3 New Things That Marvel's New Universe Offers In Eternals

Gemma Chan at the broadcast of Eternals (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The film Eternals brings new things to the Marvel universe. The film hits US theaters Friday after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stars actors from around the world, from Mexico, the US, the UK, Ireland, South Korea, Lebanon and India.

Eternals tells the story of 10 eternal aliens who are separated and finally meet to face creatures called Deviantes.

Filmmakers and cast say it's only natural that Eternals represents many walks of life.

"These characters have been around since the dawn of civilization so of course they have to represent the beauty of humanity. It feels natural," said Asian-British actress Gemma Chan, who plays Sersi, Eternal who works at a museum in London.

There are several new things offered in this film. Curious? Here's the list.

1. TuliEternal heroes offer imperfect heroes, different from the appearance of super heroes so far. This superhero is deaf. Lauren Ridloff, who plays Makkari, the first deaf superhero in a Marvel film, said she believes moviegoers are more used to the variety of characters on screen.

"We've gone through the Black Lives Matter movement. We've discussed what representation really means, what inclusiveness means," he said in American sign language. "The timing is perfect," he said, quoted from ANTARA, Tuesday, November 3.

2. Beautiful Diversity Angelina Jolie, who plays Thena, hopes that the diversity offered in this film can be welcomed by the audience. "Diversity should start to become a normal thing and it should be like that from the beginning," he hoped.

"I hope people who see this film years later think this is not diversity, but it's normal and the right thing," Jolie told Reuters on the red carpet.

This diversity arises from players who come from various countries. Other cast members include Pakistani-American actor Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Marvel's first South Asian superhero, and Mexico-born Salma Hayek as Ajak, the leader of the Eternals.

3. Gay Couple's First Kiss There is a gay kiss scene in this film. When Brian Tyree Henry, who plays Phastos, a gay character, kisses his partner as they fear the world will end, the audience at the premiere cheered and applauded.

"It was very emotional and you could feel it," said Chinese-born director Chloe Zhao, who won this year's Oscar for "Nomadland".

"It's not just a physical kiss. They have strong feelings for each other and are not afraid to show it," said the director of Eternals.