Marvel's Eternals Movie: Trailer, Cast, Release Date, Every Update

The Marvel Cinematic Universe as we know it is poised for big changes after Avengers 4 and Marvel is already looking ahead to what's next, namely The Eternals. The new film joins Spider-Man: Far From Home and the prequel Black Widow movie along with (presumably) Doctor Strange 2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Black Panther 2 in the studio's Phase 4. This next iteration of the MCU is expected to feature new characters, team-ups, and planets as well as more diversity in front of and behind the camera.

While the characters aren't as well known as some other Marvel properties The Eternals could be the next big post-Avengers franchise. The project is moving forward quickly with a director and screenwriters attached. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming film.

Release Date: N/A
Confirmed Cast: N/A
Director: Chloe Zhao
Writers: Matthew and Ryan Firpo

Last Updated: September 29, 2018

Marvel Is Making An Eternals Movie

In April of 2018, Kevin Feige confirmed that Marvel was making a movie based on The Eternals comics. The project was part of discussions the studio was having about which direction to take the movies post-Avengers 4. And it's more than just talk. Shortly after the announcement, Black List writers Matthew and Ryan Firpo joined The Eternals as screenwriters. In the initial announcement, Feige had said that Marvel was, "beginning to have creative discussions...to see if we believe in them enough to put them on a slate." If Eternals is already moving forward this seems like a good sign for both the Firpos' script and the film at large.

Eternals Director

Chloe Zhao is directing The Eternals. She will be the third female director for Marvel following Anna Boden (who is co-directing Captain Marvel with Ryan Fleck) and Cate Shortland who is directing Black Widow. Zhao was also in the running for the solo film and impressed Marvel so much she was on the shortlist for Eternals. Zhao is known for her indie films such as The Rider and Songs My Brothers Taught Me, which she wrote as well as directed.

Eternals Could Release In 2020

With the delay of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 due to the firing of director James Gunn, 2020 has a slot open for another Marvel movie. With Black Widow potentially taking the summer release date and Doctor Strange 2 possibly in the fall, that could leave the spring for The Eternals. The film already has a director and writers attached which means it's further along in pre-production than most of the other upcoming Marvel films. All it needs is a cast and it could be good to start shooting as early as 2019.

The Eternals In The Comics

Jack Kirby created The Eternals in 1976. They are a race of superhuman, immortal beings who were created by a god like race known as the Celestials (who were introduced to the MCU in Guardians of the Galaxy). They are extremely powerful with superhuman strength, durability, telepathy, the ability to fly, create illusions and manipulate matter. Most of the Eternals live in the secret city of Olympia, but over time they have spread out to numerous planets, including Earth. The Eternals job is to defend the Earth and prepare for the arrival of the Celestials, who visit every thousand years to see if their creations are worthy. If they are not, the Celestials have been known to wipe out entire races.

The Eternals also created a race known as the Deviants, who have a more monstrous appearance than their counterparts. They are forced to live underground and are therefore resentful of the Eternals and their status. The two groups are adversaries, however there are some Deviants who work with the Eternals. In a film about the Eternals, the Deviants should be expected to show up as well.

Eternals Were Teased In Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers Infinity War Eternals reference

Most fans might not have been aware, but The Eternals have connections to Avengers: Infinity War. Thanos himself is an Eternal, although he is Deviant one (hence his large size and purple skin). When Thanos visits Vormir, the Red Skull calls him, "Thanos, son of A'lars." In the comics, A'lars is an Eternal and the founder of their home on Titan. He is a well respected member of their society and in denial about the evil within his own son. With this name drop, Marvel is confirming the existence of other beings like Thanos in the MCU. While Thanos might not appear in any films post Avengers 4, there is a ton of history as well as backstories that could be explored through an Eternals film.

Eternals Doesn't Have A Cast Yet

There have been no casting announcements yet for The Eternals, but the movie offers plenty of opportunities for Marvel to diversify their roster. The Eternals include all different kinds of characters, many of whom don't appear human. Marvel is reportedly looking to cast diverse actors for the new franchise.

The story for Eternals is said to revolve around the love story of Ikaris, the leader of the Eternals who is fueled by cosmic energy, and Sersi, who is an Avenger in the comics and can transmute objects into any form she desires. Kevin Feige has promise that the future of Marvel will be female, so it's likely to expect more female characters than just Sersei.

Eternals Doesn't Have A Trailer Yet

Since The Eternals is still in the early stages of production and with no actors cast yet it makes sense that there isn't a trailer. The film still has a long way to go before it reaches that point. However, Marvel does love to lay the groundwork for future films with Easter Eggs and cameos. There is speculation that an Eternal, maybe Kronos or Starfox, could be introduced as early as Avengers 4. It would be a great way to tease the future of the MCU while helping the current heroes get out of the trouble they are in.