In the upcoming film Eternals, the MCU introduces a new group of superheroes, known by the titular name, who arrived on Earth to protect humans from Deviants. An ancient group known as the Celestials created them, so their cosmic origins speak of their incredible powers and strength.
Despite their presence on Earth, many fans have questioned their absence in the MCU when major events have occurred. When the most threatening intergalactic beings attacked Earth, they did nothing to help. People find this baffling considering some of the close calls that almost led to the near destruction of humanity.
Defeating HYDRA In WWII
Part of the Eternal's code is to not interfere in human conflict, including war. One of the most crucial wars was WWII, in which countries fought for great power. Of course, Captain America: The First Avenger introduced HYDRA, a group that desired world domination.
Luckily, Captain Steve Rogers stopped HYDRA's then-leader Johann Schmidt before things had gotten worst - well, at least for a while. However, considering that the Eternals were on Earth for at least thousands of years, it is assumed that they were around when WWII unleashed. Yet, they kept a low profile during this period.
The Destroyer In New Mexico
Thor arrived in New Mexico as a punishment for his actions in Jotunheim, and his arrival sparked public interest. Of course, the threat was not the Asgardian prince. Chaos ensued in New Mexico when Loki sent the Destroyer to kill Thor.
As a result of this family drama, many people's lives were at risk, and it would have been impossible to stop a powerful machine like the Destroyer if the humans fought against him on their own. Although Thor regained his powers to stop it, things could have gone far worse with further human casualties since the Eternals were not present to help.
Battle Of New York
Nick Fury was right to be alarmed about the intergalactic threats on Earth, and the Battle of New York was the first taste of it. With Loki hungry for conquest, he summoned an army of Chitauri to attack New York as part of his subjugation.
Since this was the first major attack on Earth, it is puzzling that cosmic beings like the Eternals were relatively quiet when aliens from outer space attacked humans. Although the Avengers succeeded in defeating them in one of the best final battles in the MCU, additional assistance from the Eternals could have made things easier.
HYDRA's Infiltration Of SHIELD
After fans believed for so long that HYDRA was defeated and was forever gone, it came as a shocking but thrilling plot twist that the organization was hiding right under SHIELD's nose this whole time. Furthermore, SHIELD never detected them, which gave HYDRA time to make their next master plan to eliminate people who posed a threat to them.
Again, Captain Steve Rogers overtook them, with just seconds before the Helicarriers launched and almost killed millions of people. However, the Eternals could have been crucial allies to protect humans from this level of extermination and knocked out HYDRA.
Battle Of Sokovia
Although Ultron was not a cosmic being, it was a dire situation in Sokovia, given the imminent threat he possessed. Ultron was on a mission to exterminate humans, finding them to be a threat to peace.
It is a surprise that the Eternals remained under the radar, even when humanity was at stake. Although the Avengers defeated them, it was another close call as humans were moments from being wiped out of existence. Even then, Sokovia was destroyed and this was preventable had the Eternals helped.
Dormammu Almost Causing An Apocalyptic Event
As one of Doctor Strange's most powerful villains, Dormammu was an inter-dimensional being who had powers that could result in apocalyptic consequences. He deceived Kaecilius to break the three sanctums so that he could end the existence of Earth.
Of course, Doctor Strange trapped him in a time loop, so Dormammu had no choice but to make a deal and leave Earth. Had things gone a different way, the Eternals might have the strength and power to overtake him. However, it is unlikely that they would do anything considering the code that they uphold.
Malekith's Inducing Infinite Darkness On The Nine Realms
Malekith was the ruler of the Dark Elves who had the intention of imposing complete darkness on all nine realms. Since Earth was part of the nine realms, it speaks to the scope of this universal threat.
Malekith possessed the reality stone, which is one of the six crucial stones that set the events of the Infinity Saga. Again, the Eternals did not intervene despite the dire consequences that could have led to darkness on Earth. Of course, Thor and his allies defeated him, thanks to some science, and repossessed the stone.
The Infinity War
The Eternals might argue about their rules, but the events of Infinity War was a much larger scale of intergalactic conflict that exceeds the level of just human beings on Earth. The Avengers fought against Thanos, a genocidal maniac who wanted to wipe half the universe from existence. Unfortunately, this was the one time that the Avengers failed to stop a menacing threat, as Thanos succeeded in retrieving all six stones and half the universe perished.
Therefore, the Eternals would've been useful against Thanos. At least in the comics, Thanos is also an Eternal himself, who has Deviant Syndrome, so this technically makes him a deviant. Although the MCU likely changed Thano's origins, the Eternals did nothing to help, considering it was a dire situation across the universe.
Battle Of Earth
Luckily, the surviving Avengers managed to undo the snap, but it was no easy feat. With a younger 2014 version of Thanos, ambitious to fix the mistakes of his other self, the Avengers in unity fought him so that he did not get his hands on the infinity stones. This fight on Earth was one of the best final battle scenes in Phase 3.
This required every helping hand to face the Chitauri army and Black Order. Again, the Avengers could have benefitted from the additional prowess of the Eternals. They had the skills and power to fight almost the whole army single-handedly and perhaps stop Thanos. Had they been involved, Tony Stark would likely still be alive.
Wanda Unleashing Chaos Magic In Westview
The situation in Westview does not emulate the scope of Infinity War and Endgame, but it did showcase the immense power that Wanda Maximoff possesses, which itself was alarming. Grief-stricken from losing Vision, Wanda created the hex around Westview, in which her chaos magic allowed her to live life as a sitcom.
The people of Westview were under her magic, and Wanda manipulated them with specific roles. Also, a lot of things happened, including Agatha Harkness wanting to consume her powers. Although Wanda herself resolved the situation, things could have gone worse if this had delved on a larger scale, which would have required powerful members like the Eternals or Doctor Strange to stop it. Of course, this is only the beginning of Wanda unleashing her ultimate powers.