When Chloé Zhao joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she entered with a project that was far from a top priority for Marvel Studios. In a recent interview, the Oscar-winning director shared that Chloé Zhao Marvel Eternals wasn’t an urgent or highly anticipated venture for the studio before she became involved.
Zhao described how the film was more of a distant idea than a firm plan. Marvel was hesitant to push forward with the cosmic-themed story because it was a significant departure from their typical superhero films, making it a unique and riskier intellectual property for them to develop.
Marvel’s Initial Hesitation on Producing Eternals
The filmmaker explained,
Eternals was not high on their priority list because it’s a quite unique IP and it [was] only on their list of potential players.
She continued,
You know, with Marvel, it’s very much a thing to find the right filmmaker before they say, ‘That’s the IP we’re gonna go for.’
This highlights how Marvel’s approach depends heavily on matching the right director to a project before committing fully.
Marvel Studios was navigating a difficult period during the pandemic, following a blockbuster year in 2019 capped by Avengers: Endgame. The unusual and philosophical storyline of immortal beings wrestling with deep questions about existence was not perceived as something the studio needed to rush to produce amid such circumstances.
How Zhao’s Enthusiasm Changed Marvel’s Approach
The dynamic shifted once Zhao became involved, as her passion for the script made a strong impression, especially on Marvel president Kevin Feige. Zhao recalled Feige’s remark,
Literally no one in the world was interested in it or told you to do it, but you wanted to do it.
This indicates that Zhao’s commitment played a crucial role in advancing the project.
Although Zhao jokingly contested Feige’s claim that “no one in the world” showed interest, she acknowledged that many filmmakers would have been eager to explore the film’s themes, particularly the lore involving the Celestials, a cosmic force that the movie only lightly touched upon.
A Distinctive Tone and Story in the Marvel Universe
Eternals stands apart within the MCU by emphasizing elements of ancient history, Greek mythology, and the struggles of immortal warriors confronting their connection to humanity. The story follows a hidden society of immortal aliens living on Earth for millennia who are forced to intervene when their ancient enemies, the Deviants, threaten the world.
Zhao shared how the script’s depth grabbed her attention from the start. She described feeling “electrified” upon reading it, stating,
I was given a Greek play where gods get to discuss everything about human nature based on their own relationship.
This theatrical and introspective approach contributed to the film’s more reflective and somber tone compared to other Marvel entries.
Mixed Reception and Impact on the MCU
Despite the distinct vision, Eternals received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, and it remains one of the MCU’s more controversial films. The movie holds a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many viewers feeling the story and character development missed the mark.
Zhao’s Previous Marvel Consideration and Career Development
Before directing Eternals, Zhao was also considered for Marvel’s Black Widow but clarified the situation herself. She explained,
Let me set the record straight. It doesn’t mean I had a job. I was in the running,
and added,
But it didn’t feel like the right story for me, so I pulled myself out [of contention].
In the years since Eternals, Zhao’s career has evolved significantly. She is currently receiving recognition during awards season for her 2025 adaptation of Hamnet, which earned eight Oscar nominations, including Best Director. Although it remains uncertain if Marvel will collaborate with her again, her involvement with Eternals has unquestionably left a lasting impression on the franchise.
