‘Eternals’ Trailer Confirms the Film Takes Place After ‘Avengers: Endgame’
The first half of 2021 didn’t bring any Marvel Cinematic Universe films, but it did offer up plenty of news for fans who’ve been waiting more than a year for the latest blockbusters. Eternals finally arrives in late 2021, and the first teaser trailer for the film reveals a little about when it takes place in the timeline.
Marvel announced ‘Eternals’ in 2019
Marvel President Kevin Feige officially announced Eternals as part of the MCU’s Phase 4 slate at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2019. In addition to installments in established franchises like Thor: Love and Thunder, he revealed Eternals, surrounding the titular beings from the comics.
The star-studded cast includes Gemma Chan (Humans), Richard Madden (Game of Thrones), Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley), Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta), Lauren Ridloff (The Walking Dead), Barry Keoghan (Dunkirk), Don Lee (Train to Busan), Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie.
The first teaser trailer dropped in May 2021
Like the rest of Marvel’s projects initially slated for a 2020 release, Eternals was delayed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Filming for the movie was completed on time, shortly before the pandemic hit the U.S., but the company held back on putting it out due to continuity and theater closures.
However, 2021 brought good news for Marvel and its fans. Following the announcement of its rescheduled release date of November 5, 2021, the Eternals first poster and teaser trailer dropped on May 24, 2021. Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, the movie’s teaser reveals beautiful images — and very few plot details.
Why didn’t the Eternals fight Thanos?
Introducing new characters into a cinematic universe that’s more nearly 15 years old has its issues. As their name suggests, the Eternals are beings that have been around for a very, very long time. They’re also incredibly powerful. So why weren’t they around to help the Avengers with Thanos?
If the film draws from the 2006 limited series, the Eternals lost their memories due to one of their own: Sprite (played by Lia McHugh). This could explain why they’ve been absent for decades of action. And in the trailer, Ajak (Hayek) says, “Throughout the years, we have never interfered, until now,” acknowledging this potential plot hole.
It’s unlikely any Avengers will appear in ‘Eternals’
Unlike some Marvel films, Eternals will require a lot of backstory to explain its characters and their origins. So expect to see some of the movie span a significant period of time. However, the trailer reveals that action will occur post-Endgame, as evidenced by one line in the teaser trailer.
“So now that Captain Rogers and Iron Man are both gone, who do you think is going to lead the Avengers?” asked Sprite to the other Eternals around a meal. “I could lead them,” responds Ikaris, and everyone laughs. In other words, it doesn’t look as though a crossover will happen in this entry.
