Eternals' Thanos Connection Could Set Up A New Avenger For Phase 5

The inclusion of a Thanos connection in Marvel’s upcoming Eternals movie could lay the foundation for a new MCU Avenger: Starfox. Considering that Thanos (Josh Brolin) is a huge character right now (and an Eternal in Marvel Comics), connecting him to Eternals in Phase 4 makes sense, not only for bridging the story between the Infinity Saga and the current films but for the MCU's future as well.

Directed by Chloe Zhao, Eternals will bring into the MCU a race of super-powered, alien immortals who have been living on Earth in secret for thousands of years. Engineered by cosmic beings called the Celestials, the MCU’s Eternals will be a on mission to defeat the Deviants, who have been described as “mankind’s most ancient enemy” in the Eternals movie's synopsis. The characters set to make their live-action debut in the movie were created by legendary comic book writer and artist Jack Kirby. The Eternals are a mostly unknown group of superheroes with a very limited number of appearances in Marvel Comics.

Marvel has experience with adapting C and B-list heroes like Ant-Man and the Guardians the Galaxy but will face an even bigger name recognition problem with the Eternals. Marvel can help remedy this issue by playing up the connection between the Eternals and the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe. One way this can be done is by building on the relationship between the Eternals and one of Marvel’s biggest characters, Thanos. This connection, which was established in the comics a long time ago, can be carried over to Eternals with a Thanos cameo. Going in this direction could be a significant move for the MCU, especially since it could set up an important new hero.

Thanos’ Brother In Marvel Comics Explained

Iron Man #55, the same comic that gave the world the Mad Titan, also introduced his brother, Eros. Both characters are members of the Eternals, though neither are associated with the Earthborn Eternals that the movie will be centered on. Instead, they’re from the Titanian branch of Eternals. Thousands of years ago, a character named A’lars left Earth with some of the Eternals and formed his own colony on Saturn’s moon, Titan. While there, A’lars fathered the cruel and death-obsessed Thanos and the fun-loving Eros. While the two share the same parents, they couldn’t be more different in terms of both their personalities and their looks. That’s because the Titanian Eternals are normally human in appearance, but Thanos has a genetic defect. Unlike other members of his species, Thanos possesses the Deviant gene.

After growing into adulthood, Thanos turned against his people whereas Eros stood alongside his father in opposing him. Following a few team-ups with Captain Mar-Vell, Eros discovered the Avengers and found in them a new opportunity for himself. Driven by a thirst for adventure – rather than an interest in saving the world – Eros eagerly joined the Avengers and gained the codename “Starfox”. Between 1983 and 1985, he proved himself to be a more than capable addition to the team. As an Eternal, Eros brought a lot of power to the group. But while he's not in the same strength class as Thor and Hulk, he’s still much more powerful than heroes like Spider-Man.

His most unique asset, though, is unfortunately just as problematic as it is useful. Starfox has the ability to telepathically influence the pleasure center of the brain, which he can use to his advantage when seeking to manipulate a person’s emotions. Even though Starfox had vowed never to use this power on his teammates, he struggled with revealing his powers, as he was afraid it would make them uncomfortable. His concerns turned out to be well-founded, as the female Avengers were initially worried that he had used his powers on them. But over time, Starfox was able to gain their trust. Even after parting ways with the team in 1985, he remained a recurring ally in their cosmic adventures.

What A Thanos Connection Could Mean For Marvel’s Eternals Movie

Marvel could explore the relationship between Thanos and the Eternals when it dives into their origins and how they came to Earth. A flashback scene that reveals A’lars could show he and his people leaving the planet. A reference or a cameo appearance from a young Thanos could even deepen the connection between Eternals and both Avengers: Infinity War and Avenger Endgame. But as much as audiences may love to see more of the Mad Titan on the big screen and perhaps a closer look at his origins, a Thanos scene in Eternals wouldn’t be without problems.

The most important concern is whether or not it would serve a narrative purpose. Seeing Thanos in Eternals would be interesting for sure, but how it would move the story forward? Thanos is dead and his MCU arc is over, so Marvel would need a good reason to revisit him. The studio may intend to do just that, but only if it has an impact of some sort. It could be that Marvel’s plan is to use this scene to set up or introduce Starfox in the MCU. The reveal of Thanos’ brother in flashbacks could lead to interest in his current whereabouts.

What Marvel Can Do With Starfox In Phase 5

If Marvel sets up Starfox in Eternals, it has multiple options available to them when it comes to what can be done with him next. He could become a main character in Eternals 2 if Marvel decides to go off-world for the sequel and look at other branches of the Eternals. Alternatively, Marvel can follow-up the introduction of the Eternals with guest appearances from members of their species in other cosmic movies, like Thor: Love and Thunder, Captain Marvel 2, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Once the Eternals, their powers, and their origins are established in Phase 4, it will be quite easy for Marvel to use them in any movie and whenever the need arises.

Starfox, similar to his comic book counterpart, could play a role in Marvel’s future, both on and off Earth. Starfox would be a powerhouse on any Marvel team, whether it be the next version of the Guardians of the Galaxy or another lineup of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. If Avengers 5 is in the works, Marvel will have moved on from Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson), and possibly Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) before it can get to that point. Naturally, they’ll be looking to new and current heroes to take their place. One of the characters who could make up the muscle of the new Avengers is Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), while another is Starfox, whose strength as an Eternal would put him on a level far above most MCU characters. Also, Starfox may be one of the only representatives of his kind who can join. The Eternals may not be allowed to interfere in human affairs, but as a member of a separate group, Starfox wouldn't have to adhere to those rules.

More: Marvel Theory: How The Eternals Will Determine Phase 5's Cosmic Future