Now

The chances of Marvel Studios imminently greenlighting Eternals 2 just became so much bleaker. Directed by Chloé Zhao, the original 2021 movie introduces a new superhero team in the MCU known as the Eternals. Created by the Celestials, the Eternals were sent to Earth thousands of years ago to protect humanity from Deviants. Eternals' ending clearly sets up a sequel and like every standalone MCU film, a follow-up is expected. However, Marvel Studios remain mum about Eternals 2 and the latest comment from some of the movie's cast makes its future more dubious.

For a brief moment, it seemed like Marvel Studios were quietly developing Eternals 2 after Pip the Troll actor Patton Oswalt said as much in an interview. Subsequently, however, Eternals cast member Kumail Nanjiani debunked this claim (via The Playlist). According to him, Oswalt saw a fake headline about Eternals 2 moving forward. This proves that the actors in the MCU sub-franchise really don't know anything about Marvel Studios' plans for Eternals 2. Typically, those involved in their projects are at least aware of what their next appearances will be even if they don't know plot specifics yet. However, that doesn't seem to be the case for Eternals 2, making the prognosis for an imminent follow-up gloomy at best.

The Eternals Are Confirmed To Return In The MCU - But When & How?

Marvel Studios producer Nate Moore confirmed that the Eternals would indeed return to the MCU. Unfortunately, he just didn't get into specifics about it. Despite that, there are a couple of ways to bring them back. One obvious route would be via Eternals 2, which was set up by the original Eternals movie ending. Secondly, Marvel Studios could bring some of them to a few upcoming MCU Multiverse Saga projects. For example, Dane Whitman, albeit not technically an Eternal, can pop up in Mahershala's Blade. Meanwhile, Pip the Troll could join the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Otherwise, the team could also easily join the fight against Kang in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. This means that, while there are no concrete plans for their imminent return, the possibility is still very much on the table.

Why Marvel Studios Is Holding Off Announcing Eternals 2

In 2022, Marvel Studios had two chances to officially announce Eternals 2 — at San Diego Comic-Con and D23 Expo, but Kevin Feige and his team didn’t even mention the cosmic team in the events. Given the MCU's typical storytelling format, however, it's safe to say that Eternals 2 will eventually happen. The studio may just be prioritizing projects that are set to release first. For what it's worth, Eternals 2 isn't the only Marvel Studios sequel that hasn't been officially announced. Feige has also yet to make a formal statement about Shang-Chi 2 and Doctor Strange 3 — both of which are expected to come out before the MCU's Multiverse Saga ends.

The MCU has had less-than-ideal projects before in the Infinity Saga like Thor: The Dark World and Iron Man 2 and even Avengers: Age of Ultron, but the franchise stayed committed to them with follow-ups ultimately moving forward. So, while Eternals' reviews were mixed, this doesn't necessarily mean that it’s already canceled; it may just be too early to inform the cast about the sequel. That being said, it might also indicate that Eternals 2 is simply not a priority for the MCU at this point in the Multiverse Saga, which itself could be an indication of the direction of the wider franchise.

Next: Guardians Of The Galaxy Accidentally Spoiled Eternals' Cliffhanger Ending