Chloé Zhao, Chloé Zhao Marvel Studios director [Image Source: YIMG]
Chloé Zhao, best known for winning an Oscar with Nomadland, almost directed Black Widow before becoming a Marvel Studios director for Eternals, adding a unique creative voice to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This discovery sheds light on Zhao’s journey to working with Marvel Studios, highlighting how close she came to shaping a different chapter of the franchise.
Zhao’s Creative Vision and Entry into Marvel Studios
Hollywood was abuzz when Marvel Studios announced Chloé Zhao would direct Eternals, with expectations soaring for one of the most ambitious MCU entries ever. Although Eternals offered plenty of innovative elements, critics pointed to its large cast and some script challenges, which contributed to it becoming Marvel’s first film labeled as “Rotten” on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, the film reflected Zhao’s bold storytelling style, and it attracted significant attention both inside and outside the industry.
It was recently revealed that Zhao was nearly at the helm of 2020’s Black Widow, marking an alternative path she could have taken within the Marvel film universe. Instead, due to scheduling hurdles, Zhao shifted her focus to Eternals, bringing her signature style and creative influences to the cosmic epic.
Inspirations Behind Eternals: Storytelling and Mythology
During her journey across America, Zhao experienced a growing urge to tell stories that grapple with humanity, mythology, and the natural world. She stated,
Image of: Chloé Zhao
“For those 10 years when I was going around America and learning new ways of life and having a relationship with nature, there was something bubbling inside really intensely,”
Chloé Zhao, Filmmaker. She continued,
“The volcano reference erupted, and that was in the form of ‘Eternals.’ Because ‘Eternals’ at its heart is a story about a pantheon of gods having discussions about the nature of humanity.”
Chloé Zhao, Filmmaker.
Zhao emphasized how her previous work prepared her for Eternals, saying,
“And it was my way of trying to process all the questions I was having in those 10 years of making the first three films. Also, I love allegorical storytelling. I love mythology-building stories. I grew up in manga and anime. So it was amazing to be able to play in that world.”
Chloé Zhao, Filmmaker. These influences shaped her approach as a Marvel Studios director, blending myth, allegory, and cosmic scale.
Navigating the Marvel Universe: Opportunity and Choices
Zhao clarified that her involvement with Marvel Studios began with her proactive outreach, not the other way around. Kevin Feige, Marvel’s President, showed interest, but it was Zhao who initially made contact. She shared her perspective on Black Widow and Eternals, explaining,
“I went in at first for ‘Black Widow,’ and then there was a scheduling conflict. And then when Nate Moore, my producer for ‘Eternals,’ showed me the treatment, I went, Oh, wow,”
Chloé Zhao, Filmmaker. She added,
“I get to have all these immortals, like a Greek play, to discuss humanity. And then I get to create monsters and space gods, right? It probably should have scared me. I don’t know. I tend to jump before I know how to swim”
Chloé Zhao, Filmmaker.
Future Prospects for Zhao in the MCU
Despite the mixed reactions to Eternals, Zhao remains open to working within the Marvel Cinematic Universe once again. She remarked,
“I would, yeah. With the right story, if it chooses me.”
Chloé Zhao, Filmmaker. At the time of writing, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that Eternals 2 is not in development. The unanswered questions left at the end of Eternals persist, and with other films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars not taking up the story, fans may need patience, as was the case with unresolved MCU storylines in the past, such as the fate of The Leader after The Incredible Hulk.
Impact of Zhao’s Role Among Key Marvel Creators
The potential for Chloé Zhao to return as a Marvel Studios director, combined with input from collaborators like Nate Moore and Kevin Feige, demonstrates Marvel’s openness to unique creative voices. As the studio continues to attract directors with distinct backgrounds, Zhao’s journey from discussing Black Widow to crafting Eternals shows both the complexity and excitement within Marvel’s creative process. While Lia McHugh and other actors contributed to Eternals, the future of these characters is tied to Marvel’s direction for upcoming phases.
With fans eager for updates and the storylines left open by Eternals, Zhao’s passionate approach and innovative style will continue to shape discussions around the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As Marvel weighs its next steps for cosmic storytelling, the potential return of Chloé Zhao may be a development to watch.
