Director Wants “The Eternals” To Be “As Small As Possible”

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an unquestionable success. However, that wasn’t always the case, as many industry insiders were skeptical about such a vast interlinked series of films. But audiences responded and it is now, arguably, the most successful franchise in the history of cinema. And that level of achievement has allowed the studio to take some creative chances. In fact, Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014 was so much of a risk that Amanda Seyfried actually turned down the role of Gamora just so she wouldn’t be associated with a flop. But that turned out to be another hit for the company, and Marvel is gearing up for yet another untested property, next year’s The Eternals.

The film has collected an impressive cast, which includes Angelina Jolie and Kit Harrington, and is being helmed by Chloe Zhao, who’s next movie Nomadland is being heralded as a strong Oscars contender. Zhao is an unconventional choice, but that seems to be Marvel’s bread and butter, as eccentric filmmakers suck as James Gunn and Taika Waititi have led some of the most well-received MCU entries.

During a recent interview with The Playlist, Zhao spoke about taking the reigns of a big-budget superhero epic and how her intention was to keep things “as small as possible”:

I think what Marvel has been so incredible at – Kevin [Feige] and Nate [Moore] and the whole team – they knew from the moment I pitched the film; I really wanted the scope and scale at the same time as the intimacy. They knew I wanted both. They have been so incredible holding my hand through the entire process of allowing me to go as far as possible and as small as possible, and how that fits into the whole MCU. It’s been a pretty incredible process. You’ll have to wait and see.

 It’s clear that Zhao has a passion for the material and that The Eternals could well prove to be the most introspective and intimate picture in the MCU to date. Fans will get the chance to see if her more character-focused style meshes well with a Marvel movie, as the production on the film is complete, ahead of a November 5th, 2021 release.