Full Breakdown
Chloé Zhao's Marvel Journey: From Black Widow to Eternals
12/1/2025, 5:08:12 PM
The Transition from Black Widow to Eternals
Chloé Zhao, the Oscar-winning director, was initially approached by Marvel Studios to direct the 2021 film *Black Widow*. However, due to a scheduling conflict, she ultimately took on the project *Eternals*. In a discussion with *The Ringer*, Zhao expressed her excitement about *Eternals*, stating, “I get to have all these immortals, like a Greek play, to discuss humanity. And then I get to create monsters and space gods, right?” This shift in focus allowed her to explore themes of humanity through a pantheon of gods, a narrative she found more compelling than the backstory of Natasha Romanoff, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson.
Reception of Eternals
Despite the high expectations surrounding *Eternals*, the film received a lukewarm reception, holding a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics and audiences alike noted that the film did not resonate as intended, leading to discussions about its impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Zhao's vision, while ambitious, did not translate into the success that Marvel had hoped for, and since its release, there has been little development regarding the characters introduced, with only Kumail Nanjiani's Kingo returning in subsequent projects.
The Legacy of Black Widow
*Black Widow*, released in 2021, was significant for the MCU, introducing key characters such as Yelena Belova and Alexei Shostakov, who later appeared in *Thunderbolts*. The film's narrative was crucial in expanding the MCU's foundation, particularly for the character of Black Widow, who had been a staple since the franchise's inception. Zhao's potential involvement raises questions about how her direction might have altered the film's trajectory and character development.
Official Statements & Responses
Zhao reflected on her decision to move from *Black Widow* to *Eternals*, indicating that the latter's expansive scope was more appealing. She acknowledged that the opportunity to create a narrative involving immortals and cosmic beings was a significant draw. Meanwhile, Johansson has publicly stated that there are currently no plans for her character to return in future MCU projects, including *Avengers: Doomsday* or *Avengers: Secret Wars*. This absence has led to disappointment among fans, especially considering the character's pivotal role in the MCU.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of *Eternals* have pointed out that despite its ambitious storytelling, the film failed to connect with audiences, leading to discussions about the future of the characters introduced. Some fans express frustration over the perceived sidelining of Black Widow, arguing that her character deserved a more substantial narrative arc, especially given her importance to the MCU's overall storyline.
What's Next for the MCU?
As the MCU continues to evolve, the introduction of new characters, such as Doctor Doom and a new band of X-Men, suggests that the focus may shift away from the *Eternals* storyline. While there is speculation about the potential for future projects involving these characters, the current trajectory indicates that the franchise is moving forward without revisiting the narratives established in *Eternals* or *Black Widow*.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I went in at first for Black Widow, and then there was a scheduling conflict.” — Chloé Zhao, Director
- “The volcano reference erupted, and that was in the form of Eternals.” — Chloé Zhao, Director
- “I tend to jump before I know how to swim" The World Needs More Black Widow Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Marvel Studios / Courtesy Everett Collection Of course, there is no way to know what direction Zhao might've taken Johansson and Black Widow, but what is known is that there are currently no plans that have been revealed for a return of the character.” — Scarlett Johansson, Actress
