Eternals 2024: Release Date, Cast, Plot, Trailer & Everything We Know

Marvel’s *Eternals* (2021) divided fans with its ambitious scope, stunning visuals, and a star-studded ensemble cast. Despite mixed reviews, the film introduced a fascinating new corner of the MCU—one that spans millennia and ties into the larger cosmic mythology. Now, with *Eternals 2* officially in development, Marvel is doubling down on these ancient, godlike beings.

Will the sequel fix the first film’s pacing issues? How will it connect to *The Eternals* TV series (reportedly in the works)? And most importantly—when can we expect it? Here’s everything we know so far about *Eternals 2*, including the latest news, cast updates, plot theories, and potential release dates.

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Eternals 2 Release Date: When Is It Coming?

As of mid-2024, Marvel Studios has not officially announced a release date for *Eternals 2*. However, based on MCU Phase 5 and 6 scheduling, industry insider reports, and Marvel’s typical production timeline, we can make some educated guesses.

Possible Release Windows

  • Late 2025: The most likely scenario. Marvel has several slots open in 2025, and *Eternals 2* could fit into the latter half of the year (November or December), following *Avengers: The Kang Dynasty*.
  • Early 2026: If production faces delays (common in the MCU post-pandemic), the film might shift to February or May 2026.
  • 2027: Unlikely, but possible if Marvel prioritizes other projects like *Fantastic Four* or *Avengers: Secret Wars*.

Why the Delay?

Several factors contribute to the lack of a confirmed date:

  • Script Rewrites: The first film received criticism for its pacing and character arcs. Marvel is likely refining the sequel’s story to avoid similar issues.
  • Strike Impact: The 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes halted many MCU projects, including *Eternals 2* pre-production.
  • MCU Phase 5 Shifts: *Blade* and *Deadpool 3* have taken precedence, pushing other films back.
  • Director Search: Chloe Zhao (*Nomadland*) directed the first film but has not been confirmed for the sequel. Marvel may be searching for a new visionary director.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel is aiming for a 2025 release, but fans should expect official confirmation at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 or Disney’s D23 Expo.

Confirmed & Rumored Cast Members

The original *Eternals* ensemble was one of its biggest strengths, featuring A-list actors like Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and Kumail Nanjiani. Here’s who we expect (and hope) to return:

Confirmed Returning Cast

  • Gemma Chan as Sersi – The heart of the team and a fan-favorite. Chan has expressed enthusiasm for returning.
  • Richard Madden as Ikaris – Despite his controversial actions in the first film, Madden’s contract suggests he’ll be back.
  • Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo – The Bollywood-loving Eternal is confirmed to return, with Nanjiani teasing more screen time.
  • Lia McHugh as Sprite – Her emotional arc in the first film sets up a major role in the sequel.
  • Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos – The tech genius and first openly gay superhero in the MCU will likely play a key role.
  • Lauren Ridloff as Makkari – The speedster’s powers were underutilized in the first film; expect more action in the sequel.
  • Barry Keoghan as Druig – His morally ambiguous character has major potential for expansion.

Uncertain Returns

  • Angelina Jolie as Thena – Jolie’s involvement is unconfirmed, but her character’s struggle with Mahd Wy’ry (the "Madness") could be explored further.
  • Salma Hayek as Ajak – Given her character’s fate in the first film, a return would require a flashback or resurrection plot.
  • Don Lee as Gilgamesh – Another casualty of the first film; his return would likely be via flashbacks or multiverse shenanigans.

New Additions & Rumored Cast

  • Harry Styles as Eros/Starfox – Post-credits scene tease! Eros, Thanos’ brother, could join the team, and Styles has expressed interest.
  • Pattyn Omar as Kane – A new Eternal introduced in the comics, possibly as a villain or ally.
  • Kit Harington as Dane Whitman (Black Knight) – After his cameo in *Eternals*, Harington’s Black Knight is rumored to appear in the sequel, wielding the Ebony Blade.
  • Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee) as a New Character – If Gilgamesh doesn’t return, Lee could play another role in the MCU.

Marvel is also rumored to be eyeing a major A-list actor for the villain role (more on that below).

Plot Details: What Will Eternals 2 Be About?

The first *Eternals* film ended with several major cliffhangers:

  • The Eternals split up after the Celestial Tiamut’s emergence.
  • Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos leave to find other Eternals.
  • Eros (Starfox) arrives on Earth, hinting at a larger cosmic conflict.
  • Dane Whitman nearly unleashes the Ebony Blade’s curse.
  • The post-credits scene teases a new team of Eternals arriving on Earth.

Potential Storylines

1. The Search for the Missing Eternals

The sequel could follow Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos as they track down other Eternals scattered across the globe (or universe). This could introduce new characters like:

  • Thena’s daughter, Azura (from the comics).
  • The Eternals of Titan (Thanos’ homeworld).
  • The Deviants’ return—now led by a new, more dangerous leader.

