Marvel Studios fans are about to dive head first into a powerful wave of MCU programming that will expand the definition of the “Universe” that exists on screen. Destin Daniel Cretton’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduces a new hero (Simu Liu) with a rich and fascinating destiny. And in November, a team that has been on our Earth for 7,000 years will emerge, with a purpose that connects to the genocidal actions of Thanos (Josh Brolin). Meet the Eternals in the final, and most epic, Marvel trailer above.
If the Eternals have been on our planet for 7,000 years, as is stated in this new trailer, why then are they emerging from their self-imposed exile now? Well, the trailer finally explains that it was the restoration of the population that was snapped away that is now causing something ominous called “The Emergence.” The emergence of what? We’re not sure yet, but it doesn’t sound like it can be good for our planet. And the Eternals only have seven days to prevent it.
I’m thrilled that the stories arriving in the MCU in the wake of Avengers: Endgame are addressing the serious consequences of events like “returning half the world’s population all at once.” These are world-shaking events, and they shouldn’t be brushed away for the point of sequel storytelling. I also appreciate that, in this trailer, Kit Harington’s character questions why the Eternals haven’t stepped in to help during other devastating events. And there’s an explanation given.
Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is covering both film and television for the first time, is seriously ramping up the various directions that the studio can go in order to bring the comic books that have made up Marvel for decades. Even just on the Disney+ side of things, Loki introduced audiences to The TVA (and lord knows where that exists), as well as the Void at the end of Time. And now Eternals is about to expand on the existence of powerful beings who are on this planet to defeat Deviants, at the command of the Celestials.
They look like this:
It has taken almost the entire year for the massive effects needed to visualize the world of Eternals to look complete, and as impressive as is required. This trailer finally makes Chloe Zhao’s upcoming MCU drama look as vast and sweeping of a cosmic story as it is meant to be. The powers of the Eternals look more defined (those eye beams shooting out of Richard Madden’s Ikaris!!), and the threats of the Deviants look terrifying. Also, can we talk about Thena's sword? Because damn.
Beyond the effects, the final trailer for Chloe Zhao’s Eternals sells the beating heart that she is putting into the narrative. The team is emerging from its shadows, and defying its orders to largely observe when Deviants aren’t involved, to come to the defense of this planet and our civilization. Because, as Angelina Jolie puts it, “When you love something, you protect it.”
Eternals opens in theaters beginning on November 3. It is shaping up to be an experience unlike anything else in the MCU, which makes sense coming from Zhao, as well as the direction Phase Four continues to head. Stay on top of the MCU’s latest releases with our guide, which we update often.
