‘Eternals’: Is Dan Stevens Playing the Villain Kro? He’s Staying ‘Cryptic’ About His Rumored Role
Marvel’s Eternals arrives in November, and fans still aren’t sure if Dan Stevens will appear in the film — though rumors have long suggested he will. Best known for his roles as David Haller in Legion, Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey, and Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the star could make his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in the upcoming film. Fans believe he might portray the Marvel Comics villain Kro — but he’s playing coy about the whole thing.
Rumors claim Dan Stevens could play Kro in ‘Eternals’
Fans began wondering if Stevens would appear in Eternals back in 2019. According to ScreenRant, they began around the time Eternals star Kumail Nanjiani shared an Instagram photo that included Stevens and another actor involved in the film. Many fans guessed he could play the villain Kro, a warlord who often goes up against the Eternals team.
In the comics, Kro is a military leader of the Deviants, a subset of the humans created by the Celestials. He’s immortal and a shapeshifter, making him a formidable opponent. He’s also romantically involved with Angelina Jolie’s character, Thena, in the source material.
A Funko leak for Eternals confirmed that Kro will appear in the upcoming film. However, there’s been no confirmation about who’s playing him. Despite the speculation surrounding Stevens’ involvement, neither Marvel nor the actor has offered a definitive answer.
Dan Stevens has ‘Kro comment’ on the rumors
Although Stevens’ involvement in Eternals has yet to be confirmed, the actor has heard the rumors making their way around the internet. During a recent interview with Collider, he had some fun with all the speculation. When asked “hypothetically” about “a role he may or may not have” in the film, he answered simply, “Kro comment.”
Of course, the pun alludes to the villain he’s rumored to play in the movie. However, he played coy about the joke, wondering if he’d been “cryptic enough.” He also added that, even if he was in the film, he wouldn’t be able to say much about his appearance.
“Even if I could say anything, I wouldn’t be able to,” Stevens explained.
That seems to be the prevailing sentiment among stars rumored to show up in future Marvel movies. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield have said similar things about potential appearances in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Only time will tell if they’re truly not involved in the film — or if its NDAs keeping them quiet.
When does Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ come out?
Fans will find out if Stevens appears in Eternals when the Marvel film finally arrives this fall. It’s currently slated to hit theaters on Nov. 5, and Marvel Studios has confirmed it will have theatrical exclusivity — just like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Eternals is the third of four Marvel films to arrive in 2021, falling behind Black Widow and Shang-Chi and just ahead of Spider-Man: No Way Home. From Nomadland director Chloé Zhao, the movie will see the Eternals team taking on the Deviants and finally facing the world they’ve refused to intervene in.
Marvel Studios should release full-length trailer before the film arrives, so it’s possible the footage could show Kro. If not, they’ll be kept guessing until the last minute — but then, that’s half the fun, isn’t it?
