Eternals 2 Reportedly Already in Development at Marvel

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Reports have begun to surface that Eternals 2 is already in development at Marvel. Directed by Chloé Zhao, Eternals has been shrouded in mystery since its announcement in 2019. It's hard to determine just which movie MCU fans are looking forward to most after nearly two years of no releases, but it's clear that this cosmic adventure is pretty high up on the list. This is thanks, in part, to Eternals star-studded cast. Angelina Jolie, Kit Harrington, Richard Madden, Salma Hayek, Kumail Nanjiani, Brian Tyree Henry, and Gemma Chan are all set to star in the film.

Up until recently, the mystery surrounding Eternals has remained strong, but Marvel's Phase 4 sizzle reel pulled back the curtain and finally gave a first look at the film. The ensemble could be seen in various periods across the film's 7,000 year story and anticipation for the film has only increased. Behind the scenes, reports have swirled about how confident Marvel is in the film and Zhao's vision as director. Her unprecedented creative control on the film has seen her have a hand in everything from the final cut of Eternals to developing the screenplay alongside Marvel scribes.

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This anticipation and confidence has reportedly translated to the studio's move to develop a sequel to the film six months before it hits theaters. John Campea revealed that the studio is hard at work on the follow-up even though they didn't announce any such thing in the Phase 4 preview. Campea likened it to how the studio has yet to announce Avengers 5 despite the fact that it's all but guaranteed to be in development. Of the sizzle reel and Eternals 2, Campea said:

It's basically the same reason Avengers 5 and Eternals 2 weren't announced. They were only announcing those films up to 2023 that have verified release dates. There are over 20+ projects on the board.... We all know there's going to be an Avengers 5 and there's going to be an Eternals 2.

By now, Marvel is known for both their secrecy and their intense planning years in advance. There are several MCU films lingering without release dates, including Blade, the Fantastic Four reboot, and Deadpool 3. The furthest film out with a set release date is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, currently set to hit theaters on May 5, 2023. This has no bearing on what has yet to be announced, though, as Marvel head Kevin Feige has the MCU planned through 2027.

If the studio continues their recent pattern of debuting four films a year, that means there are around 14 to 16 films that have yet to be revealed. Eternals 2 is more than likely one of those, as the first film, like the rest of Marvel's slate, is guaranteed to be a hit. Whether or not the first film's expansive cast will be returning is something that will likely be revealed when Eternals hits theaters, but it sure seems like Zhao will be returning to direct, especially if the reports are right about her smashing it out of the park with her first MCU outing.