Video

Marvel Celebrates the Movies + First Look at ‘Eternals’

Published

05/04/2021

Marvel, like the rest of us, is dying to get back to the movies. Today the major studio released a sizzle reel featuring some of the MCU’s best moments; including Groot’s death, Tony and Peter reconnecting, and the first Avengers assemble. It was emotional, to say the least.

The video also gave fans first looks at some of Phase 4’s upcoming films, specifically “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and “Eternals.” Two weeks ago the trailer for Shang-Chi dropped, and this most recent reel only adds to the insurmountable hype around Marvel’s first Asian American title character. However, fans are arguably most excited for Chloé Zhao’s “Eternals,” and even the brief clips featured in the reel already have MCU Twitter in a frenzy.

But I will admit, the shots are extraordinary. Zhao, who just won Best Director and Best Picture for “Nomadland“, is hoping to make serious waves with her Marvel film. The director shot 80% of the film on location, which aligns with her own style of filmmaking, as evidenced in films like “Nomadland” and “The Rider.” However, most if not all Marvel blockbusters are filmed almost entirely in a green-screened studio. And it’s understandable, I imagine it’s pretty tricky to film on location in Wakanda or the planet Xandar.

Nevertheless, Zhao’s choice has surely paid off. The sizzle reel is filled with expansive wide shots of a staggeringly orange prairie; also featuring the loaded cast doing cool, Marvel things. Salma Hayek rides a horse. Kumail Nanjiani dramatically removes his sunglasses. Richard Madden’s jawline. This movie has everything!