Chloé Zhao could have been the mastermind behind Black Widow instead of Eternals—a revelation that might just make Marvel fans wonder what could’ve been. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Eternals truly a misstep, or did it simply suffer from sky-high expectations after Avengers: Endgame? Let’s dive in.
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts likely remember the moment the franchise hit a bump in the road: Eternals, the first post-Endgame film that failed to captivate audiences and critics alike. On paper, it had all the ingredients for success—an Oscar-winning director, Chloé Zhao, a star-studded cast including Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek, and a fresh team of heroes ready to join the MCU. Yet, the film currently sits at a disappointing 47% on Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/eternals), despite some defenders arguing it had its merits (https://www.gamesradar.com/eternals-review-marvel/). And this is the part most people miss: Zhao wasn’t originally tapped for Eternals—she was first approached to direct Black Widow.
In a candid conversation on The Ringer (https://open.spotify.com/episode/2TtKTmnC3c1C3FinaUTJLQ?si=_NI3rQ23SeypiODCWu7d3Q&nd=1&dlsi=06e3dff50b7849cf), Zhao shared that a scheduling conflict prevented her from taking on Black Widow. Instead, she was drawn to Eternals after producer Nate Moore pitched the idea. ‘It was like a Greek play,’ Zhao explained, ‘a chance to explore humanity through immortal beings, create monsters, and delve into the realm of space gods.’ Reflecting on her decision, she admitted, ‘It should’ve been intimidating, but I’ve always been the type to dive in headfirst, even if I don’t know how to swim.’
What truly resonated with Zhao was the film’s philosophical core—a pantheon of gods debating the nature of humanity. ‘After spending years traveling across America, connecting with nature, and exploring new ways of life, Eternals felt like the eruption of a long-simmering volcano,’ she said. This thematic depth, however, didn’t translate into widespread acclaim, leaving many to wonder if Black Widow might have been a better fit for her unique vision.
Despite its ambitious scope, Eternals struggled to find its footing. Since its release, the film’s characters have been largely absent from the MCU, with only Kumail Nanjiani’s Kingo making a brief reappearance. Nanjiani himself revealed he had initially signed on for six films and a video game (https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/marvel-movies/eternals-star-kumail-nanjiani-has-spoken-out-about-the-mcu-future-for-kingo-that-never-happened-i-signed-on-for-six-movies-i-signed-on-for-a-video-game/), plans that never materialized. With the MCU’s future leaning toward characters like Doctor Doom and the X-Men, it’s hard to imagine Eternals getting a second chance—but stranger things have happened in the ever-expanding Marvel universe.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Did Eternals fail because of its execution, or was it simply overshadowed by the monumental success of Endgame? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And while you’re at it, check out our full list of upcoming Marvel movies and shows (https://www.gamesradar.com/upcoming-marvel-movies-shows/) to stay ahead of the curve.
Stay tuned for more movie news, features, and reviews delivered straight to your inbox. Nick, a seasoned freelancer whose work graces the pages of Screen Rant, The Digital Fix, and Looper, is here to keep you in the loop. A self-proclaimed fan of movies, TV, DC, and Marvel, Nick also firmly believes the best Robin Hood is, without a doubt, a talking fox.
