Kumail Nanjiani, who played Kingo in the 2021 Marvel film Eternals, disclosed that he initially signed a contract to appear in six Marvel movies and one video game adaptation. However, following the global underperformance and negative response to Eternals, these plans were halted and the projects never materialized. This revelation sheds light on how the disappointing reception affected his long-term role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In a conversation with comedian Mike Birbiglia, Nanjiani explained that when he signed on for Eternals, there were extensive commitments for his MCU character spanning over multiple projects. But the backlash and overall failure of the film led to Marvel shelving these plans indefinitely.
They make you sign up for all this stuff. And you’re like ‘Oh, this is the next 10 years of my life, so I’ll be doing, you know, Marvel movies every year, and then in between I’ll do my own little things’. And, none of that happened.
— Kumail Nanjiani, Actor
Nanjiani also provided details on the scope of his initial contract, emphasizing the range of commitments that were expected to shape his MCU tenure.
I signed on for six movies, you know. I signed on for a video game. I signed on for a theme park ride.
— Kumail Nanjiani, Actor
Unfortunately, due to Eternals not meeting expectations, Marvel Studios decided to pause any sequels or related projects. This has left Nanjiani’s more extensive involvement in the MCU in limbo.
Understanding the Consequences for Marvel and Nanjiani’s Future Roles
Even though Marvel has not produced the planned films or the video game, this does not lead to a breach of contract. The agreement is structured as an ‘option contract,’ meaning Marvel holds the discretion to decide if and when the projects will proceed, requiring Nanjiani’s participation only if those projects move forward.
This contractual format places control firmly with Marvel Studios, granting them the ability to delay or cancel films without penalty. Following the lukewarm reception to Eternals, Marvel has reportedly shifted towards offering actors shorter contracts to allow more flexibility in their storytelling and production decisions.
With Nanjiani’s contract, there remains the potential for Marvel to revive the Eternals storyline someday, although this could take a significant amount of time, ranging from months to years. Despite the setbacks, many fans are hopeful that the franchise will be revived and expanded upon in the future to deliver a stronger and more cohesive narrative.
The reported development of Judgment Day, a forthcoming Marvel project, may affect plans for an Eternals sequel. Kevin Feige, Marvel’s president, will have to determine how, or if, to integrate the Eternals characters into upcoming MCU storylines to maintain continuity.
The Prospects of an Eternals Sequel Remain Uncertain
As of now, there has been no official announcement or confirmation that Eternals 2 is in development. Moreover, rumors suggest that the Eternals team may not feature in the highly anticipated Avengers: Secret Wars, disappointing many followers of the franchise.
Regardless of past reception, some argue that the Eternals characters, like Kingo, should receive a second opportunity given their integral role in Marvel’s broader mythology. The group, analogous in significance to teams such as the Avengers and X-Men, possesses stories that could enrich the MCU if handled thoughtfully.
Although Kevin Feige has hinted at possible cancellation or indefinite shelving, the narrative surrounding the franchise appears premature. Nanjiani’s desire to continue as Kingo suggests there remains interest from the talent involved to revisit and develop these characters further.
Eternals is currently available to stream on Disney+ in the United States, allowing audiences to revisit the film and form their own opinions on its story and characters.
