The MCU is going to get more complicated as its roster of characters and lore expands in phase four. One movie releasing that will change everything is The Eternals, a group of immortal aliens who look after Earth from afar and have been doing so for thousands of years. The big question is, who are they? While the movie adaption might change characteristics or story threads, this is a good basis to get background on this team of heroes.
Azura AKA Thena (Played by Angelina Jolie)
Born Azura, her father Zuras changed her name to Thena, similar to Zeus’ daughter Athena. This Greek warrior is more than her strength. She is as educated as she is fierce.
Her powerset is impressive. Naturally, she is abnormally strong, but honing on her powers gives her even more super strength. Her agility, durability, stamina, and reflexes beat out most superpowered beings on Earth. Flying, self-healing, telepathy, telekinesis, teleportation, and cosmic energy to manipulate the world around her with extreme heat or transforming objects.
Ikaris (Played by Richard Madden)
A Siberian Eternal who has Greek relations as he is the father of Icarus who dies by flying too close to the sun in Greek mythology. During the Great Cataclysm that sank Atlantis, Ikaris guided an ark carrying human and animals to safety. The ark had been created by another Eternal named Utnapishtim.
The second most powerful Eternal on Earth, first being Zuras, Ikaris has cosmic energy powers like the rest. He has all of the same capabilities as Thena and other Eternals, but more advanced like being the fastest flier. His perspective on how he utilizes his powers is quite different as he has a more modern sense on how to protect humanity like using various devices and gadgets.
On a weirder note, he becomes a professional wrestler names Iceberg, yes comics get bizarre. The wrestling does tie into his excellent ability at various fighting styles that are used by humans.
Kingo (Played by Kumail Nanjiani)
A Japanese Eternal who learns the ways of the Samurai. Over hundreds of years, the Samurai master becomes a movie star in Japan and often portrays the classic warrior.
Despite having God-like powers similar to his fellow Eternals, Kingo mixes his abilities with traditional fighting styles as he sticks to his Samurai roots.
Ajak (Played by Salma Hayek)
A male character in the comics, this female version could still take after aspects of the source material. Ajak is the father (mother in the MCU) figure of the Eternals, a leader who guides them. Most of his time was spent in Central America where the Aztecs thought he was Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, and the Incas worshiped him as the lord of flight, Tecumotzin. In Greece, he was confused for the hero of the Trojan War, Ajax.
His close relationship with Celestials grants him the ability to communicate with them on top of the other typical powers the Eternals hold.
Phastos (Played by Brian Tyree Henry)
Mistaken for Hephaestus from ancient Greece, Phastos is the genius of the group. He is a weaponsmith who develops various technology. He is the most mysterious as there is little to no information on his background.
Gilgamesh (Played by Don Lee)
The brute of the group, Gilgamesh, is physically the strongest Eternal. After his exile, he took on the title as “The Forgotten One.” He roamed the Earth, helping out humans from tyrants and dangerous beasts until he learned of his true powers as an Eternal.
At one point, he becomes an Avengers. During a demon invasion on New York, Gilgamesh aided Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and became a member of the team.
His powers remain the same as other Eternals, the main difference is he is far more developed than most of his kind. The Forgotten One has knowledge of hand to hand combat and a wide range of weapons throughout history.
Sprite (Played by Lia McHugh)
Essentially a more moral version of Loki, Sprite is full of mischief and trickery. He, a male in the comic books, often gets in trouble due to lack of any concern for human safety. Always wanting to have fun with his powers leads to trouble despite having good intentions.
The central powers that separate him from others are his manipulation of the world around him. Turning objects to whatever he wishes or creating illusions to trick other Eternals or humans.
Makkari (Played by Lauren Ridloff)
Not only does Makkari get gender-swapped like Sprite and Ajak, but the race of his character has also been changed for the MCU. With the casting of Ridloff, this makes for the first deaf superhero in a Marvel movie.
Like Thena, he is born in Greece and shares similar characteristics like his brilliant mind and combative skills. He has taken part in major historical wars like the Trojan War and later in the Battle of the Alamo.
His abilities set himself away from everyone else by his super speed. Not only fast but by running in circles, this Eternal can create cyclones. He is an expert in transportation with his advanced knowledge of vehicles.
Now you have a good idea about the new faces coming to the MCU. The Eternals is scheduled to come out Nov. 6, 2020.
Support the blog
$5.00
Header image via Marvel Studios
Tristan Zelden 