Sand Diego Comic-Con 2019 gave way to the announcement of Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There were a lot of surprises and a ton of exciting reveals about the future of Marvel Studios' movies and TV shows. One of the more cosmic properties that will officially be making its way to the big screen is the Eternals!
Marvel movies are well known for their expanding universe, and it wouldn't be too surprising to see other MCU characters join this film. There's already a star-studded cast lined up, but a few famous cameos or fun supporting players could take this film to the next level. However, there are also additions that would damage the film in some way, and so we are exploring 5 MCU characters we want to see and 5 we don't want in the Eternals.
Don't Want: The Grandmaster
The Grandmaster is a really great character who is brought expertly to life by the charismatic Jeff Goldblum. Thor: Ragnarok introduced this cosmic being into the MCU for the first time, and he was a hit amongst fans despite his villainous tendencies. The likelihood is that he'll re-appear in the next film starring the God of Thunder, but there's potential for him here, too.
The problem is that Goldblum might be too distracting to be added as a cameo to Eternals. His appearance could actually take away from the other actors' performances, and he may overshadow them in some way. Keeping Goldblum to other cosmic films might be for the best while this newest team is just finding their feet! There's no harm in adding him to their sequel, though.
Want: Cosmo The Dog
The last time we saw Cosmo the Dog, he was taking his much-deserved freedom from the collector. He hasn't really shown up since, and it's about time that he gets a cameo in another space film! He's a fun character that would serve as a nod to a much larger universe. He's not likely to play into the plot, but he can at least be a part of the MCU once again.
Cosmo is pretty easy to add into any of these films, as the character isn't reliant on a voice actor to turn up for the role. He can just be added with a little CGI magic and would probably be really appreciated by fans. We'd love to know what this adventurous dog is up to now, and this seems like the quirkiest way to show us!
Don't Want: Thanos
Thanos is one of the best villains ever put to screen. He's served as the big bad for the MCU since it's birth. The Infinity Saga was always made to put him at odds with Earth's mightiest heroes, and the character has become a cinematic icon. He's dead now, of course, but there's plenty of ways to bring him back, especially if the film is not set in the present.
However, Thanos should be left alone for now. He's been used to his fullest extent, and bringing him back would be a disservice to the character. He's served his purpose in the larger story, and there's not much else for him to do now. Anything else could actually tarnish his reputation for being one of the best villains. So, while we love the purple titan, it's best to bench him for this cosmic tale.
Want: Stakar's Ravager Clan
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2 managed to add the original team from the comics, into the MCU. Lined with an all-star cast including Miley Cyrus and Sylvester Stallone, this team was short-lived having only appeared in that single film. However, the team clearly has a long and potentially heroic history in the universe, and we want to see more of them.
Having the Eternals run into them could be an interesting way to see how the team plays off against an already established group. Stakar's Ravagers wouldn't overpower them in terms of skill or charisma like other characters, but they would serve as a good test for the team. The logic of the meeting makes sense as well, because Stakar takes his team all over the galaxy, and it's just a matter of time before they meet. Plus, we want to know what's next for this fantastic squad!
Don't Want: Thor
We have to say to start that we love Thor. Chris Hemsworth has totally reinvented the character, and he is living with a new lease on life. His sequel is much deserved, and the character really is the MVP of the MCU. Having said all that, we really don't want to see Thor in this next film, even if he is out in space alongside the Eternals.
Thor is one of the original heroes, and he is well respected both in and out of this fictional universe. To add him to this film though would defeat the point of the character. Within his own franchise and others, Thor is now creating new stars for the future of the series. Adding him to the Eternals wouldn't achieve this and would only get in the way of the story. So we know we'll see them all interact one day, but right now is not the correct time.
Want: Beta Ray Bill
Why wouldn't we want to see a space horse make his appearance in this film? The character exists in the universe, as seen in Thor: Ragnarok and will probably even turn up in the sequel! But, before we get to that though, why not properly introduce him in the Eternals. He could be part of one of their missions, potentially saving him from more enslavement.
Of course, if Thor shouldn't be included, why should Beta Ray Bill? Mainstream audiences may be confused by the latest addition, and it therefore might be beneficial to introduce him in a film where lots of other crazy characters are being introduced. Adding Thor would have been reminding fans of the other films, whereas Beta Ray Bill can carve out his own space as he becomes associated with these cosmic realms.
Don't Want: Kree
The Kree are establishing themselves as some of the most vicious species in all of the galaxies. They've appeared in both the film and TV side of the MCU and have always posed a very real threat to the heroes of Earth and beyond. They are sure to be featured again in an upcoming cosmic franchise, but the Eternals doesn't need the addition of this race.
However, the Kree actually function as part of the story in the comics and would have to potentially be replaced by a different species if they were removed from the script. Unfortunately, the likelihood is that we could actually see the Kree in this film, even though audiences might be growing tired of the empire quite quickly from their overuse. If there's a unique way to introduce them again then there is more potential, but a rinse and repeat formula is dangerous.
Want: Sif
This doesn't make any sense story-wise, but we have to know where Sif has been all this time! She's been missing from the MCU for quite some time now, and there hasn't been any word on when she might appear. She's one of the few Asgardians to have survived all the terrible events on her people, so she's in a pretty powerful club now.
Lady Sif is a fearless warrior and certainly deserves more screen time. She may just turn up in the next Asgardian film, but there's a possibility she can appear in an unexpected place to help the audience get to know these new characters through one they are already comfortable with. This one is a long shot however but stranger things have happened.
Don't Want: Adam Warlock
The last Guardians film saw the creation of Adam Warlock. He's a character with a great role in the comics, but he has yet to fulfill his purpose in the movies. James Gunn clearly has a big plan for him, and it would be great if Marvel could hold off on introducing him for the next installment in his franchise.
Although the character would be amazing to see on the big screen, this just isn't the right place or time. He could actually work quite well as part of the Eternals, but he would be better suited at fulfilling the arc that's been carved out for him. Adding him here would feel a little out of place, especially since he was teased so heavily in a different franchise. We want to see Gunn's vision for him, and, therefore, it would be great if Adam wasn't featured here.
Want: The Watcher
We're predicting that the Watcher is going to start having a bigger role in the MCU. He's been seen before, and is even going to be a part of the upcoming animated product that's being worked on for Disney Plus. If there's one place where he can show his true cosmic might, though, it is as part of the Eternals movie.
Watchers are not supposed to interfere with what is happening on Earth or beyond; their role is only to observe. But Uatu usually bends this rule, and gets involved when he feels that it is his moral duty to do so. In a film that is sure to explore the nature of the cosmos further, it makes sense that this being of infinite proportions would be included as part of that intergalactic journey.