The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seen its share of triumphs and trials, but few can match the monumental success of the Infinity Saga. With over 20 billion US dollars grossed from 23 interconnected films, the saga captivated audiences worldwide, establishing a blockbuster standard that many believe will be hard to replicate. Among these films, "Avengers: Endgame" briefly held the title of the most successful film of all time, a testament to the franchise's popularity.
As the MCU transitions into its next phase, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of "Avengers: Doomsday," set to hit theaters in 2026. However, this new chapter comes at a time when the MCU's previous goodwill has been tested, particularly following the mixed reception of the Multiverse Saga. While standout films like "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" and "Spider-Man: No Way Home" have emerged, they have been overshadowed by disappointments and underwhelming performances, such as "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" and the widely criticized "The Marvels."
The cracks in the MCU's facade first became evident with the release of "Eternals" in 2021. Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, who had just received acclaim for her film "Nomadland," "Eternals" introduced a new group of immortal superheroes to the franchise. Despite its star-studded cast, including Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and Richard Madden, the film faced significant backlash. It became the first MCU entry to receive more negative reviews than positive ones, raising questions about whether its ambitious narrative was too grand for audiences to embrace.
At the box office, "Eternals" grossed around $400 million, a respectable figure considering pandemic conditions. However, with a hefty budget of $236 million, it was deemed a financial failure. This marked a turning point for the MCU, as Hollywood insiders began to speculate that Marvel would adopt a more cautious approach to future projects. Daniel Richtman, a prominent industry insider, reported last year that Marvel would refrain from investing in potential flops, leading to the postponement of sequels like "Ant-Man 4," "Captain Marvel 3," and notably, "Eternals 2."
Marvel's president, Kevin Feige, confirmed that there are currently no immediate plans for a sequel to "Eternals." When asked about the future of characters like Sersi and Kingo, he succinctly stated, "There are no immediate plans for Eternals 2." This leaves fans questioning whether they will ever see these characters again, despite the MCU's history of resurrecting past storylines and characters, as evidenced by the return of Anson Mount as Black Bolt in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."
As the MCU grapples with its identity in a post-Infinity Saga world, the upcoming broadcast of "Eternals" on ProSieben on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, offers a chance for audiences to revisit the film. The network will air the blockbuster at 20:15, providing an opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to experience the film that attempted to launch a new era of superheroes.
In the film, the Eternals are depicted as a group of ten supernatural beings who have been living on Earth for millennia, tasked with protecting humanity from monstrous creatures known as Deviants. As the Deviants re-emerge, the Eternals must reunite to confront this threat, raising questions about their role and responsibilities in a world that has largely forgotten them.
While "Eternals" aims to delve into profound themes of love, sacrifice, and the challenges of immortality, it also struggles with the weight of its own ambitions. Critics have pointed out that the film's attempt to introduce a vast array of characters and backstories may have diluted its impact. Unlike earlier MCU films, which gradually built their characters over time, "Eternals" throws audiences into the deep end, expecting them to grasp a complex narrative filled with cosmic lore and connections to the greater Marvel universe.
The film's ambition is both its strength and its weakness. While it offers stunning visuals and a unique perspective on superhero storytelling, it has also been criticized for its pacing and narrative coherence. Zhao's direction, however, is noteworthy; her ability to capture breathtaking landscapes adds a layer of authenticity to the film's otherwise fantastical elements.
In interviews, stars Richard Madden and Gemma Chan have reflected on the challenges of portraying their characters in such a grand narrative. Madden, who plays Ikaris, noted the difficulty of balancing the weight of their powers with the human emotions they must navigate. Chan, portraying Sersi, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the depth and complexity of their roles.
As the MCU prepares for its next phase, the legacy of "Eternals" remains uncertain. Will it be remembered as a bold step forward or a misstep in Marvel's storied history? The upcoming airing on ProSieben may reignite discussions about the film's merits and its place within the broader context of the MCU. As the franchise continues to evolve, fans are left wondering what the future holds for the Eternals and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole.
In the end, as Marvel ventures into uncharted territory, the lessons learned from "Eternals" may shape the direction of future films. The challenge will be to balance ambition with audience engagement, ensuring that the legacy of the Infinity Saga is honored while paving the way for new stories to be told.
