Chloé Zhao’s Marvel movie choices have attracted attention ever since she directed Eternals, released in 2021, marking her first major collaboration with the franchise. Despite the notable cast and high expectations, Eternals did not perform well at the box office or with critics, making her journey in the Marvel universe all the more curious.
Revelations of an Alternate Beginning
During a recent conversation with The Ringer, Zhao clarified that her introduction to Marvel could have taken a different course. Instead of Eternals, her first proposal from the studio was actually Black Widow, centering on Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff. However, a scheduling conflict prevented her involvement in that project.
“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. 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
Zhao’s Unique Perspective on Storytelling
Chloé Zhao reflected on her initial reaction to the Marvel offer, expressing that while the scale of Eternals might have seemed daunting, she was not daunted by the challenge. Instead, she embraced the opportunity to experiment with complex themes and characters.
“It probably should have scared me. I don’t know. I tend to jump before I know how to swim.”
—Chloé Zhao, Director
Zhao explained that the chance to delve into the world of immortals, monsters, and gods resonated with her more deeply than Black Widow’s established backstory. The interplay between mythology and humanity offered something particularly appealing, akin to a Greek tragedy unfolding on screen. She found greater creative freedom in exploring the relationships between powerful beings discussing the nature of humanity.
Influences and Creative Direction
The director mentioned her personal journey across America, drawing inspiration from various lifestyles and a sustained relationship with nature. This prolonged period of learning and exploration contributed significantly to her passion for the themes underpinning Eternals.
“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
“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
The Road Ahead for Zhao’s Marvel Characters
While Eternals introduced a host of new characters and ideas to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, these immortals and their stories have yet to be fully integrated into ongoing MCU narratives. For now, their presence exists mostly as references or brief acknowledgements, leaving many fans and observers hoping that Chloé Zhao’s creations will see further exploration in future Marvel stories.
