Marvel Studios has previously hinted that a sequel to Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao’s “Eternals” is on the way but, much like the “Shang Chi” sequel, they haven’t really discussed it beyond mere talk.
That’s somewhat understandable. What had hoped to be a fresh new direction for the MCU ended up being the worst-reviewed Marvel Studios film to date. It was the first MCU movie to earn a rotten score at Rotten Tomatoes – along with underwhelming at the box-office.
It makes the prospect of any sequel, especially now as both Disney and Marvel appear to be reigning in the overly ambitious timeline of their film and series slate, rather dicey.
Zhao didn’t exactly clear up matters this weekend whilst attending Johnnie Walker’s red carpet event for the 16th Annual Women In Film Oscar Party. Asked by THR if she would be interested in directing an MCU Eternals sequel, she responded: “no comment” and wouldn’t elaborate.
She did talk about her motivation to direct a Marvel movie though, saying:
“When you’re in Marvel and when you’re dealing with an audience that big, I truly treasure and respect that each of us is so unique. It’s exciting that we’re all so different, and we’re all changing and growing every day. But with a global audience, it’s almost impossible to make everybody perfectly happy, and to do that is to say that everyone is the same.
So I think there’s inevitably going to be that [difference of opinion], and you just have to stay true to the kind of film you want to make and who you are and the people you’re collaborating with. That’s all you can do, really, and have a good time. Everything else is out of your control.”
That would suggest she isn’t interested in a potential direct sequel, and should the characters pop up elsewhere in the MCU they would be under the helm of someone else. Zhao also confirmed she’s currently writing the script for her sci-fi western take on “Dracula” for Universal Pictures.
