The newest Marvel movie, Eternals, boasts one of the most exciting casts in the MCU to date. With stars like Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie, it is also its most diverse cast that helps bring these epic characters to life. But what would the movie look like if it were made in the 1990s?
With such an interesting group of heroes that bring this newest Marvel team together, there are some well-known stars of the 90s that could have done these characters justice. Based on past performances as well as the actors' style, these recasting choices would have made for an exciting 90s version of Eternals.
Ajak: Pam Grier
Ajak (Salma Hayek) is the leader of the Eternals and helps the others find their place within their new home on Earth. Ajak carries herself with wisdom and confidence that allows the others to see her as a guide they can turn to in need.
Pam Grier was already established as a movie icon before the 90s, but she saw a comeback when she was cast in the titular role in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown. Grier's performance in that movie makes her seem like she is the smartest person in every room she is in and is easily someone who could be a leader.
Druig: Benicio Del Toro
Druig (Barry Keoghan) is something of an outcast among the Eternals and has spent centuries divided from the main group. He has a bit of a menacing energy but also has great empathy for others which makes it hard to determine if he is a friend or an enemy.
Benicio Del Toro is one of the most compelling actors of all time and he rose to fame in the 90s. With roles in The Usual Suspects and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Del Toro was great at playing fascinating characters who maybe had a darker side to them.
Makkari: Marlee Matlin
Makkari (Lauren Ridloff) is one of the fastest beings in the universe, giving her a unique skill in the Eternals team. She is deaf which leaves her unaffected by the sonic boom her speed creates. She is also a very protective hero, looking out for the vulnerable.
Like Lauren Ridloff, Marlee Matlin is an actor who is deaf in real life. Her Oscar-winning performance in Children of a Lesser God showed her powerful and passionate portrayal that would fit the character of Makkari very well.
Sprite: Natalie Portman
Though she appears as if she is a young child, Sprite (Lia McHugh) is centuries old, just like the other Eternals. The life of being treated as a child has left Sprite the most cynical and combative of the group while also looking for connection among her pseudo-family.
Natalie Portman's career as an actor was in its early stage in the 90s, but she quickly cemented herself as one of the best child actors around. She had a sense of being wise beyond her years which is the perfect fit for the ancient character of Sprite.
Phastos: Ving Rhames
Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) is the inventor in the group who is able to form elaborate objects out of thin air. He has used these abilities to subtly help humanity advance throughout the ages while he remains unnoticed. He is also one of the warmer Eternals, starting his own family while on Earth.
Ving Rhames can play very intimidating characters, but he has also shown a softer side. In 90s movies like Mission: Impossible and Out of Sight, he was terrific as characters who would operate more in the background while providing level-headed help to the hero.
Gilgamesh: Jackie Chan
Gilgamesh (Don Lee) is the strongest of the Eternals, able to take enemies out with a single punch. However, along with his power, he has a very kind and gentle personality, especially when it comes to his friendship with Thena.
As perhaps the greatest action star of all time, Jackie Chan is a fitting choice for the strongest Eternal. He also brings great comedic energy to all of his movies, making him a lovable character while also being a complete badass.
Kingo: Chris Tucker
While most of the Eternals kept a low profile on Earth, Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani) was drawn to the concept of celebrity. This led him to become a Bollywood movie star. And though he is a great hero, he does love being the center of attention.
Like Nanjiani, Chris Tucker got his start in stand-up comedy before stepping into the world of Hollywood. He became a breakout star in the 90s with movies like Rush Hour where he played the hilariously in-your-face heroes who could still be counted on to save the day.
Thena: Sigourney Weaver
Thena (Angelina Jolie) is a legendary warrior who doesn't necessarily fit into a team dynamic. She has a bit of a loner personality and can be quite prickly at times. She is most comfortable in the midst of battle where she proves she is a fearless badass.
Just as Jolie is the biggest name in the Eternals cast, Sigourney Weaver had already established herself as a Hollywood legend by the 90s. Her iconic role as Ripley in the Alien movies shows she can play that lonesome yet determined hero to perfection.
Ikaris: Keanu Reeves
Ikaris (Richard Madden) is the powerful tactical leader of the Eternals. He is a dedicated warrior who brings the team back together to face one last threat on Earth. He is also something of a tragic character having spent centuries in love with Sersi.
Keanu Reeves was the go-to action star of the 90s with movies like Point Break, Speed, and The Matrix. He excelled at playing the heroes who would go above and beyond to save the day. Reeves is also excellent at bringing a mournful vibe to his performance that would be appropriate for Ikaris.
Sersi: Catherine Zeta-Jones
When the Eternals arrive on Earth, Sersi (Gemma Chan) is the one who develops the strongest connection to humanity. She is less of a fighter than the others yet has a graceful heroic nature to her. Though she has found a human love on Earth, she still shares a deep connection with Ikaris.
Catherine Zeta-Jones is someone who brings elegance and grace to all of her performances. She has gentleness to her but also can jump into action when needed.