Eternals Will Feature the MCU’s First Deaf Superhero
Marvel Studios’ newest franchise, The Eternals, is set to introduce the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first Deaf superhero.
The Walking Dead actress Lauren Ridloff had been cast as Makkari
When revealing the cast for The Eternals yesterday, it was announced that The Walking Dead actress Lauren Ridloff had been cast as Makkari. It was a genderbent casting, of course, as Makkari is a white male in the comics. Another equally, perhaps even arguably more important part of Ridloff’s casting is that she is a Deaf actress and Makkari will be a Deaf superhero — a first for the MCU.
Ridloff took the time to sign about how “impactful” the role was for her during the Hall H presentation. She also reportedly related a story from her child while on stage.
Lauren Ridloff, deaf actress, signed about how impactful this role is for her. And related a story from her child. #SDCC #MarvelStudios #MarvelSDCC #AgentMLovesSDCC
— Ryan Penagos (@AgentM) July 21, 2019
Ridloff is perhaps best known for her work on Broadway, including the 2018 Broadway revival of Children of a Lesser God, which earned her a Tony nomination as Sarah Norman. However, she also stars on AMC’s The Walking Dead as Connie. This will mark her first major film, having appeared in smaller movies such as The Magnificent Meyersons, Sign Gene: The First Deaf Superheroes, and If You Could Hear My Own Tune.
Filming and Star Cast:The Eternals
Filming on The Eternals is rumored to begin over the next month or two in London.
Directed by Chloé Zhao with a screenplay by Matthew and Ryan Firpo, The Eternals stars Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Don Lee as Gilgamesh and Angelina Jolie as Thena. The film arrives in theaters on November 6, 2020.
