In just a few short weeks, Marvel Studios is set to deliver its 26th theatrical release with Chloé Zhao's Eternals. Introducing more than a dozen major players into the MCU's ever-growing narrative, this movie will serve as a vessel for fans to learn about the franchise's earliest days within the story as well as follow up on recent events.
Utilizing a blast to the past by showing the Eternals' arrival on Earth close to 7000 years ago, much of the plot will tackle a world in flux after Bruce Banner snapped his fingers and brought half the universe back to life. As has been the case in every Phase 4 property released other than Black Widow, Loki, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, that event is something that fundamentally changed the MCU's overarching story.
Additionally, with the Eternals having resided on Earth for millennia, the team is well aware of the exploits of Earth's Mightiest Heroes over the years, which will likely be teased during the movie. A recent spot even included new footage from the film, which featured a reference to one of the biggest moments in MCU history.
Ikaris Goes Full Captain America
In a recently-released TV spot for Marvel Studios' Eternals, Richard Madden's Ikaris uttered the phrase "Eternals assemble" in a quick shot amongst the action.
While the sentiment is unclear, this is a direct reference to Chris Evans' Captain America's long-awaited quote "Avengers Assemble" during the final battle of Avengers: Endgame.
Ikaris' "Eternals Assemble" line can be watched at the :20 spot of the promo below:
Mockery or Admiration From Ikaris?
Throughout the marketing campaign for Eternals, it's been made clear that the immortal aliens are well-aware of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, with mentions of the Avengers coming in both full trailers. While they certainly have some level of respect for the team that's kept Earth safe since they first assembled in 2012, there seems to be a sense that the Eternals may have other feelings towards them than admiration.
It seems most likely that Steve Rogers' battle cry from Endgame, which was also teased at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron, found its way out into the world after the team defeated Thanos, which Ikaris is clearly playing on as he gives his own version of the saying. The big question is if the line is meant as a tribute to the Avengers or if he's using it as a joke, which he's done in other trailers.
In the first full look at the movie, Ikaris jokingly threw his own name into the running for the Avengers' new leader after Sprite mentioned that both Iron Man and Captain America were gone. Being one of the most powerful characters in this movie, it seems like he may feel some level of competition against two of the most beloved men on Earth after they saved the world so many times.
While this movie will undoubtedly focus on the Eternals making their long-awaited introduction into the MCU, events like those in Avengers: Endgame are simply impossible to ignore, especially with how long these new heroes have been on Earth. Ikaris' attitude toward the Avengers will be something to watch out for, especially as he shows his own leadership style with his own team.
Eternals will debut in theaters on November 5, 2021.
