Three years after their divisive debut in the MCU, Marvel has finally brought the ‘Eternals’ back into focus. However, instead of giving the team the redemption arc many fans had hoped for, their latest appearance in ‘What If…?’ Season 3 feels more like an insult to the cosmic superheroes.
Marvel appears to be acknowledging the Eternals’ place in the larger MCU storyline, but at the same time are reducing their significance in a way that’s hard to ignore.
‘Eternals’: Long Absence And Unfulfilled Potential In The MCU
When ‘Eternals’ hit theaters in 2021, it was met with mixed reactions. Critics and audiences praised its stunning visuals and star cast. Yet many felt it struggled to balance its ensemble cast and dense mythology. However, the film did introduce some fascinating new concepts to the MCU.
From the Celestials’ cosmic influence to the earth-shaking Emergence it had a lot of lore. Additionally, the cliffhanger ending only added to the intrigue. Half of the team departed with Arishem the Judge to determine Earth’s fate, while the other half ventured into space alongside Starfox (Thanos‘ brother).
This set up countless potential storylines. However, despite these teases, the ‘Eternals’ have been conspicuously absent from the MCU for three years. Moreover, the appearance of Tiamut’s stone body in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ was also an exciting development.
It suggested Marvel hadn’t completely forgotten about the Eternals and their universe-altering actions. However, hopes of seeing the team reclaim their relevance were dashed with their recent treatment in ‘What If…?.’
The ‘Eternals’ Were Reduced To A Punchline In ‘What If…?’
The second episode of ‘What If…?’ Season 3 brings the Eternals back into the fold. Additionally, its main focus is on Kingo’s attempt to stop Arishem from destroying Earth. On paper, this sounds like a promising return. However, the episode takes a disheartening turn when it reveals that Agatha Harkness has already defeated the rest of the Eternals off-screen and stolen their powers.
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This narrative choice was clearly humiliating the cosmic beings. Additionally, not only does it sideline most of the team, but it also diminishes their stature as Celestials beings. Marvel essentially writo them off as disposable obstacles for Agatha to overcome.
To make matters worse, another ‘What If…?‘ episode later in the season revisits the concept of the Emergence. Moreover, this time it imagines what would have happened if Tiamut had successfully emerged, destroying Earth in the process. While this premise offers a darker take on the Eternals’ mythology, it once again frames their story as a backdrop.
