Marvel’s cinematic journey has had its ups and downs, particularly highlighted by the mixed reception of Eternals. Director Chloé Zhao recently shared insights about the project’s lack of priority within Marvel Studios and reflected on its overall impact.
Quick context
After the unprecedented success of Avengers: Endgame, Marvel Studios faced challenges with audience reception during the Multiverse Saga. Released five years ago, Eternals became a notable example as it was the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film to receive a rotten critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, ultimately earning $402 million at the box office-a figure that underperformed in comparison to expectations.
Director’s reflections
During her recent appearance on the Awards Chatter podcast, Zhao discussed her experience directing Eternals. She noted that the film was not initially a priority for the studio and was only considered after she expressed her genuine passion for the story. Zhao explained, “Eternals was not high on their priority list… with Marvel, it’s very much a thing to find the right filmmaker before they say, ‘That’s the IP we’re gonna go for.'” She emphasized that she was the sole individual interested in bringing the project to life.
Audience reactions
Expectations were significant leading up to the film’s release, especially with Zhao coming off her Academy Award success for Nomadland. Marvel had previously succeeded in transforming lesser-known comic characters into mainstream phenomena, like the Guardians of the Galaxy. Unfortunately, despite the ambitious approach, Eternals did not resonate with audiences as hoped. The film’s critical reception mirrored this disconnect, leading to doubts about a sequel, despite future storylines teased during its end credits.
What’s next for the Eternals?
As Marvel prepares to conclude the Multiverse Saga with the upcoming release of Avengers: Doomsday, no characters from Eternals have been confirmed for either that film or the subsequent Secret Wars. This points towards an uncertain future for the Eternals within the MCU landscape, especially as the studio aims to rejuvenate interest through familiar, beloved characters. Marvel’s reset strategy for the MCU is likely to sideline characters that did not connect with the viewers, thus suggesting that the Eternals will remain on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.
Despite the challenges faced with Eternals, Zhao’s willingness to explore this unique IP reflects an important aspect of storytelling within the superhero genre. While the film did not achieve success, it serves as a reminder of the risks involved in filmmaking and the dynamic nature of audience preferences.
Original source: Open the source
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