Marvel's First Rotten Tomato: Will Eternals Ever Rise Again?
For years, Marvel Studios reigned supreme, delivering a string of critically acclaimed blockbusters that defined the superhero genre. Their first 25 films, encompassing the Infinity Saga and the early Multiverse Saga, all boasted a "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But then, four years ago, Eternals arrived, shattering this perfect record with a mere 47% score. Was this a bold misstep or a misunderstood masterpiece?
Director Chloe Zhao, fresh off her Oscar win, recently broke her silence on the possibility of an Eternals 2. Speaking to Screen Rant, she expressed her desire to revisit these characters and delve deeper into the world she created: "I would love to bring them back and have more discussion about the world we live in. I’m really proud of it."
But here's where it gets controversial: Marvel Studios has no immediate plans for a sequel. Despite Zhao's enthusiasm, the lukewarm reception to Eternals seems to have shelved any immediate plans for a follow-up. And this is the part most people miss: Eternals wasn't just a critical flop; it struggled to connect with audiences as well.
The film's ambitious scope, introducing a plethora of new characters and expanding the MCU's cosmic lore, seemed to overwhelm viewers. While it attempted to break away from the traditional Marvel formula and explore the MCU's history in fascinating ways, it ultimately felt overstuffed and failed to resonate.
Is Marvel right to shelve Eternals, or are they missing out on a unique opportunity?
The MCU is at a crossroads. With Avengers: Secret Wars rumored to be a soft reset, discarding elements that didn't land, Eternals seems destined for the chopping block. Marvel's recent box office struggles during the Multiverse Saga further diminish the likelihood of a sequel. They're focusing on proven crowd-pleasers like Spider-Man, the Avengers, and the X-Men, prioritizing safe bets over risky ventures.
This is a shame, as Eternals had immense potential. Marvel initially had grand plans for the characters, with star Kumail Nanjiani's contract including six film appearances, a video game, and even a theme park attraction. None of this has materialized, and tellingly, no Eternals characters are featured in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday ensemble.
While Zhao deserves credit for her ambition, Marvel's hesitation is understandable. The MCU needs to regroup and streamline its narrative. Eternals, despite its flaws, attempted something different, and Zhao's vision deserved a chance to evolve.
What do you think? Was Eternals a failed experiment, or a diamond in the rough? Should Marvel give it another chance, or focus on more established characters? Leave a comment below and join the debate in the ComicBook Forum!
