3 Crucial Updates on Eternals 2: Is Angelina Jolie Coming Back to MCU After Awful Response For Eternals?
Marvel’s Eternals brought plenty of A-list talent into the MCU when it was released in 2021, including Angelina Jolie as the fierce warrior Thena. But with underwhelming reviews and no official word on a sequel, fans are questioning if Jolie and other cast members will return following the first film’s polarized reception.
Eternals took audiences back thousands of years to reveal a group of immortal aliens secretly guiding humanity’s evolution. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Chloe Zhao, the sprawling sci-fi epic dazzled visually but drew criticism for its dense plot and abundance of new characters.
What Updates Have Emerged About Eternals 2?
Marvel Studio’s Eternals assembled a star-studded cast when it hit theaters in 2021. Leading lady Angelina Jolie lit up the screen as fierce warrior Thena. But with lukewarm reviews and radio silence about a sequel from Marvel, fans are left wondering, will Jolie and other A-listers return for more cosmic adventures?
In Eternals 2 Thena will be the temporary leader of the Eternals
The World Forge will be featured in the movie
The movie will be more cosmic than the first
The movie will release in 2027 pic.twitter.com/L3bJLrLxrA
— Marvel Updates (@marvel_updat3s) February 1, 2024
Eternals ambitiously spanned thousands of years. It introduced a fresh crew of immortal aliens who secretly shaped humankind’s journey. Directed by award-winner Chloé Zhao, the sweeping sci-fi visuals captivated. But some felt the convoluted storyline with too many new characters missed the mark.
What Other Updates Are Possible for Eternals 2?
The door was left open for a potential sequel. However, Marvel hasn’t yet confirmed they will officially move forward with Eternals 2. Rumor has it several key cast members were slated to come back for a follow-up shoot.
For now, though, Marvel seems focused on its Phase 5 slate and concluding the Multiverse Saga in Phase 6. Fans anxiously waiting for Eternals 2 updates will have to hang tight for any concrete plans from the studio.
Pending any official sequel announcements, fans have theories. There’s speculation that Eternals 2 could highlight the World Forge location as important in comic lore. Unused in the first film, it’s basically an ancient outer space weapons factory for Celestials, which sounds pretty badass! More screen time there would ratchet up the sci-fi vibe.
Thena also seems primed to take charge with Gemma Chan’s Sersi MIA after Eternals’s climax. Positioning Thena as leader of the Earth-stationed Eternals would shake up internal dynamics. And tap into Jolie’s regal presence while expanding her arc as a reluctant champion.
Would Angelina Jolie Return After Mixed Reviews?
As an Academy Award winner, Jolie obviously brought heavyweight talent to the first movie. While Thena was badass in battle scenes, some viewers felt Jolie wasn’t given enough dramatic material to sink her teeth into. A sequel could explore Thena’s backstory and complexities in more depth.
And say what you will about reviews, but Eternals still hauled in over $400 million globally. So, while it may not reach fellow 2021 Marvel hit Shang-Chi’s box office heights, clearly, audiences have an appetite for more adventures with these immortals.
If any script kinks get worked out, it seems likely Jolie would jump at the chance to further shape Thena across a new intergalactic action-fest. But only time will tell whether Angelina dons her golden warrior costume again until Marvel clues us in.
For now, this all remains fan conjecture unless Disney and Marvel decide to build out these characters introduced from Jack Kirby’s imagination. But IF that in-limbo release date ever gets the green light, here’s hoping Jolie and the whole creative team craft a smash sequel fans deserve!
