During their panel at CCXP, Marvel Studios shared the first footage from Eternals, introducing the MCU’s team of near-immortal, mythological heroes. Eternals is one of the upcoming films in their cinematic universe’s Phase 4, and judging by the reactions the new footage has received, it will be a movie unlike any in the MCU.

Eternals is one of Marvel Comics’ more offbeat properties, following a group of super-powered beings created by even more powerful cosmic beings, the Celestials. But Marvel Studios has found success in adapting its weirder concepts before, just look at the Guardians of the Galaxy films. They’ve also assembled a top notch cast for Eternals that includes Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harrington, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, and more. The film is being directed by Chloe Zhao, an indie director who earned great acclaim with her recent feature, The Rider. Again, Marvel Studios has a good track record with tapping indie directors to helm their big spectacles, as Taika Waititi’s job directing Thor: Ragnarok attests. And now that the first footage from Eternals has been screened for the public, the reactions are suggesting Marvel’s bold choices will lead to yet another success.

The footage was shared exclusively with audiences at CCXP in Brazil and is described by Marvel Studios’ head, Kevin Feige as “raw footage pulled out of camera,” meaning it likely hasn’t received its full regimen of post-production work. Still, the responses to the footage that have appeared on social media are very positive, with many applauding how visually striking it is and calling it unlike any other movie in the MCU.

The footage begins with a shot of Madden’s Ikaris before cutting to the whole team. They’re dressed in what Collider describes as “mythological-looking armor.” The footage next shows a close-up of Gemma Chan’s Sersi, before launching into a quick succession of shots that, according to The Wrap, include a look at Jolie’s Thena with her blonde hair and white costume, followed by Hayek’s Ajax riding on horseback across the countryside. There’s also a shot of Nanjiani’s Kingo that is described by Collider as being Bollywood inspired, involving colorful costumes, makeup, and an ensemble of dancers. Throughout the footage, there are several shots of a temple, keeping with Eternal’s mythological feel. There’s even some suggestion of a romance between Madden’s Ikaris and Chan’s Sersi. The footage ends with a line from Hayek’s Ajax, “These people have changed all of us. We must protect them,” before concluding with a scene of the gathered Eternals taking flight.

The descriptions of the Eternal’s costumes lines up with the concept art seen earlier this year at D23, though there are likely to be some notable differences between what was designed at the concept stage and the final product. The mention of an ancient looking temple may also back up rumors that Eternals is at least partially set in Ancient Babylon. This footage doesn’t provide much more in the way of plot details, but it has at least visually impressed those lucky enough to have seen it. Fiege has previously called Eternals a risk for Marvel, but surely, given their track record, it will wind up being a risk they’ll be happy they took.

Next: Theory: The MCU’s X-Men Are Failed Eternals

Source: Collider, The Wrap

  • Black Widow Release Date: 2021-07-09 The Eternals Release Date: 2021-11-05 Shang Chi Release Date: 2021-09-03 Doctor Strange 2 Release Date: 2022-05-06 Thor: Love and Thunder Release Date: 2022-07-08 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Release Date: 2022-11-11