Marvel Shelves ‘Eternals 2’, Leaving LGBTQ Storyline in Limbo

Marvel fans, brace yourselves—reports suggest that Eternals 2 is not happening anytime soon. Despite the buzz surrounding the possible continuation of this Phase 4 film, a new report from Variety claims that the sequel is not in development at Marvel Studios. This news has hit fans hard, especially after the recent Brave New World trailer […] The post Marvel Shelves ‘Eternals 2’, Leaving LGBTQ Storyline in Limbo appeared first on Gayety.

Mark

Aug 18, 2024 - 20:00

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Marvel Shelves ‘Eternals 2’, Leaving LGBTQ Storyline in Limbo

Marvel fans, brace yourselves—reports suggest that Eternals 2 is not happening anytime soon. Despite the buzz surrounding the possible continuation of this Phase 4 film, a new report from Variety claims that the sequel is not in development at Marvel Studios. This news has hit fans hard, especially after the recent Brave New World trailer hinted at a connection to the original Eternals film.

**The End of Eternals?**

Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, Eternals introduced us to Earth’s first immortal superheroes. The film, which grossed over $400 million worldwide, promised the return of these cosmic characters, leaving fans eager for more. However, it seems that Marvel has decided to put a hold on the sequel, despite the tease in Brave New World where Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) is seen zooming past Tiamut, the giant Celestial still sticking out of the ocean.

This news is particularly surprising given the importance of Eternals in expanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With a diverse cast and the introduction of the MCU’s first LGBTQ superhero, Phastos (played by Brian Tyree Henry), Eternals made significant strides in representation. But with no sequel on the horizon, fans are left wondering what will happen to these beloved characters.

And no Harry Styles? Sorry, I’m devastated.

A Shifting Marvel Landscape

While the Variety report claims Eternals 2 isn’t in development, it’s important to remember that this isn’t set in stone. Marvel Studios could still have plans for the Eternals, whether in their own film or through other crossover projects. The MCU is undergoing significant changes, especially with the rumored return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and the restructuring after Jonathan Majors’ departure.

There’s hope that the Eternals story is simply on pause as Marvel figures out its next steps. The franchise has a lot of potential, and fans are eager to see how these characters will fit into the ever-evolving MCU.

A Legacy of Representation

One of the standout achievements of Eternals was its groundbreaking LGBTQ representation. Phastos, a key character in the film, is shown living with his husband Ben (Haaz Sleiman) and their son, marking a significant moment in superhero cinema. The film even features an onscreen kiss between Phastos and Ben, a first for the MCU.

This representation wasn’t without controversy—Eternals faced bans in several countries due to its portrayal of a same-sex couple. Despite this, Marvel stood firm, refusing to edit out these important scenes. Haaz Sleiman praised Disney’s decision, stating, “They stood their ground and said, ‘Nope, we are not going to compromise the integrity of our film.’”

With Eternals not moving forward, it’s unclear how Marvel will continue to expand LGBTQ representation in the MCU. However, with characters like America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Valkyrie in Thor: Love and Thunder, the future still looks promising.