Chloé Zhao’s Marvel directorial journey nearly began with a different film: before helming Eternals, she was first considered for Black Widow, a shift that could have impacted the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s direction after Endgame. Zhao shared these insights about her involvement with the franchise and her thoughts on Eternals while speaking on The Ringer, offering a rare look at how key decisions shaped recent Marvel projects.
Zhao’s Introduction to the Marvel Universe
When Marvel Studios approached Chloé Zhao, the intention was initially for her to direct Black Widow, the 2021 prequel centered on Scarlett Johansson‘s portrayal of Natasha Romanoff. However, Zhao explained,
“I went in at first for Black Widow, and then there was a scheduling conflict,”
— Chloé Zhao, Director. Due to these calendar issues, she did not end up on the Black Widow project.
Instead, Zhao became closely involved with Eternals after producer Nate Moore shared the treatment with her. Recalling that moment, she said,
“And then when Nate Moore, my producer for Eternals, showed me the treatment, I went, ‘Oh, wow. 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?’”
— Chloé Zhao, Director. This expansive concept resonated deeply with her creative vision.
Why Eternals Held Special Appeal for Zhao
Chloé Zhao found herself drawn more to the grand, cosmic narrative of Eternals than to the individual origin story of Natasha Romanoff. She shared her motivation, referencing her experiences traveling around America, saying,
“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, Director. It was these years that influenced her approach to storytelling on such a sprawling scale.
Zhao elaborated,
“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, Director. She embraced the daunting challenge, further admitting,
“It probably should have scared me. I don’t know. I tend to jump before I know how to swim.”
— Chloé Zhao, Director. The opportunity to explore topics of gods, immortals, and humanity ultimately persuaded Zhao to direct Eternals.
The Aftermath of Eternals and Changing MCU Trajectories
Despite high expectations and a cast led by stars such as Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek, Eternals received a mixed response, with the film standing at 47% on Rotten Tomatoes. While the MCU had previously enjoyed tremendous critical and audience acclaim, this entry marked a turning point, leaving fans debating its place in the franchise and the effectiveness of introducing a new team of heroes after the original group’s conclusion in Endgame.
Kingo, portrayed by Kumail Nanjiani, has been the only character from Eternals to make a reappearance since the film’s release. Nanjiani noted that there had been plans for him to participate in several more movies and even a video game, but these did not come to fruition. The Eternals, as gods among humans, seem to have faded into the background of the Marvel universe, especially in the wake of new arrivals like Doctor Doom and anticipation for the X-Men’s inclusion in the MCU.
Looking Ahead for Zhao and Marvel
Chloé Zhao’s Marvel directorial journey remains significant not just for the films she directed, but for the thought processes and artistic decisions behind them. Her preference for Eternals over Black Widow, shaped by her experiences and fascination with broader philosophical themes, illustrates the complex choices directors face within expansive franchises like the MCU. As Marvel continues introducing new characters and teams, Zhao’s vision and the reception to Eternals are likely to influence future creative directions and discussions among both filmmakers and fans.
