Eternals introduced a bunch of new characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the most surprising one was Eros/Starfox (Harry Styles), whose role in the MCU sets up the return of Thanos. The first three Phases of the MCU, collectively known as the Infinity Saga, were all about Thanos’ quest to acquire the Infinity Stones and the Infinity Gauntlet, but now that he has been defeated, Phase 4 is moving forward with different characters, events, and concepts. Phase 4 so far is being defined by the multiverse, but it has taken some time to explore other cosmic beings as well, as is the case of the Eternals.

The Eternals were introduced in the movie of the same name directed by Chloé Zhao, and they are an alien race created by the Celestial Arishem. The Eternals were sent to Earth centuries ago to protect it from their evil counterparts, the Deviants, and they stayed on Earth to help humanity evolve, but they weren’t allowed to interfere in their conflicts. This eventually created friction between them and they parted ways, but were forced to reunite when the Deviants returned, their leader Ajak (Salma Hayek) was killed, and an apocalyptic event referred to as “The Emergence” fast approached. The surviving Eternals managed to save the world while they also learned the truth about their origin and purpose, revealing that they aren’t the only Eternals in the universe.

Related: How Many More Eternals & Celestials Are In The MCU?

At the end of Eternals, Sersi (Gemma Chan), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), and Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) stayed on Earth but were abducted by Arishem and taken to an undisclosed location, while Thena (Angelina Jolie), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), and Druig (Barry Keoghan) left Earth on the Domo in search for more Eternals. One of Eternals’ post-credits scenes took place at the Domo and introduced Eros/Starfox, another Eternal and brother of Thanos, introduced by his troll companion Pip (voiced by Patton Oswald). Eros told Thena, Druig, and Makkari that he knows where to find the rest of the team, so he’s expected to return in Eternals 2 or another MCU movie. Eros’ introduction not only means that the MCU will further explore the backstory of the Eternals, but it also sets up the return of Thanos.

Thanos and Eros aka Starfox

In an interview with Screen Rant, Eternals writers Matthew ‘Kaz’ Firpo and Ryan Firpo spoke about Eros and Thanos, revealing that Eros may have contributed to Thanos’ actions in Avengers: Infinity War and teasing the exploration of Eros’ backstory in Eternals 2 and thus his relationship with his brother. Kaz explained that having a “perfect brother” contributed to Thanos being “the way he is”, and he hopes to see more of that in Eternals 2. In order to tell Eros' origins and the dynamic with his brother, the MCU would have to, at least, have flashbacks of Thanos and Eros, which would be a fitting return of the Mad Titan in the Sacred Timeline and without having to (further) mess with it.

The future of Eternals and thus that of Eros remains unknown, but it obviously wouldn’t be surprising if a sequel is officially announced soon. Eternals left a lot of unanswered questions and Harry Styles’ Eros is an exciting and intriguing addition to the MCU, not only because of what he can do (as he has some very interesting powers) but also because of his origin and link to Thanos. The MCU might be done with Thanos by now, but the Mad Titan can still return in flashbacks without hurting the current timeline.

Next: The MCU Will Have To Change Harry Styles' Starfox Powers

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