While the prospect of Eternals 2 seemed unlikely after Kevin Feige previously shared there were no immediate plans for the sequel, Chloé Zhao‘s recent comments have once again sparked curiosity among the fans. And if a sequel were to happen, it remains unclear if the entire cast from the first movie would be willing to return, especially given its underwhelming reception.
Although there’s nothing concrete to go by, as none of the Eternals have reprised their roles in the following MCU outings, here’s an overview of actors who might not return if a sequel did eventually get realized.
1. Lauren Ridloff
Not long after the movie’s release, Lauren Ridloff showcased interest in returning to the shoes of Makkari. However, with the MCU currently going ice cold on the sequel, when the actor was approached about a potential appearance in Doomsday, she revealed that it was unlikely (via The Direct).
Lauren Ridloff in Eternals | Credit: Marvel Studios
Then again, she hasn’t outright declined the possibility of reprising the role in a future follow-up. But amid MCU’s shifting plans, it’s too uncertain to predict anything definitive.
2. Kumail Nanjiani
Eternals‘ disappointing reception took a major toll on Kumail Nanjiani, who initially signed on for six movies and a video game. While the actor felt he’d be doing Marvel projects for the next project, as the story goes, none of these plans materialized, and the movie’s bad reviews left a lasting impression on Nanjiani’s mental health (via Working It Out).
Kumail Nanjiani in Eternals | Credit: Marvel Studios
Given his uneven experience with Marvel, even though the actor hasn’t denounced the prospect of reprising his Marvel role again, as of now, it remains uncertain.
3. Richard Madden
One actor that certainly won’t be coming back is Richard Madden’s Ikaris. While characters have returned from the dead in the MCU, Ikaris’ fate in the first movie is expected to remain unchanged. For the unversed, Ikaris commits suicide in the movie by flying into the sun,
Richard Madden in Eternals | Credit Marvel Studios
Speaking of his future, back in 2021, co-writer Kaz Firpo doubled down on Ikaris’ fate in the movie, stressing that he’s very much dead.
4. Angelina Jolie
Arguably, the biggest draw of the entire movie, Angelina Jolie‘s future in the MCU is very much unclear. Even though she hasn’t denied a potential return and was vocal about connecting with Ethena in the movie, given her gradual step back from onscreen roles, her MCU return is anything but certain.
Angelina Jolie in Eternals | Credit: Marvel Studios
Considering Jolie isn’t typically drawn toward superhero movies, it’d take a very good story to pull her back. And within the Marvel pipeline, where directors don’t always bear full creative control, it’s unlikely she’d return for a run-of-the-mill sequel.
Is Eternals 2 Happening? Here’s What Chloé Zhao Has Said
As discussed before, nothing is certain, and if anyone holds the power to bring the band back together is revered auteur Chloé Zhao, given that she’s given full creative control over the potential follow-up.
While Feige and co aren’t too thrilled about continuing the story, at least not anytime soon, the Hamnet director told Screen Rant that she’d be open to making another Eternals movie, adding:
It’s there for a reason, this kind of myth, and these [MCU] films are a modern version of that to me. So, I would love to bring them back and have more discussion about the world we live in. I’m really proud of it.
With Marvel gradually heading toward a possible reboot post-Secret Wars, it’ll be interesting to see if the MCU would be open to another Zhao movie, especially in the wake of Hamnet‘s critical acclaim.
Would you love to see the Eternals return? Comment below!
Stream Eternals on Disney+.
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