The upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Eternals 2 is reportedly set to delve deeper into the cosmic side of the MCU, introducing fans to an exciting and dark storyline: the King in Black. Following the events of Eternals (2021), which introduced a group of immortal beings who have secretly protected Earth for millennia, the sequel is expected to expand on their story and explore the larger implications of their existence in the MCU.

What is Eternals 2: King in Black?

The King in Black storyline from the comics is centered around Knull, an ancient and powerful god of darkness who created the symbiotes, the same alien species that gave rise to Venom. In the comics, Knull poses a massive threat to the entire universe, wielding unimaginable power and seeking to plunge all of existence into darkness. While there hasn’t been an official confirmation of Knull’s presence in Eternals 2, the film’s connection to the King in Black storyline hints that this dark entity may be the next major villain to challenge the Eternals and the MCU’s cosmic heroes.

The Return of Kit Harington and Richard Madden

Eternals 2 will see the return of Kit Harington as Dane Whitman, also known as the Black Knight. In the post-credits scene of Eternals, Whitman was shown coming into possession of the Ebony Blade, a mystical sword with a dark legacy. This scene teased his transformation into the Black Knight, a key character in Marvel Comics with ties to Arthurian legend and the supernatural.

Richard Madden will also reprise his role as Ikaris, the powerful Eternal who faced a tragic fate at the end of the first film. Although Ikaris was believed to have perished after flying into the sun, there have been hints that his story might not be over. In the MCU, death is rarely final, and Ikaris could return in some form, especially with the multiverse and cosmic themes continuing to play a major role in future Marvel films.

Cosmic Stakes and the MCU’s Expansion

The Eternals franchise is expected to be a key part of the MCU’s ongoing exploration of cosmic and multiversal storylines. With Eternals 2: King in Black, fans may see connections to other cosmic characters and entities, such as the Celestials, Galactus, or even the Guardians of the Galaxy. The MCU is increasingly expanding beyond Earth-bound heroes, and the Eternals are likely to be at the center of this new frontier.

The King in Black storyline offers a chance to explore the darker side of the MCU, with themes of darkness, cosmic horror, and the battle between light and shadow. It also presents an opportunity to further connect the Eternals with the wider MCU, potentially setting the stage for crossovers with characters like Thor, Captain Marvel, or even the symbiote-related stories.

Teaser Speculation

While there hasn’t been an official teaser released for Eternals 2, fans are eagerly speculating about what a teaser might reveal. The potential involvement of Knull and the King in Black storyline could lead to some stunning visual sequences, with battles against dark forces in the depths of space. A teaser might also provide a glimpse of Kit Harington’s Black Knight in action, wielding the Ebony Blade against cosmic threats.

Richard Madden’s return as Ikaris could be another focal point, with fans curious about how the character might be resurrected or what his role will be in the larger story. With the MCU known for its surprises, a teaser for Eternals 2 could also introduce new characters or set up major events that will ripple throughout future Marvel films.

Release Date and Production

Eternals 2: King in Black is currently slated for a 2025 release. As with all MCU projects, details are closely guarded, but production is expected to begin soon, with Chloé Zhao potentially returning as director. Given the success of the first film, Marvel Studios will likely continue to give Zhao creative freedom to craft a visually stunning and thematically rich sequel.

In conclusion, Eternals 2: King in Black promises to be an ambitious entry in the MCU, with Kit Harington and Richard Madden returning to continue the story of the Eternals and introduce new cosmic threats. Fans of Marvel Comics and the MCU alike are eagerly awaiting more news and the eventual release of the first teaser for this highly anticipated sequel.