Spoiler alert: This article includes light spoilers for Eternals.
Critics might not be loving the Eternals, but audiences apparently did, judging by Rotten Tomatoes' critics and audiences scores. The movie features the MCU's most diverse cast to date, introducing a whopping 10 characters into MCU lore. These powerful figures can potentially be game-changers in the cinematic universe, thanks to their considerable abilities.
Audiences will instantly love some of the Eternals, thanks to their likable personalities and sympathetic portrayal in the movie. However, others will be more divisive, and fans will even find some of them quite unlikable. But that's what makes this ensemble so intriguing and unlike anything fans have seen in the MCU before.
Sprite
Fans of Marvel Comics know Sprite as the most unpredictable of the Eternals, and under the right circumstances, her storyline could've been very impactful. The curse of being a perpetual child in a world that never stops moving forward is a compelling and thought-provoking idea, and Lia McHugh could've done something exciting with it.
Alas, Eternals could devote only so much time to this particular plot point, and the limitation did the character a disservice. Sprite is a mostly angsty presence throughout the movie, but her choices during the third act cement her as a reckless, insensitive and even obnoxious figure.
Ikaris
The MCU is no stranger to making controversial choices with its characters, so the twists concerning Ikaris aren't unheard of in the sprawling Marvel mythos. He is the most powerful Eternal and the ultimate soldier, ready to follow orders without questioning if they're morally right or not.
Ikaris' stoic demeanor makes him distant and detached. His relationship with Sersi never entirely takes off, and his choices during the film's third act establish him as a very unlikeable figure. Richard Madden has experience playing divisive characters, having given life to Robb, arguably the worst Stark in Game of Thrones, so Ikaris was right up his alley.
Sersi
Even though Eternals is mostly an ensemble, Sersi is the story's de facto lead. She's the most empathetic of the Eternals and the one who rallies the others to go against the Celestials' master plan. Sersi is the second Marvel role played by Gemma Chan and will surely return for future MCU projects.
Unlike other MCU protagonists, Sersi is passive, which becomes increasingly frustrating as the story unfolds. Chan does her best with the material, but like Ikaris, Sersi as written is stoic and unrelatable, eventually getting lost among other, more sympathetic characters.
Druig
Aloof and somewhat selfish, Druig is a mysterious Eternal with the power to control and manipulate people's minds. Rising star Barry Keoghan plays the character with a refreshing air of cool detachment, making him one of the most intriguing in the story.
Druig takes his role as an Eternal very seriously and sees himself as a savior for humanity. However, even when making questionable choices, the character is compelling enough to earn the audience's favor. His flirtation with Makkari is also a highlight of the movie, making him all the more likable.
Makkari
Comic book fans are well aware of Makkari, but the character is one of the most obscure in Marvel lore. Played by Tony nominee Lauren Ridloff, Makkari is an Eternal with super speed.
Makkari's personality is incredibly likable. She's heroic, and her speed powers are a visual marvel. She's also the most exciting fighter during the final act, and her flirtation with Druig provides Eternals with some of its most memorable moments. She doesn't get as much screen time as some of the other Eternals, but if she had, she'd be the most likable of them all.
Kingo
Extroverted and full of life, Kingo is the one Eternal who sought the spotlight. During the group's separation, he even became a Bollywood star. He and his scene-stealing valet, Karun, film a documentary about the Eternals' reunion throughout the movie.
Thanks in large part to Kumail Nanjiani's charming performance, Kingo is one of the best characters in the movie. He is the funniest Eternal by far and also the one who genuinely loves being a hero. He is also the movie's comic relief, making him a fan favorite. His choices during the third act do take some points away from his likability, but he remains one of the most engaging characters in the movie.
Phastos
In a massive win for representation, Phastos is the MCU's first LGBTQ+ superhero. Atlanta scene stealer Brian Tyree Henry plays the role with a perfect mix of empathy and determination, standing out among the others. Comics fans know that Phastos is the Eternals' resident inventor, and he is crucial during the film's last act.
Like Makkari, Phastos has less screentime than his fellow Eternals. However, he makes the most out of his scenes to become the story's beating heart. Phastos' family also provides the character with a sympathetic angle that audiences can relate to, acting as the embodiment of the film's "gods among humans" themes.
Ajak
In this role, Academy Award nominee Salma Hayek is the first Mexican woman to play a superhero in a major franchise, and she rises to the occasion. As Ajak, she is the Eternals' spiritual leader who can communicate directly with the Celestials.
Ajak loves and looks after all of her children but is wise enough to know when to let them go. She also ultimately admits her mistakes and forgives her children for the choices they make. Ajak is arguably the film's most tragic figure, and while she keeps her fair share of secrets, she never comes across as selfish, thanks to Hayek's empathetic performance.
Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh is the strongest Eternal in terms of physical prowess, but he's also the most selfless one. Played by South Korean-American actor Don Lee, Gilgamesh is known in the comics as the Forgotten Eternal.
An action man with a heart of gold, Gilgamesh is perhaps the most heroic Eternal. He has a deep and moving relationship with Thena, caring for her for centuries. What's best is that their dynamic remains platonic, avoiding tired romantic tropes. Instead, the film portrays two souls joined by duty, purpose, and genuine love for each other. It's a moving arc that makes Gilgamesh's fate all the more tragic and meaningful.
Thena
Angelina Jolie portrays Thena, a legendary warrior who can create any weapon out of cosmic energy. Thena plays a central role in some of Eternals' best action sequences, cementing her as one of the MCU's greatest warriors.
Mental health is a delicate issue that should receive the importance it deserves. Indeed, if there's one storyline that should've gotten more screen time in Eternals, it's Thena's Mahd Wy'ry. However, Jolie deftly portrays Thena's mental struggles with empathy, creating a character who earns the audience's sympathy. In many ways, she's Eternals' most traditional hero, yet a figure unlike any other in the MCU, and a brilliant showcase for Jolie.