The scrapped Marvel TV show by Oscar winner John Ridley could have offered a distinct and potentially better take on the Eternals narrative, compared to the reception of the 2021 'Eternals' film. In a frank discussion on the Comic Book Club podcast, Ridley expressed his thoughts on both his version, which he described as "good," and Marvel's take, which didn't impress him much. Ridley's untitled project was meant to join the Marvel TV universe alongside shows like 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' and 'Daredevil,' but never materialized after Marvel shifted its focus to Disney+. The controversial pilot for Ridley's show would have featured unsettling and bizarre scenes, portraying a darker and weirder storytelling angle. Despite this, Ridley acknowledged the difficulty of developing Eternals and the importance of balancing unique stories with more popular, entertaining ones. Although Marvel's 'Eternals' struggled to resonate with fans as strongly as other properties like 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' the future of Eternals in the MCU remains uncertain.
What's the future for Eternals in the MCU?The future of Eternals in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is unclear. Following the mixed reactions to the 2021 'Eternals' movie, there has been no confirmed follow-up or continuation for the characters. Marvel's current projects seem focused on different aspects of the MCU, with 'Echo' being one of the immediate releases in the lineup.
Background Information: Marvel's 'Eternals', directed by Chloé Zhao and released in 2021, introduced a new ensemble of cosmic beings to the MCU. The movie aimed to expand the universe with its unique cast of characters who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years. Despite its diverse cast and ambitious scale, 'Eternals' received mixed reviews from critics and fans, particularly for its departure from the traditional tone of MCU films and its complex narrative. Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridley's alternative vision for 'Eternals', which remains unproduced, suggests an edgier and more idiosyncratic approach to these characters.
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Ridley's vision for the Eternals sounds like it might have been a refreshing dark horse in the Marvel stable, potentially giving fans a grittier take that could've stood out amidst the MCU's usually polished veneer. It's a real 'what could have been' scenario, but with the mixed reception to the theatrical Eternals, it seems Marvel might be a bit hesitant to double down on these characters right away.
John Ridley's take on the Eternals sounds like it could've been a refreshing, darker twist on Marvel’s usual formula, showing there's an appetite for variety in superhero storytelling. Yet, as the MCU continues its massive, interconnected saga, it's a bummer we might not see his vision or get closure on the current Eternals' arc anytime soon, especially with Marvel's focus darting around other corners of its ever-expanding universe.
John Ridley's scrapped vision for Marvel's Eternals might have been the dark horse that the franchise needed, especially with the lukewarm embrace of the theatrical cut. It's a classic case of what could have been in the realm of superhero shows, leaving us wondering if a grittier take could've found its cult following within the MCU tapestry.