Warning - This article contains spoilers from Eternals.
Marvel Studios' newest film has now hit theaters: Chloé Zhao's cosmic epic Eternals. The movie introduces all-star cast members such as Angelina Jolie and Richard Madden to the MCU as members of a god-like immortal race assigned to protect Earth 7,000 years ago.
The film takes a deep dive into the cosmic aspects of Marvel's world, even deeper than the previous Guardians of the Galaxy films. In fact, the movie gives fans their first face-to-face with a Celestial, beings first teased all the way back in Gunn's debut Marvel project.
With a film as big as this one, it's no surprise that by the end of the ride, doors have been opened up to some serious conflict on a near-incomprehensible scale. So what could be next for the Eternals?
Well, one common fan theory is that all roads lead to the world-devouring Galactus, but is that even a remote possibility?
Is Galactus on His Way to the MCU?
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Direct, Eternals screenplay writers Ryan and Kaz Firpo commented on all the fan theories about Galactus’ impending MCU arrival.
Kaz mentioned how “Galactus is an amazing [character]” and that he “think[s] the door is very much open for world-eating villains” when it comes to what the Eternals may be up against next:
“Galactus is an amazing, amazing character, and villain. We are, you know, obviously setting the stage for intergalactic, cosmic, megalith confrontations, especially when you kill a space god—and then the space god comes and kidnaps you and plans to judge Earth, I think the door is very much open for world-eating villains…”
The writer continued on to say that “Galactus is one of those iconic figures of the Marvel Universe that [they’re] excited to see:”
“There’s definitely conversations about these post-credits sequences, about who we’re introducing, where we’re going… Galactus is one of those iconic figures of the Marvel Universe that we’re excited to see. But sometimes I think you leave yourself open, you leave these doors open, and who knows what’s happening in number two. Maybe you’re too busy saving a Celestial from Galactus that you end up incurring his [wrath]… anything’s possible.”
As a final note, Kaz said that they're "excited to explore [Galactus]" in a sequel if that's what the fanbase wants:
“You know we don’t know where we’re going to go in number 2 yet, but if audiences want to see it, we’re excited to explore it.”
Opening the Doors to Galactus
Ever since Marvel Studios got access to the riches once owned by Fox Studios, Galactus has always been toward the top of the list when it comes to characters fans want to see sooner rather than later. After Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, the world needed a chance to give the character his proper due.
The philosophical and ethical questions at play within Eternals are all common ground when it comes to the comic book storylines involving the purple and blue forces of nature. Galactus is a perfect fit for everything that the latest MCU film set-up and seems like the next logical step for the hopeful sequel.
With Arishem set to judge Earth, it sure does seem like Galactus could be the perfect tool to send their way to either evaluate or punish—all depending on the angle the writers hypothetically take.
Another possibility for the sequel? Flip the script, and have Galactus be a force of nature meant to act against the Celestials, providing balance to their checks. Arishem may want to start keeping an eye out on all those dormant Celestial eggs lying around the galaxy.
Fans have some time to wait until they get any real answer as to what the future has in store. Until then, why not go see Eternals one more time?
