He may not be the first name that pops into your head when you think “future star of a Marvel Studios superhero film,” but apparently it’s happening. Kumail Nanjiani is reportedly joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a member of “The Eternals.”
THR is reporting that Nanjiani is scheduled to take on an unknown role in the film, which is scheduled to begin production later this year (alongside another Marvel Studios film, “Black Widow”). The comedian joins Angelina Jolie in the cast (she’s reportedly going to play Sersi) for what could be the weirdest Marvel Studios film to date.
READ MORE: Angelina Jolie Joins Marvel’s Celestial Cosmic Film ‘The Eternals’
“The Eternals,” created by comic book icon Jack Kirby, follows a group of superpowered, near-immortal superhumans that were created by Marvel’s version of “the creator” known as the Celestials. We’re not completely sure what liberties the film branch of Marvel will take with Kirby’s creation, but there’s plenty of stories that could put the film firmly on Earth or deep into the cosmos.
Nanjiani is a major name in Hollywood now (especially considering Apple brought him out to promote his upcoming show, and the tech company has the power to anoint anyone as the “next big thing,” right?) after his breakout role as co-writer and star in the Oscar-nominated “The Big Sick.” Since then, he’s expected to show up in films like “Men in Black: International,” “The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle,” and “Stuber.” He also recently appeared in one of the first episodes of Jordan Peele’s recent “The Twilight Zone” reboot.
As mentioned, “The Eternals” is going before cameras later this year and is expected to be one of two films coming from Marvel Studios in 2020. Of course, this is all based on reports and speculation, as the studio is keeping silent about future films until after the upcoming “Avengers: Endgame.”