The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to be a dominant force in pop culture, and one of the properties currently making waves is Eternals. With a resurgence in online discussions, social media buzz, and renewed attention to the film and its characters, "Eternals" has garnered significant interest. This article breaks down why this topic is trending, the context surrounding it, and the latest developments that have fueled this renewed excitement.
Why is Eternals Trending?
Eternals is currently trending for a variety of reasons, including its inclusion in recent streaming releases, fan discussions around future MCU storylines, and speculation about the characters' roles in upcoming phases of the MCU. With traffic exceeding 200+ in online searches and social media mentions, it’s clear that fans are once again showing heightened interest in this unique group of Marvel characters.
Several factors are contributing to this resurgence. First, the film, which was initially released as part of Marvel's Phase 4, is now more accessible to a wider audience through popular streaming platforms. This has led to a new wave of viewers discovering or re-watching the film, reigniting debates and discussions about its place within the MCU.
Additionally, Eternals has sparked conversations regarding its potential connections to future Marvel projects, as Marvel Studios is known for leaving Easter eggs and unresolved plotlines that often lead to larger narratives. As the MCU continues to expand with new films and series, fans are speculating about how the Eternals might be woven into upcoming stories, particularly as Marvel gears up for major events involving cosmic characters and multiversal themes.
Context: Who Are the Eternals?
For those unfamiliar, the Eternals are a race of immortal beings created by the Celestials, cosmic beings of immense power, in the Marvel Comics Universe. These characters made their big-screen debut in Marvel’s Eternals, directed by Chloé Zhao, which introduced audiences to a diverse group of powerful entities who have lived on Earth for thousands of years, secretly guiding humanity's evolution and protecting it from their evil counterparts, the Deviants.
The film featured a star-studded cast, including Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani, and Salma Hayek. While it received mixed reviews from critics, it has since found a dedicated fanbase, with many praising its ambitious storytelling, visual effects, and exploration of complex themes such as immortality, purpose, and humanity's place in the universe.
Recent Developments
One of the key reasons Eternals has been trending recently is due to its potential future role in the MCU. Several news outlets have reported on the growing speculation surrounding how the characters introduced in Eternals will fit into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe moving forward.
According to recent reports, there has been speculation about a possible sequel, Eternals 2. Actor Patton Oswalt, who voiced Pip the Troll in the post-credits scene of Eternals, may have inadvertently confirmed that a sequel is in the works, sparking excitement amongst fans. While Marvel Studios has not officially announced a follow-up, this potential sequel could explore more of the cosmic side of the MCU and further develop the characters introduced in the first film.
This revelation has sparked conversations about future MCU crossovers, particularly with characters like Thanos, who in the comics is an Eternal with Deviant traits. Fans are eager to see how the MCU might incorporate these connections into future films, especially as Marvel builds up to larger events such as Avengers: Secret Wars.
Additionally, the film's post-credits scenes, which introduced new characters like Eros (played by Harry Styles) and Pip the Troll, have left fans speculating about their roles in future Marvel projects. The introduction of Eros, Thanos' brother, has been of particular interest, as it may set up intriguing new storylines involving the cosmic and multiversal aspects of the MCU.
Controversies and Mixed Reception
Despite the excitement for a potential sequel and future MCU involvement, Eternals has not been without controversy. The film was met with mixed reviews upon release, with some praising its ambition and diversity, while others criticized its pacing and narrative structure. This polarization has led to ongoing debates among fans and critics alike, which may be another reason for its continued presence in online discussions.
However, the film's diverse cast and the inclusion of Marvel's first openly gay superhero, Phastos (played by Brian Tyree Henry), have also been lauded as steps forward in terms of representation within the superhero genre. These discussions, both positive and critical, continue to keep Eternals in the spotlight as fans and critics alike reassess the film’s place in the MCU.
What’s Next for the Eternals?
While a sequel has not yet been officially confirmed by Marvel Studios, the increasing speculation and hints from actors and creators suggest that the Eternals will have a significant role in future MCU storylines. With the MCU continuing to dive deeper into cosmic and multiversal narratives, there’s a strong possibility that the Eternals will intersect with other major characters and events in upcoming films and series.
Moreover, as Marvel continues to expand its universe with new characters and story arcs, the unique nature of the Eternals, with their vast history and connection to the Celestials, offers endless possibilities for future exploration. Fans are particularly excited to see how Marvel will utilize these characters to further flesh out the cosmic side of the MCU, which could lead to exciting crossovers and new narratives.
Conclusion
Eternals may have initially flown under the radar for some Marvel fans, but its long-term impact on the MCU seems to be growing. With increased accessibility through streaming, buzz surrounding a potential sequel, and ongoing discussions about its future in the MCU, Eternals is once again capturing the imagination of fans. Whether through continued character development, crossovers, or new cosmic adventures, it’s clear that the Eternals are far from done making their mark on the Marvel universe.