Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao is ready for round two with Marvel Studios. Despite a polarized reception to her superhero debut, the director recently confirmed she wants to dive back into the cosmic mythology of the Eternals to finish what she started. Her interest comes at a pivotal time when the studio is rethinking its creative strategy.
Chloé Zhao remains proud of the world she built and believes the story of the immortal protectors is far from over.
While critics were divided on her first outing, a dedicated fanbase continues to ask for a continuation of the massive cliffhangers left behind. The director views these superhero stories as the modern equivalent of ancient myths. She is eager to explore how those myths evolve in a changing world.
A Deep Desire to Return to Modern Myths
Chloé Zhao is not backing down from her artistic vision. In a recent discussion regarding her career trajectory following the Oscar-winning Nomadland, she expressed a genuine love for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She does not view the superhero genre as merely a commercial machine.
Zhao sees the MCU as a canvas for exploring timeless themes that reflect our current society.
“It is there for a reason, this kind of myth, and these MCU films are a modern version of that to me,” Zhao explained. Her approach to the first film was to ground god-like characters in natural landscapes. She wanted to make them feel human despite their immense power.
She added, “I would love to bring them back and have more discussion about the world we live in. I am really proud of it.”
This statement highlights her commitment to the characters. She spent years developing the visual language of the film. It is clear she feels a sense of ownership over the destinies of Sersi, Druig, and the rest of the team.
The director believes that the foundation laid in the first movie allows for deeper storytelling. The origin story is out of the way. A sequel could focus entirely on character dynamics and the consequences of defying a celestial god.
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The Hard Reality of Box Office Numbers
While the director’s passion is clear, the business side of Hollywood presents a major hurdle. The film industry is driven by data and profit margins. Eternals faced a steep uphill battle during its release in 2021.
The movie hit theaters while the world was still navigating the pandemic.
Eternals earned roughly $402 million at the worldwide box office against a massive production budget.
Studios typically need a film to earn two to three times its budget to be considered a clear success. The break-even point was high due to marketing costs. This performance has made Disney cautious about greenlighting a direct follow-up immediately.
The critical response also plays a significant role in this delay. The film holds a distinct, albeit unfortunate, record within the franchise.
Box Office and Critical Breakdown
| Metric | Performance Data | Impact on Sequel |
|---|---|---|
| Global Box Office | $402.2 Million | Considered an underperformance for Marvel standards. |
| Production Budget | $236–254 Million | High cost reduces the profit margin significantly. |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 47% Critic Score | The first “Rotten” score in MCU history creates hesitation. |
| Audience Score | 77% Audience Score | Shows a disconnect between critics and general viewers. |
These numbers create a conflict between artistic intent and corporate strategy. Disney CEO Bob Iger has recently stated a desire to focus on guaranteed hits and franchises. This shift in strategy puts risky projects like an Eternals sequel in jeopardy.
Unresolved Mysteries and Cliffhangers
The strongest argument for Zhao’s return lies in the narrative loose ends. The first film did not wrap up its story neatly. It left the universe in a precarious state that impacts the entire Marvel timeline.
Fans are desperate to know what happens next. The movie ended with three major plot points that demand resolution.
- The Judgment of Arishem: The Celestial Arishem kidnapped Sersi, Phastos, and Kingo. He vowed to judge humanity based on their memories. This is a world-ending threat that has not been mentioned since.
- Starfox and Pip the Troll: The post-credits scene introduced Harry Styles as Eros, the brother of Thanos. His introduction promised a search for the missing team members. Leaving a star of that magnitude unused is a waste of potential.
- ** The Ebony Blade:** Dane Whitman, played by Kit Harington, was about to pick up a cursed sword. The voice of Blade warned him against it. This setup teased a supernatural future that has yet to pay off.
Leaving these plot lines unfinished creates a massive hole in the continuity of the cinematic universe.
Zhao understands these story beats better than anyone. She helped craft the intricate lore that ties these characters to the creation of the universe. A new director might struggle to balance the heavy exposition with the established tone.
Fans argue that the characters deserve a second chance to shine without the burden of an origin story.
A Shift in Marvel Studios Strategy
The entertainment landscape has changed significantly since the first film premiered. Marvel Studios is currently reevaluating its slate of projects. They are moving away from producing a high volume of content.
Quality is taking precedence over quantity in the current phase of the MCU.
This shift could actually work in Zhao’s favor, or it could doom the project. On one hand, Marvel wants unique, director-driven voices to combat “superhero fatigue.” Zhao certainly offers a unique visual flair that stands out from the typical green-screen look.
On the other hand, the studio is risk-averse right now. Reports suggest that rather than a direct Eternals 2, these characters might return in other team-up movies. They could appear in future Avengers films or other cosmic stories.
However, Zhao’s recent comments suggest she is pushing for a specific sequel. She wants to continue the specific thematic discussion she started. She is not just interested in seeing the characters fight; she wants to explore their humanity.
If Marvel decides to take a risk, bringing back an Oscar winner to refine her vision could be a bold artistic statement.
It would show that the studio supports its filmmakers even when the initial reception is mixed. It allows for course correction rather than cancellation.
Chloé Zhao’s eagerness to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a testament to her belief in the story. While the box office data and critical reception paint a complicated picture, the unresolved plot threads and the director’s unique vision offer a compelling case for a sequel. The industry is watching to see if Marvel will bet on art or play it safe with established hits.
What do you think about Chloé Zhao returning for a sequel? Do you want to see the cliffhangers resolved in a second movie, or should the characters move to other franchises? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you are a fan of the team, use the hashtag #Eternals2 on social media to join the conversation!