2. The Celestial War

The first film revealed that Celestials are born from the energy of populated planets. With Tiamut’s emergence, other Celestials may take notice, leading to:

  • A war between Celestials, with Earth as the battleground.
  • The Eternals forced to choose sides—do they protect Earth or serve their creators?
  • Possible ties to *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* and the High Evolutionary’s experiments.

3. Eros & the Cosmic Hierarchy

Eros (Starfox) is Thanos’ brother and a key player in Marvel’s cosmic lore. His appearance could lead to:

  • A deeper exploration of the Eternals’ origins and their connection to the Titans (Thanos’ race).
  • A conflict with the Church of Universal Truth (a cosmic cult that worships the Celestials).
  • A team-up with the Guardians of the Galaxy or Nova Corps.

4. The Ebony Blade & Dane Whitman’s Dark Turn

Dane Whitman’s post-credits scene hinted at the Black Knight’s curse. The sequel could explore:

  • Whitman’s struggle with the blade’s corruption.
  • A connection to Merlin and the Darkhold (tying into *Doctor Strange* lore).
  • A potential villain turn or alliance with the Eternals.

5. The Multiverse & Secret Wars Setup

With *Avengers: Secret Wars* on the horizon, *Eternals 2* could introduce:

  • An alternate universe where the Eternals never left Earth.
  • A crossover with the *Fantastic Four* (who have their own ties to Celestials).
  • A reality where the Deviants won the ancient war.

Comic Book Inspirations

Marvel could draw from several key storylines:

  • *The Celestial Saga* – A war between Eternals and Celestials.
  • *Eternals: The Herod Factor* – Introduces a new generation of Eternals.
  • *Infinity Wars* – Eros and the cosmic hierarchy play major roles.
  • *The Uncanny Eternals* – Explores the team’s darker side.

Who Is the Main Villain?

The first film’s villain, the Deviants, were underwhelming for many fans. Marvel will likely introduce a more formidable antagonist in the sequel. Here are the top contenders:

1. Kro (The Deviant Leader)

While the Deviants were defeated, their leader Kro (a major comic book villain) could return with a vengeance. In the comics, Kro is:

  • A genius strategist who nearly wiped out the Eternals.
  • Capable of evolving into new, deadlier forms.
  • Possibly connected to the Dreaming Celestial (a dormant Celestial buried in the Andes).

2. The Dreaming Celestial

A dormant Celestial buried in South America, the Dreaming Celestial has influenced human history for centuries. If awakened, it could:

  • Manipulate reality through dreams (tying into *Doctor Strange* lore).
  • Force the Eternals to choose between stopping it or letting it reshape Earth.
  • Connect to the Inhumans (another Marvel property in limbo).

3. The Church of Universal Truth

A fanatical cult that worships the Celestials, led by the Priest. They believe in the "cleansing" of impure worlds, which could put them at odds with the Eternals. This faction:

  • Could be led by a major actor (rumors suggest Javier Bardem or Mads Mikkelsen).
  • Might ally with the Deviants to eliminate the Eternals.
  • Could tie into *Guardians of the Galaxy*’s cosmic religion themes.

4. A Corrupted Eternal

One of the Eternals could turn villainous, similar to Ikaris’ betrayal in the first film. Potential candidates:

  • Druig – His ruthless methods could push him over the edge.
  • Thena – If her Mahd Wy’ry returns, she could become a threat.
  • Sprite – Her resentment toward humans might boil over.

5. Kang the Conqueror (Indirect Role)

While Kang is the overarching villain of Phase 5, *Eternals 2* could explore:

  • A variant of Kang who manipulated the Celestials in another timeline.
  • The Eternals being used as weapons in Kang’s multiversal war.
  • A connection to the TVA (Time Variance Authority) and their Celestial origins.

How Eternals 2 Connects to the MCU (Kang, Thanos, & More)

The Eternals are deeply tied to Marvel’s cosmic mythology, meaning *Eternals 2* will likely connect to multiple MCU phases. Here’s how:

1. The Celestials & the Infinity Stones

  • The Celestials created the Infinity Stones in the comics. The sequel could reveal their true origins.
  • Thanos’ quest for the Stones might have been influenced by Celestial prophecy.
  • The Soul Stone’s connection to Vormir (where Thanos sacrificed Gamora) could be explored.

2. Thanos & the Titans

  • Eros (Starfox) is Thanos’ brother, meaning the sequel could delve into their dysfunctional family history.
  • The Eternals of Titan (Thanos’ homeworld) might appear, revealing why they didn’t stop him.
  • A flashback to the original war between Eternals and Deviants on Titan.

3. The TVA & Kang the Conqueror

  • The TVA’s judges are Celestial-like beings in the comics. *Eternals 2* could reveal their true nature.

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