Could Eternals 2 Ever Rise from the Ashes? Imagine a cinematic empire that dominated box offices for over a decade, churning out hit after hit that fans couldn't get enough of—that was Marvel Studios during the Infinity Saga. But four years ago, everything shifted when Eternals debuted with a shocking 47% Rotten Tomatoes score, marking the MCU's first-ever Rotten film. Now, after years of radio silence, director Chloe Zhao is finally breaking her quiet to discuss the chances of a sequel. Let's dive into what she said and why this beloved-yet-troubled property might still have a fighting chance.
To set the stage, let's quickly explain Rotten Tomatoes for anyone new to this: it's a popular website where critics rate movies on a scale from 0% to 100%, with "Fresh" meaning generally positive reviews (typically 60% or above) and "Rotten" signaling disappointment. During the Infinity Saga, Marvel racked up an incredible streak, with the first 25 MCU films (and even a few early Multiverse Saga entries) earning that coveted Fresh status. Eternals, however, shattered that perfect run, becoming the franchise's first critically panned blockbuster. Fast-forward to today, and Marvel has confirmed no "immediate plans" for Eternals 2, yet Zhao remains optimistic about revisiting her creation.
In a recent chat with Screen Rant, the Oscar-winning filmmaker opened up about the possibility of bringing the Eternals back for another adventure. "I would love to bring them back and have more discussion about the world we live in," she shared passionately. "I’m really proud of it." Her words suggest she's eager to explore deeper themes, perhaps tying into real-world issues like societal evolution or cosmic responsibilities—ideas that could resonate even more in today's context.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is there still untapped magic in the Eternals universe? The original film wrapped up with intriguing loose ends, such as the looming danger of Arishem's return, the mysterious Black Knight, and the debut of Eros. These threads hinted at rich storytelling potential, like delving into ancient alien histories or epic conflicts that could shape the MCU's future. Interestingly, this year's Captain America: Brave New World spotlighted Celestial Island—a key Eternals location—as a pivotal spot, proving Marvel hasn't completely forgotten the film. Yet, despite these nods, the studio hasn't woven in more Eternals elements lately. Director Kevin Feige and his team are clearly brainstorming ways to link it back into the broader universe, but for now, the prospects for Eternals 2 seem dim.
Why the hesitation? Well, whispers about Avengers: Secret Wars paint it as a "soft reset" for the MCU—a gentle refresh that ditches select elements that didn't click, rather than a total wipeout of continuity. Eternals fits squarely into that discard pile. Zhao crafted an ambitious tale introducing a slew of fresh characters and expanding the MCU's lore in innovative ways, but it didn't win over critics or ticket buyers. With the Multiverse Saga facing box office challenges—think underperforming films that didn't meet expectations—Marvel might be wary of risking another gamble. Instead, they're likely to pivot toward reliable crowd-pleasers like Spider-Man, the Avengers, or even the X-Men for upcoming projects. It's a pragmatic move, prioritizing surefire hits over experimental ventures.
Picture this: if Eternals had been a smash, the property could've soared. Marvel was genuinely excited, with ambitious blueprints involving the characters in multiple films. Actor Kumail Nanjiani, who portrayed Kingo, revealed his contract promised appearances in six movies, plus a video game and a theme park attraction. None of that has materialized post-flop. Tellingly, the ensemble for Avengers: Doomsday—already boasting 27 stars with room for more—includes no Eternals cast members. Rumors swirl about cameos from fan-faves like Spider-Man or Wolverine, but the Eternals? Crickets. If Marvel wanted to tease a sequel, you'd expect at least some Eternals to pop up in these big Avengers outings as a hint.
And this is the part most people miss: Eternals had real strengths, even if it felt a tad overloaded. It dared to break from the usual Marvel mold, offering a fresh lens on the universe's backstory through cosmic beings who've watched humanity evolve. Zhao, a visionary director, probably had brilliant concepts for sequels—maybe exploring the Eternals' internal conflicts or their role in global events. It would've been thrilling to see those ideas unfold on screen. That said, Marvel's reluctance to make Eternals a cornerstone of the future makes sense. Back when the film was made, Marvel was on an unbeatable high, but now, with the franchise needing a comeback, streamlining and focusing on what works best is key.
Here's a controversial angle to ponder: Should Marvel Studios embrace more risky, innovative films like Eternals to push boundaries and surprise audiences, or is it wiser to play it safe with proven formulas to ensure financial success? Some argue that bold experiments could reinvigorate the franchise, breathing new life into it after a rough patch, while others contend that stability and familiarity are what fans crave in uncertain times. What do you think—does Eternals deserve another shot, or is Marvel right to move on? Share your take in the comments below, and let's keep the debate going in the ComicBook Forum!
