As far as properties in the MCU’s Phase 4, Eternals presents a unique and mostly untested premise. Sure, Marvel tried the aliens-with-powers-coming-to-save-us in the Inhumans TV show, but second time’s the charm. And from the look of the teaser trailer, Eternals is putting a lot of money where its mouth is to make this movie look good:
The trailer highlights how the Eternals came to Earth during the dawn of civilization, giving humanity the small boosts it needed to progress into modernity. We see each Eternal using their powers, both in modern settings and ancient ones. Their role is to watch, to give little nudges but never to use the full extent of their power. They split up around the world, living through the different ages of man in secret. But of course, that’s about to change.
“Throughout the years we have never interfered, until now,” says their leader. Why now? Maybe those ominous storm clouds looming over the horizon have something to do with it. There’s a hint that the Eternals will have to deal with a cosmic threat to Earth, probably their evil counterparts the Deviants, in the wake of the separation/dissolution of the Avengers. So far, no cameos have been announced, though that doesn’t mean we won’t see a familiar face or two. There’s even a joke about it at the end of the trailer, which is pretty sweet.
The cast includes Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Brian Tyree Henry, Lia McHugh, Lauren Ridloff, Don Lee and Barry Keoghan as the ephemeral Eternals, along with Kit Harrington, Gil Birmingham, and Harish Patel.
Eternals premieres in theaters on November 5, 2021.
