It’s happened. For the first time in 26 films, Marvel Studios has released a feature that isn’t a Rotten Tomatoes darling, as “Eternals” has achieved a dubious distinction of being officially “rotten.”
In a world where studios try (and often fail miserably) to find critical success with their big blockbusters, Marvel Studios has spent more than a decade defying the odds. Even the “worst” of them, such as “Thor: The Dark World” and “Incredible Hulk,” have received mixed reviews but still been comfortably in that “fresh” designation on Rotten Tomatoes. (For context, “Fresh” is a seal of approval given to films with at least 60% positive reviews.)
But “Eternals” now sits at 58% and has become the first Marvel Studios film to fall below that 60% threshold. Of course, this isn’t a scenario where a studio is on its last legs, trying to desperately become relevant with a brand-new superhero property. The Marvel Studios and MCU brands will be strong well after this film is done with its theatrical run. If you have more than two-dozen critic-approved films in a row, you’re allowed a misstep or two. However, what makes the “Eternals” such a strange and interesting situation is the talent involved.
When “Eternals” was originally announced, Marvel fans basically answered with a collective, “Who!?” But when filmmaker Chloe Zhao was announced, people were not only relieved but excited. The director of “The Rider” and “Nomadland” helming a Marvel Studios film!? Yes, please! Then the cast started to take shape, as folks like Angelina Jolie, Kumail Nanjiani, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Brian Tyree Henry, Kit Harington, and Salma Hayek were attached. On paper, a superhero epid with an incredible cast from an Oscar-winning director? This was sure to succeed. But so far, it hasn’t.
The initial reviews were much more reserved than you would expect from Marvel Studios films. Things you come to expect from a Marvel film, such as fun, excitement, and mind-blowing visuals, were replaced with a 157-minute epic with more muted colors, religious history, and quiet, contemplative dialogue. It is, without a doubt, new ground for Marvel Studios.
The big question now is what happens after “Eternals?” Will Kevin Feige try to course correct? Did the experiment with an auteur director tackling a fun superhero property scare the studio from taking chances in the future? Will Chloe Zhao return for a sequel if the film is a runaway box office success? (Let’s be honest, the film is going to make a lot of money, no matter what, because of that Marvel Studios logo.) We don’t have those answers yet, but we will find out soon enough.
“Eternals” hits theaters on November 5.