After its theatrical release over a month ago, Eternals has been subjected to both positive and negative from viewers. The Chloé Zhao film aimed to alter the typical Marvel formula and continue to diversify the characters within the MCU. Typically, Marvel films are expected to tie into one another but Zhao's film may break the pre-established Marvel mold in another way.
Previous comments from Marvel producer Nate Moore suggested that Eternals may not have any sequels. Despite that, Eternals does end with a number of open-ended situations for future exploration. Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos' abduction at the hands of Arishem is only one ambiguous event the film leaves behind. After discovering that the Eternals are not the only Celestials in existence, they are further surprised by the arrival of characters like Pip, Eros, and Blade (or at least his voice). As things continue to shift in the MCU's expansion, is it wise to have the Eternals join the main MCU storyline?
One of the main focuses in Eternals was the bonds each of the Celestials has formed with one another. Some received more screentime than others, but the weight that each relationship had over the course of the film was relatively even. This was something Zhao intended on from the start. Relationships have both positive and negative moments and no MCU film highlights that better than Eternals. However, if the Eternals were introduced to the main MCU, these bonds that were so tightly wound over thousands of years would begin to be tested in new ways. Much like the relationships between its characters, a relationship between the main MCU storyline and Eternals has the ability to have both a positive and negative impact.
On one hand, the relationships between the Celestials could muddle what Eternals already established between them. They already have the new arrivals of Eros and Pip to deal with as well as the grief over the team members they lost over the course of the film. The Eternals are also setting out to find more Celestials and now have plans to take on Arishem in order to get Phastos, Kingo, and Sersi back. With the main MCU plot already treading into cosmic territory, the paths of some of the main MCU characters and the Eternals could cross.
Of course, characters like Dane Whiteman are already on their way to joining the main MCU storyline. In the post-credits, Dane stood hesitantly over the Ebony Blade before a voice called out to him. Many were quick to recognize the voice as Maherashala Ali's Blade, who is set to receive his own film in the near future. While other characters in Eternals may not have a direct tie to current MCU events, there are some that have the potential to arise, especially with the opening of the Multiverse.
As one of the newest Marvel characters, the introduction of Eros in the post-credits of Eternals quickly sets him up to appear in future projects. Given Eros' familial tie to one of the most formidable opponents the MCU has seen, his character may be a huge issue for current MCU characters. As the brother of Thanos, the presence of Eros does raise the question of what characters like Nebula or Gamora may think of his sudden arrival. It is possible that Gamora and Nebula knew nothing of Eros, though it seems unlikely given Nebula's expansive knowledge and Gamora's careful eye.
Guardians like Gamora and Nebula served as a separate entity for years before they officially joined the main MCU storyline in Infinity War. The Eternals could follow a similar formula. Even if Dane is the first from the film to arrive, there is no rule that dictates that all others from the same movie must appear at the same time. If the immortals did join the largely Avenger-driven storyline, there are plenty of new, fun dynamics that could begin to take place.
Sprite, who has recently given up her status as an immortal to live a normal life, could form a strong friendship with a character like Spider-Man's MJ. MJ often prides herself on her knowledge of history and considering Sprite lived through the events often taught in classrooms, if their paths ever crossed, there would be plenty of debates and enjoyable content. As a largely comedic but as equally dangerous character, Kingo could certainly pull his weight in physical or verbal exchanges with Peter Quill or Sam Wilson.
Other bonds that could form include Phastos and his vast knowledge and extensive love of technology. While Phastos may not be able to share intense conversations with Vision, characters like Bruce and Shuri would be an even match for him. A brooding character like Druig may find solace in similar company with characters like Rocket or Bucky Barnes (though an even better fit might be Baron Zemo). The powerful warrior Thena may also enjoy being surrounded by like-minded people, especially Wanda, who recently became the Scarlet Witch. As the Marvel series on Disney Plus have shown, grief can be a bonding experience and it could serve as a factor that helps unite Thena and Wanda.
Due to the mixed reception that Eternals received, some fans have been under the impression that Eternals is a film that has no bearing on the rest of the MCU. Without any direct tie-in, some have deemed the film unnecessary to watch in the long run. If the Celestials remained solely in their own film, the significance of Eternals within the MCU would continue to deteriorate. Marvel has already revealed that one Eternals star will not return to the MCU, but that doesn't mean the others must suffer the same fate. By introducing a few of them into the main storyline or crossing paths with some of its focal characters, Eternals would continue to gain more weight within the MCU and its properties going forward.
Ultimately, there are plenty of positives and negatives to the remaining Eternals joining the main MCU storyline. The potential stories that lie within the characters of Eternals and the rest of the MCU are enough to introduce at least a few Celestials to the main MCU storyline. Marvel could take their time doing this, using separate projects to continue to build the reputation of the Eternals in the MCU. It would also allow viewers to learn more about some of the characters in Eternals that weren't explored deeply. Pulling the Celestials into the main storyline at some point would bolster the reputation of Eternals both within the MCU and its reception from some fans and critics.
Eternals begins streaming on Disney Plus on January 12, 2022.