Chloé Zhao, now widely praised for her film adaptation of Hamnet starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, previously directed Marvel’s 2021 release Eternals. Despite having access to a nearly unlimited budget, Zhao revealed that Eternals was not initially a major priority for Marvel Studios. Her passion and unique vision ultimately led to the film’s creation and shaped its distinct placement within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Marvel’s Hesitation and the Search for the Right Filmmaker
The Eternals story delves deep into cosmic aspects far beyond the scope of the Infinity Saga, drawing from a complex comic book lineage. However, Marvel was cautious about moving forward with this particular IP. Zhao explained that:
“Eternals was not like high on [Marvel’s] priority list. Because it’s a quite unique IP. It’s on their list of potential — with Marvel, they very much need to find the right filmmaker before they say, ‘That’s the IP we’re going to go for,’ at least at that time.”
The studio deliberately put the project on hold until a director with the appropriate creative vision emerged. This meant the film could have been shelved indefinitely, but Zhao’s attachment changed that dynamic.
Kevin Feige’s Confidence in Zhao’s Vision
At the time of Zhao’s involvement, she had not yet achieved the critical acclaim that later followed with Nomadland. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige chose Zhao based on her earlier work, especially the film The Rider. According to Zhao, Feige said:
“I remember, at some point, Kevin said to me – it was one of those talks – and he said, ‘You know why I chose you to do Eternals? Because I watched The Rider…’ When he said that to me, I hadn’t even done Nomadland yet. And he said, ‘And I know that no one told you to make that film. Literally, no one in the world was interested in it or told you to do it, but you wanted to do it.’ And I go, ‘OK.’ [It’s like] ‘She has that passion, and that’s how you feel about Eternals, and I’m gonna trust that.’”
This endorsement highlighted Zhao’s dedication to projects she is truly passionate about, a quality Feige felt suited the ambitious and unfamiliar territory that Eternals represented.
A Vision Inspired by Ancient Drama and Cosmic Themes
Upon encountering the Eternals concept, Zhao imagined it unfolding like a Greek tragedy, where immortal beings engage in profound discussions about human nature through their divine relationships. She described it as feeling electrified by this idea:
“Greek play, where gods get to discuss everything about human nature, based on their own relationship,”
This theatrical and philosophical approach influenced the film’s tone, adding depth beyond typical superhero narratives.
Distinct Style and Challenges of the Eternals Production
Zhao’s influence is evident throughout Eternals, making it visually and thematically unique among MCU films. The movie was largely shot on location with natural lighting, contrasting sharply with the soundstage and green screen-heavy shoots common to Marvel productions. The storyline features an expansive cast including Richard Madden, Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, and Angelina Jolie, reflecting the vast mythos Zhao sought to portray.
Yet, the film struggled under the weight of introducing too many characters, resulting in a lengthy runtime that some found exhausting. Despite these challenges, Zhao’s signature directorial style is unmistakable and infuses the film with sincerity and artistry.
The Impact of Eternals on Zhao’s Career and Future Projects
After releasing Eternals, Zhao took a four-year break from filmmaking, but her creative energy remained strong. Her intense commitment to storytelling is likely a driving factor behind Hamnet receiving eight Academy Award nominations this year. Zhao’s influence extends beyond feature films; she also played a key role in bringing Sarah Michelle Gellar aboard for the upcoming Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival.
What Lies Ahead for Eternals and Zhao’s MCU Journey
The future of the Eternals franchise is uncertain. Marvel appears conflicted about pursuing a sequel, especially given the cliffhanger involving the character Eros. As the MCU accelerates towards new projects centered on Avengers: Doomsday, the possibility of Zhao returning to Marvel remains open. Fans and critics alike anticipate whether she will helm another Marvel production or explore new creative avenues. Regardless, any film directed by Chloé Zhao continues to be a highly anticipated event.
