Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Marvel's Eternals
Chloé Zhao's Eternals has hit theaters, and with it comes speculation on what the narrative means for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. While the epic looks to the MCU's future more than it does its past, there is still a slew of fresh franchise references for fans to watch and listen for.
Some of the shoutouts to MCU events or characters are subtle, while others are even referenced in dialogue. Furthermore, there's even an interesting expansion of the Universe that few fans could possibly see coming.
A Wizard Like Doctor Strange
The viewer doesn't need to be a die-hard fan of the MCU to pick up on this reference. Kit Harington's Dane Whitman has secrets of his own, but he's flabbergasted by the powers of his girlfriend, Sersi. It's as if he's extra perceptive to them, as he asks her a very specific question even before he sees her fight Kro the Deviant.
Specifically, he asks her if she's a wizard "like Doctor Strange." It's not the first time an established Avenger is mentioned in the film, but it is perhaps the best. This is because it also serves as subtle foreshadowing to one of the post-credits scene's biggest reveals.
Why Didn't You Help With Thanos?
It wouldn't be an unpopular opinion about the Eternals to think they should've interfered in Thanos' mass murder. Dane Whitman feels the same, and he asks Sersi directly they didn't help fight the Mad Titan. In his words, "Or any war? Or all the terrible things throughout history?"
Sersi replies by saying they were instructed not to interfere in anything besides Deviant-related situations. She isn't able to inform him of the Celestial Arishem due to an attack from Kro (the film's main Deviant). Even if she had, her explanation would have been unintentionally false, as she and the remaining Eternals have been fed a false narrative about their entire existence.
Wakanda's Tech
Vibranium is mentioned as part of the closing joke in Eternals' trailer, just before Ikaris smashes an IKEA table, and this is more or less the extent to which it's discussed in the film.
Sersi and Ikaris visit Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), who monitors and guides humanity's development of weapons technology. As an inventor (and an Eternal), he has access to a wide array of materials, including the very material that comprises Captain America's shield. Ikaris asks if Phastos' table is made of the material, and breaks it in two before receiving an answer.
More Vampire Talk
Taking over for Wesley Snipes, Mahershala Ali will soon make his official MCU debut in a solo Blade film. But Eternals managed to give audiences a taste of his portrayal a few years early. While Ali is not seen as Blade in Zhao's film, he is heard during the end-credits scene.
However, Ali's voice in the end credits scene isn't the only reference to vampires existing within the MCU. Just after Kingo's (Kumail Nanjiani) Bollywood dance number, he mentions how his manager/valet, Karun, once thought he was a vampire. Naturally, Karun tried to stick a stake through Kingo's heart, an act for which he's apologized (almost enough times).
A Reference To The Blip
The first reference in the film is in regards to the MCU's biggest event: the Blip. Once the narrative begins to focus on Sersi, it follows her to her workplace: the Natural History Museum. Here, viewers are introduced to Whitman, who is giving Sersi's lecture in her stead.
He's essentially giving a history lesson on the Snap and the Blip, making direct reference to half the Earth's population being erased only to return five years later in unison.
Gilgamesh, Kingo, And The God Of Thunder
Apparently, not all of Thor's best team-ups in the MCU have occurred onscreen. An Avenger gets a shoutout during the meal scene at the home of Gilgamesh and Thena, just after they have been informed of Ajak's death.
While Gilgamesh, unfortunately, doesn't make it to the end, he and Kingo reminisce about their past. Specifically, how they played with the God of Thunder when he was only a child. Kingo even jokes about how Thor would follow him around, but now that he's an Avenger, the actor/Eternal can't even get a return phone call.
Who Will Lead The Avengers?
Unless Shang-Chi becomes the Avengers' team leader, an Eternal could be up for the job. This possibility is discussed while the group is eating at Thena and Gilgamesh's. In between jokes from Kingo about gardeners and Sprite turning Gilgamesh's clothing into a baby's onesie, there's a reference to a major part of Avengers: Endgame.
The deaths of Captain America and Iron Man are mentioned in relation to who should replace them. Ikaris quickly tosses his metaphorical hat in the ring, but he would have ultimately been far from worthy of the role.
DC Exists In The MCU
The most shocking reference to the MCU is about what exists inside of it. Throughout each Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor movie, the characters had access to DC material.
When the group visits Phastos, his son points out the similarities between Ikaris and the Man of Steel. There is also a shoutout to Batman and Alfred earlier in the film. It's a quick line comparing the Dark Knight and his butler with Kingo and Karun.