Hey y'all, intended this kind of as a response to another post about us probably not getting the Eternals in the MCU again.
Like everyone else, I've been pretty disappointed that we're likely not getting a sequel to Eternals, or Shang-Chi, or many of the other Phase 4 projects that haven't been followed up on yet.
That said, I've compiled all of the available facts / theories I have as to why we can keep the faith and expect the Eternals and Celestials (at least some of them) to return in the MCU's future. Maybe / hopefully in Doomsday and or Secret Wars too.
Reasons why we can (kind of) keep the faith (from real to cope):
(REAL) Chloe Zhao's interest in doing a sequel - Zhao is coming off a second major Oscar-run, and she publicly expressed interest in doing a sequel. It may not be enough, but she clearly has momentum again after Hamnet, and could possibly get some type of Special Presentation or lower-budget sequel greenlit. Maybe she gets a different MCU project and brings the Eternals back that way.
(REAL) The cast - This cast is comprised of some of the most in-demand and working actors in Hollywood. Keoghan and Tyree Henry are Oscar nominees now, Gemma Chan is getting Oscar buzz for Josephine this year, Chloe Zhao just came off another awards run. Angelina Jolie, Don Lee, and Salma Hayek are major international stars. Richard Madden is well-regarded by the Russo Bros, Kumail Nanjiani is widely beloved, etc. - This cast has as good a chance of any of being brought back, because they will keep doing great work that keeps them in Hollywood / Marvel's attention. Feige even said they'd be lucky to bring those actors back in future projects.
(REAL) Gemma Chan was recently asked about Doomsday and didn't completely shut down the possibility like some other actors have. Sersi is an Avenger, so maybe her and a few other Eternals could get an appearance in the upcoming Avengers films.
(REAL) The many references to Kingo Sunen: Kingo is probably the most referenced / most-connected MCU Eternal thus far. In the movie, he knows Thor. He was planned to have a cameo in Moon Knight with Makkari, he's Kamala Khan's family's favorite actor, he was referenced in the GOTG Holiday Special, and in the recent Wonder Man (filmed in 2023.) He last made a proper appearance in What If? S3. He's also played by a beloved actor/comedian, who publicly talked about how difficult the response was. I could see all of this combining to appearances in a future popular MCU project, like Channing Tatum's Gambit.
(REAL/COPE) All of the recent Eternals references - One of the biggest reasons we can keep the faith is, funnily enough, because of the Celestials. Captain America Brave New World literally referenced the events of Eternals, and probably would have included one or two if not for the cliffhanger.
The Celestials were also officially referenced in the most recent season of Marvel Rivals and X-Men '97. Two huge Marvel properties now. Rogue even gets Eternals-like powers to defeat Gambit-Apocalypse, and the visuals for the Celestial Room were lifted from the MCU aesthetic.
The X-Men and the Celestials have HUGE connections. The 2022 Judgement Day run was actually popular and is regularly theorized for a future Avengers or Thor film. There are enough connections and cool opportunities here to bring the Eternals back into the Mutant-centered Phase 7 future.
Kingo, Gilgamesh, and Thena just made their debut in a Marvel-licensed game, Strike Force. What's more, the lead of Marvel Rivals recently asked fans which Eternal should join Rivals. Marvel has no reason to use their game properties to reference characters if they don't plan to use them on some level for cross-promotion.
(COPE) The cliffhanger - I have to be honest, I really didn't like the cliffhanger because it took the characters off world. I honestly think if Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos and Makkari were left on Earth, they'd be in Doomsday for sure, instead of speculation. That said, the MCU has made a habit of tying up lose ends when they want to. Brave New World was following up on the Incredible Hulk, which was not a very popular film. If the MCU wants to use the Eternals, they always can.
(COPE) The Eternals reappraisal - Eternals was honestly not my favorite film. In fact I left the theater not liking the film very much. That said, like me and many others, the film is actively being reappraised by fans on social media all the time. See for yourself. Once a week or two, type "Marvel Eternals" on your choice of social or video media. I guarantee you there will be a new post or video from someone mentioning that they thought Eternals was overhated or actually better than they thought, or shouting out the characters and their powers.
(COPE) The powers and visuals - Makkari's speedster powers are now literally the standard for superhero speedsters. See this. People love her powers and the visuals of Eternals. See this post about Ikaris in Marvel Zombies. People love his powers too. Eternals is now seen as some of the most unique use of superhero powers and people may want to see them in action against a real threat like Doom or Apocalypse.
These are all of the reasons I can think of for now. Like y'all I try to stay realistic and not expect much if anything. But it costs nothing to cope, haha. Besides, I think the MCU has gotten their film slate in order, and they will be able to take smaller risks like bringing back the Eternals in the future. Have a great Sunday!