Marvel’s forthcoming cosmic blockbuster, Eternals, has garnered buzz for its star-studded ensemble cast and introduction of new MCU heroes. In a recent Vogue interview, Angelina Jolie stated that she joined the project because of director Chloé Zhao’s “vision” and the film's focus on expanding the ways superheroes are viewed.
While Jolie has starred in numerous high-budget action films such as Wanted, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Lara Croft, she has never acted in a superhero film. The Eternals is just her third on-screen role in the past six years. Reportedly set to take place after the events of Avengers: Endgame, Eternals will follow a species of immortal aliens who have secretly lived on earth for over 7000 years. These ancient giants are forced to reunite to protect mankind from a humanoid race called the Deviants. The Oscar-winning actress will play Thena, a warrior who can form any weapon out of cosmic energy.
"I love this cast, and that we all came together. I signed up to support Chloé [Zhao]’s vision and Marvel’s commitment to expand the way we see ‘superheroes,'" Jolie said. "Running around in a gold bodysuit was not how I imagined my forties. But it’s good crazy, I think." Filmmaker Chloé Zhao has not only received praise from Jolie but also co-stars Salma Hayek and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. Hayek recently told Variety that the filming process for Eternals was completely different when compared to any other MCU films.
Zhao chose to shoot on location, avoiding the more typical use of CG backgrounds and sound stages widely used in this genre. Meanwhile, Feige described the director’s first pitch as the best he’s ever heard and credited her ability to think in both personal and grand terms. Zhao, who previously directed and wrote low-budget indies Nomadland and The Rider, recently became the first Asian woman to receive a Golden Globe nomination for directing.
Hayek and Jolie are joined by one of the most diverse casts in the MCU universe. The ensemble includes Game of Thrones star Richard Madden as Ikaris, the leader of the pack, his former co-star Kit Harrington as well as Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, and Haaz Sleiman filling out the key roles in the upcoming blockbuster. Notably, Tyree Henry and Sleiman's characters will be the first openly gay couple in Marvel history.
Due to the pandemic, Disney has postponed the theatrical releases of many upcoming MCU films. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Black Widow, Doctor Strange 2, and Eternals have all been affected by these schedule changes.
Marvel’s Eternals is set to premiere in theatres on November 5, 2021.
Source: Vogue