Marvel's Eternals: First Footage of Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden & More Released

By Aeron Mer Eclarinal Updated:
Angelina Jolie Eternals

It's no secret that Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is filled with films centered around past heroes alongside projects that will be used to introduce new characters into the mix. Marvel Studios' Eternals falls under the latter category, and the anticipation surrounding the film is high especially after the grand reveal of its stacked cast. 

Directed by Academy Award-winning director Chloe ZhaoEternals will follow the story of a super-powered alien race created by the Celestials. As a product of evolutionary experiments, the Eternals are vastly different from humans since they gained newfound powers like immortality, flight, and super strength. 

Plot details are still being kept under wraps, but one of the main selling points of the project is its star-studded ensemble. Eternals will feature the MCU debuts of A-list actors such as Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, and Kit Harington.

Eternals also had its fair share of delays due to the pandemic, with the film shifting release dates multiple times. Initially set to debut in November 2020, the film moved to a February 2021 release timeline before ultimately landing a November 2021 premiere date. 

As a result of the delays, marketing for Eternals has yet to begin, but several leaks and interviews from the cast managed to create consistent buzz about the film in the past months. Now, in a surprising move, a first look at the cosmic MCU film has surfaced. 

MARVEL STUDIOS EMBRACES THE REOPENING OF MOVIE THEATERS

Marvel Studios officially unveiled a new sizzle reel to celebrate the reopening of movie theaters in the United States. The video includes fresh bits of footage from the upcoming films of the franchise's Phase 4 slate, including Eternals.

 

 

A FRESH LOOK AT MARVEL'S ETERNALS 

The sizzle reel gave fans a much-needed boost of excitement, especially after a delay-infused year for Marvel Studios.

The video provided a stunning look at the first batch of Phase 4 entries, namely Black Widow, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Eternals. On top of that, a powerful narration from Marvel legend Stan Lee capped off the impressive montage of footage that will surely drum up hype for these projects. 

Marvel's Eternals, Thena, Ikaris, Kingo
Marvel Studios

One of the biggest takeaways is the fresh footage of Eternals. The short clip showcases a compelling look at the star-studded cast of the film while also giving a brief tease of what the narrative will be all about. 

Angelina Jolie's Thena can be seen wielding a powerful sword against an unknown enemy that could presumably be one of the Deviants. It remains to be seen if this is the MCU's Ebony Blade, but there's a good chance that this sizzle reel might've provided the first look at the sword of Black Knight.

The line of Salma Hayek's Ajak which pertains to fighting for someone you love could allude to the Eternals as a whole, potentially hinting that the team will be engaged in an intense and emotional battle against the Deviants. 

Richard Madden as Ikaris, Gemma Chan as Sersi, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Ma-Dong Seok as Gilgamesh, Angelina Jolie as Thena
Marvel Studios 

Richard Madden's Ikaris stands alongside the rest of the Eternals, and the background of the shot could hint that they are protecting civilization from danger. The lineup in the scene includes the likes of Gemma Chan's Sersi, Kumail Nanjani's Kingo, Lia McHugh's Sprite, Thena, and Ma-Dong Seok's Gilgamesh. 

All in all, Eternals has the potential to redefine the MCU like never before, and the star-studded cast of the film will be a big part of that.

Eternals will be released in theaters on November 5, 2021. 

- About The Author: Aeron Mer Eclarinal
Aeron is a news/features writer and Content Lead for The Direct who has been working for the site since March 2020. From writing about the inter-connectivity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to having an extended knowledge about DC TV's Arrowverse, Aeron's expertise has since expanded into the realm of reality TV, K-drama, animated, and live-action shows from Netflix,  Disney+, Prime Video, MGM+, Peacock, Paramount+, and Max. When he isn't writing and watching all things MCU, Aeron is heavily invested with the NBA (go Celtics!) and occasionally watches thrilling matches in the WWE.