‘Eternals’ Almost had a Much Darker Ending
One of the most divisive films in the history of the MCU would’ve been a lot more so had director Chloe Zhao followed her original vision as Eternals almost had a much darker ending.
An MCU film that stands alone in its reception and divide of the fanbase, perhaps no Marvel story has created such an interesting response as Eternals did.
Angelina Jolie as Thena in Eternals. Photo: Marvel Studios
Releasing on a 2021 schedule that saw it follow the experiment that was Black Widow and its dual distribution method and the incredibly beloved Shang-Chi; Eternals was the most ambitious and unique of Marvel’s Phase Four titles.
The story of ten immortal, superpowered beings, Eternals follows the story of these members of this race of the same name; with their existence in the world long being kept hidden from humanity.
Photo: Marvel Studios
Visually stunning and narratively ambitious, Eternals was helmed by acclaimed Academy Award-winning director Chloe Zhao; the architect behind what could possibly be the most beautiful of all the MCU creations.
With a film that chronicles centuries of time and nearly a dozen characters, Zhao orchestrates a story that feels bloated at times but ultimately speaks to a very human story of family.
Photo: Marvel
This story, however, almost had a much more cynical conclusion, as Eternals almost had a much darker ending.
In an interview with Empire Magazine, Zhao discussed the altered ending, and why she felt the darker approach would hinder the audience’s connectivity to the material.
Director/Producer Chloe Zhao, winner of the award for best picture for “Nomadland,” poses in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Union Station in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, Pool)
“It used to end with everybody back on the ship, minds erased and just going on to another planet, like Twilight Zone,” the director explained. “I didn’t hate it, because I’m used to films that are more melancholy. But I don’t think it went down well with audiences.”
Zhao concluded, “I remember when it goes to black, and everyone was like, ‘I don’t know what to do.’ It’s the MCU, and you want to be excited for what’s next.”
Photo: Marvel
Giving audiences a more uplifting ending- and a post-credits scene that teases the future interaction between the remaining Eternals and Harry Styles recently debut character of Starfox, definitely did well to keep fans excited as to where the franchise will go next.
