After the current crop of Marvel Studios films (unofficially titled “Phase Three”) end in 2019 with ‘Avengers 4,’ we really don’t know what will be on the horizon for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sequels to “Black Panther,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” are all confirmed, but now we might know what the new properties could include.
According to a rumor (get your grains of salt, ready) on Bleeding Cool, Marvel Studios is expected to announce that one of their upcoming films will be based on the comic book series “The Eternals.” If you read that title and thought, “huh?” then you’re not alone. Outside of serious comic book fans, “The Eternals” is a series that has never come close to the mainstream.
Created by Jack Kirby, who sits right alongside Stan Lee and a couple of other creators as Godfathers of the Marvel Universe, the Eternals are a race of humans who were created by the cosmic entities known as the Celestials – the first beings that lived on Earth. They were created as an offshoot of humanity to help defend the planet from evil. Basically, they’re ancient humans with superpowers.
The best part about this series is the blank slate it presents. There’s a simple premise at work, but the potential film could go any number of ways. It could be an Earth-based film. It could be a new cosmic film similar to ‘Guardians.’ Marvel Studios would have the opportunity to mold the property however they want.
“The Eternals” could also work as Marvel Studios’ version of DC’s “New Gods,” which was just reported to have Ava DuVernay attached to direct. Both series come from the very colorful, creative mind of Kirby and feature age-old beings with immense power.
Marvel isn’t known to announce things piecemeal. With their Phase Three launch, they had a huge press conference with the reveal. So, don’t expect an official announcement via press release. Perhaps, we might hear something at the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con.