The Marvel Cinematic Universe plays host to a lot of powerful heroes, and the list is only growing due to the arrival of Eternals . Directed by Chloe Zhao, the upcoming MCU film is set to introduce a new superhero team that has already existed for centuries , and they will be played by an all-star cast which includes the likes of Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek , and Richard Madden.
The Phase 4 entry was originally supposed to come out in November 2020, but the ongoing pandemic derailed those plans . Instead, the film will be released on November 5, 2021, marking a full year after its original premiere date .
That said, plot details of Eternals are still unknown, but Zhao has been creating buzz for the film by opening up through various interviews. Now, another tidbit about the film has emerged, seemingly hinting that the project will be another action-packed MCU affair.
ETERNALS DIRECTOR REVEALS FILM'S INSPIRATION
In an interview with The Playlist , Eternals director Chloe Zhao discussed her inspiration for the upcoming MCU film.
When it was pointed out that Wong Kar-wai's Happy Together was the inspiration for Nomadland , Zhao admitted that there were “multiple films” that inspired Eternals due to the “scale of the film,” revealing that Leonardo DiCaprio's The Revenant was one of them.
“Well, there’s multiple films for “Eternals.” I had to assign a few because of the scale of the film. But I think for the action sequences, which I just had such a great time working on with such a great team, I wanted to reference The Revenant a lot.”
The award-winning director then shared why The Revenant became the blueprint in terms of creating the action sequences for Eternals .
“The Revenant” is a film that I love so much. And I think we’ve watched “The Revenant” so many times, every meeting when we come to our action sequences because most of those sequences are shot on location. And I love how immersive and the way how you feel the dash and sequences in “The Revenant.” It’s definitely a film that we aspire to. And Marvel really, really supported that idea and really went for it."
For those unaware, The Revenant is a 2015 film based on the legend of Hugh Glass, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who went through incredible hardships while trekking across a harsh snowy terrain. From going against a bear to battling a battalion of Native Americans, Glass survived, especially after enduring the aforementioned brutal elements.
ANOTHER ACTION-PACKED MCU ENTRY
Zhao's comments indicate that Eternals will stay true to the action-heavy elements of previous MCU projects. By pointing out that the action sequences for The Revenant were “shot on location,” it makes sense for the film to use the 2015 blockbuster as an inspiration, especially considering that a good chunk of the scenes for Eternals was also filmed outside or in a real setting instead of a soundstage.
The Revenant boasts many impressive action sequences, and it looks like Eternals will take a page or two from the production of this film. Given that the MCU film will likely take place across several decades, there's a strong chance that it will include various scenes that will showcase the power levels of these god-like cosmic beings, thus paving the way for thrilling and gripping moments.
The fact that Zhao shared that she wanted “to reference The Revenant a lot” could also mean that some themes from the 2015 film, such as mortality and revenge, will be carried over to the Phase 4 project. On the surface, the Eternals are basically immortals, but this latest reveal could hint that this certain story element will be addressed in a big way in the film.
By connecting the dots, the threat to their immortality could end up being the main reason why these beings come out of hiding, which will no doubt lead to hard-hitting moments and compelling character beats.
Whatever the case, the marketing for Eternals has yet to start, but this latest tease from Zhao should paint a picture of a film that will be satisfying from an action standpoint.
