In what might be a disappointment to some fans, the Eternals sequel is officially not moving forward at Marvel Studios. According to recent reports from Variety, Marvel has decided not to develop a follow-up to the 2021 film. This news comes after the first Eternals movie received mixed reviews from both critics and fans, and its box office performance was less than stellar, especially by Marvel’s usual high standards.
The decision not to proceed with a sequel was hinted at earlier when Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, stated that there were no immediate plans for Eternals 2. This has now been confirmed, and it seems Marvel is choosing to focus on other projects within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) instead. Given the massive success of other MCU films, it’s not entirely surprising that Marvel would move on from a project that didn’t quite hit the mark.
A Disappointing End for the Eternals?
Credit: Marvel Studios
READ MORE: Marvel Studios’ Eternals Second Trailer Released
Personally, I found the Eternals movie to be a bit of a mixed bag. While it introduced some fascinating characters and expanded the MCU’s cosmic lore, it lacked the punch and coherence that Marvel films usually deliver. The sheer number of characters and the dense backstory made it a challenging watch, even for a seasoned Marvel fan like myself. Perhaps this complexity is part of the reason why a sequel isn’t happening. The first film’s lukewarm reception likely played a role in Marvel’s decision to shelve the project.
It’s also worth noting that the film’s high budget and low returns may have been a significant factor. With a budget reportedly north of $200 million, Eternals only managed to bring in around $400 million worldwide. While that might sound like a lot, it’s considered underwhelming for a Marvel film. This financial performance, combined with mixed reviews, likely sealed the fate of the Eternals sequel.
What are Marvel’s plans for the future…?
Credit: Marvel
READ MORE: Marvel’s Eternals Teaser Trailer Released
As someone who has followed the MCU from the very beginning, I can’t say I’m too surprised by this news. Marvel has a track record of producing blockbuster hits, and when one of their films doesn’t perform as expected, they aren’t afraid to pivot and focus on other projects. It’s a shame for fans of the Eternals, but at the end of the day, Marvel has a vast universe to explore, and not every story will resonate with audiences.
The decision not to pursue a sequel also frees up Marvel Studios to invest in other characters and stories that might have broader appeal. With so many exciting projects on the horizon, including the highly anticipated Blade reboot and the continuation of the Avengers saga, there’s still plenty for fans to look forward to. So while the Eternals may not be returning to the big screen anytime soon, the MCU shows no signs of slowing down.
