After the mixed reception of the 2021 Eternals film, Marvel Studios is gearing up for a sequel that is set to raise the stakes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Titled Eternals 2: King in Black, the film teases a darker, more cosmic storyline that promises to tie the characters to significant events in the MCU, particularly with the introduction of the King in Black storyline from the comics.

Plot and Themes

Eternals 2 is expected to explore the fallout from the first film, where the Eternals’ actions on Earth have attracted the attention of the Celestials, leading to a conflict that could have galaxy-wide consequences. However, the real threat appears to come from Knull, the God of Symbiotes and the central antagonist in the King in Black comic arc. Knull’s invasion of Earth could provide a thrilling backdrop for the Eternals to unite once again, with the possibility of including other MCU characters to battle this cosmic threat.

Cast

The film will bring back much of the original cast, including:

• Richard Madden as Ikaris (speculation suggests a possible resurrection after his dramatic exit in the first film)
• Gemma Chan as Sersi
• Kit Harington as Dane Whitman/Black Knight
• Angelina Jolie as Thena
• Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo
• Salma Hayek as Ajak (likely in flashbacks or visions)
• Barry Keoghan as Druig

Kit Harington’s Dane Whitman is expected to have a more prominent role, with his transformation into the Black Knight potentially linking him to Knull’s storyline, as his mystical Ebony Blade could hold significance against the symbiote god.

The teaser for Eternals 2: King in Black dropped hints of a looming cosmic war, with shots of the dark symbiote forces invading Earth. Fans were excited to see Richard Madden’s Ikaris in what appears to be an otherworldly resurrection, while Kit Harington’s Black Knight prepares to wield his blade against the incoming threat. The teaser also gives glimpses of the vast cosmic landscapes that were praised in the first Eternals film, showcasing Chloé Zhao’s signature visual style.

While Chloé Zhao returns to helm the sequel, Marvel Studios seems to be setting a more action-packed and darker tone for Eternals 2. The film is expected to dive deeper into the cosmic mythology of the MCU, while also bridging storylines from other Marvel films, including the ongoing multiverse saga.

Marvel Studios has yet to release a full plot synopsis, but the anticipation is building, especially with fans eager to see how the King in Black storyline will play out on the big screen. Given that this storyline is one of the more recent and well-received comic arcs, it opens up opportunities for future crossovers involving characters like Venom, Spider-Man, and even the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Eternals 2: King in Black is slated for release in 2025. Marvel Studios is expected to release more information in the coming months, including a full trailer that will likely showcase more of the film’s ambitious action scenes and character arcs.

As the MCU continues to expand its cosmic storytelling, Eternals 2: King in Black promises to be a key chapter in Phase 5, intertwining the destinies of the Eternals, the Celestials, and the dark forces threatening Earth.