‘Eternals’ Star Kit Harington Once Chose the DCEU Over the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Eternals star Kit Harington won’t be making his official debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe until November 2021. The pandemic forced Marvel to push back the Eternals premiere an entire year. When it does hit the big screen, fans will finally get to see Harington’s take on Dane Whitman (AKA The Black Knight). But there was once a time when Harington chose the DC Extended Universe over the MCU.
Kit Harington is a perfect fit for the Marvel Cinematic Universe
When Game of Thrones came to an end in May 2019, fans started to wonder what’s next for Harington. It didn’t take long for them to get an answer. Disney announced that Harington would join the cast of Eternals at their annual D23 conference in August 2019.
As Film Daily explains, the MCU is a perfect fit for Harington. After playing the role of Jon Snow for eight seasons, Harington is known for his stoicism on camera. The distinct lack of emotion and “woodenness” are common traits in Marvel’s leading men. This doesn’t mean they are bad actors, they just show very little emotion in high-stakes situations.
The most obvious similarities are between Harington and Chris Evans. Both Harington and Evans have a talent for “looking super sad” with their respective “big puppy dog eyes.” Sometimes it happens when they are supposed to be happy.
Harington’s Jon Snow was calm, even in the most outrageous situations. He could bring that same acting style in the MCU.
‘Eternals’ is Harington’s first major comic book role
After starring in the biggest TV show on the planet for a decade, Harington is moving on to the biggest movie franchise in the world. This will be his first major comic book role. And as Cinema Blend points out, Dane Whitman has a few things in common with Jon Snow.
Both are “burdened with the weight of family legacy.” But Dane Whitman is not the first Black Knight, and he’s not part of the Eternals.
Dane was raised in Massachusetts and has a Master’s degree in physics. When he becomes the Black Knight, he brings his scientific knowledge and his martial arts skills. He doesn’t have any superpowers. Instead, he gets his power from the Ebony Blade.
As an expert swordsman, Dane Whitman wields the Ebony Blade like Jon Snow handles Longclaw. Whitman’s enchanted sword is indestructible, and it can transport him across space and time.
However, not just anyone can wield the Ebony Blade. The weapon can take both a mental and physical toll on its master. The Ebony Blade is cursed. And when it’s used to kill, it develops a craving for blood.
Kit Harington once chose the DECU over the MCU
When Disney announced Harington’s casting in Eternals, Marvel studio boss Kevin Feige said, “It is a part that could, perhaps, grow into something else in the future.” It would make sense that Marvel has big plans for the Black Knight. Otherwise, why would they introduce the character in Eternals?
The character also has zero recognition with casual Marvel fans. Casting an A-list actor in the role indicates that this won’t be Harington’s only turn in the MCU. But before he landed the role, Harington actually chose the DCEU over the MCU.
During a 2015 interview with Collider, Harington played the game “Save or Kill.” When asked about the DCEU and the MCU, the Game of Thrones alum had a surprising answer. Harington said that he would “save” the DC and “kill” Marvel.
According to Cinema Blend, Harington’s name also came up as a possible choice for Batman after Ben Affleck walked away from the role in 2018. But when the casting rumor reached Harington’s reps, they quickly shot it down.
Eternals is now scheduled to hit theaters on November 5, 2021.
