Eternals Director Teases Major Impact on the Avengers Universe's Future

Eternals has been rumored to include numerous worldbuilding elements in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, such as referencing the sinking of Atlantis and, of course, the Celestials themselves. The Celestials are god-like beings who, in the comics, developed the X-Gene that would eventually give rise to mutants.

This is not to mention the latest trailer, which has far greater implications than some fans may realize, as it pertains to the comics. 

Even Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will open doors in the future of the MCU, and the same is the case for Eternals according to its director.

Eternals Will Have "Big Effect" on MCU Future

Marvel

In an interview with GamesRadar via Total Film, Eternals director Chloé Zhao said that "I think we stand alone as a film for sure," but that while the film itself is standalone, its impact on the greater MCU will be felt.

Zhao said that Eternals "will have a very big effect on the future of the MCU," specifically with what happens in it:

"But I do think we will have a very big effect on the future of the MCU with what happens in this film. Which, you know, as a fan, is really satisfying for me! I geek out."

Actors were not keen on expanding on what Zhao meant, with Ikaris actor Richard Madden jokingly deflecting, "The Marvel snipers will take me out if I say anything."

How Much Impact Will Eternals Have?

There are an endless number of characters, locations, and events that Eternals could set up for future films in the MCU, the biggest being the introduction and origin of the X-gene. It might not be stated outright in the film, but mentioning how the Celestials did genetic engineering on early-man like in the comics would be crucial.

The MCU is also expanding on Earth's ancient history, potentially referencing the sinking of Atlantis by the Celestials. This is something that would be relevant in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which will have the live-action debut of Namor the Submariner.

Additionally, the Celestials will be the first cosmic beings introduced in the MCU proper and not just remain Easter eggs for fans. The Celestials have an otherworldly presence and influence upon the universe that is terrifying in scope that the film should hopefully convey.

Fans will see how much impact Eternals has on the future of the MCU when they see it in theaters on November 5, 2021.