Why are they not making an Eternals 2?

Publish date: 2024-05-26

Marvel Studios' decision to not make a sequel to Eternals has sparked widespread speculation and disappointment among fans.

The decision comes amid reports that Disney is aiming to cut costs and focus on sure hits after a series of box office disappointments, leading to the cancellation of sequels to Eternals, Ant-Man, and Captain Marvel. Let's delve deeper into the various factors contributing to this decision.

Financial Performance of Recent MCU Movies

Recent MCU movies such as The Marvels and Ant-Man 3 did not perform well financially, prompting Disney to refocus on its stronger franchises.

For instance, The Marvels, with a production budget of $274.8 million, underperformed at the box office, making only $206 million worldwide and recording the worst opening weekend in MCU history. Similarly, Ant-Man 3 failed to surpass its predecessors' success, signaling a concerning trend for the franchise.

These underwhelming performances have led Disney to avoid risks and concentrate on likely hits, which has affected the prospects of sequels to Eternals, Ant-Man, and Captain Marvel.

Leadership Perspectives at Marvel Studios and Disney

Rumors suggest that Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, expressed interest in producing an Eternals sequel.

Although, Disney CEO Bob Iger reportedly believes that an Eternals sequel would be a guaranteed box office flop, leading to the cancellation of the project.

This difference in perspective between key figures at Marvel Studios and Disney has played a significant role in shaping the decision-making process regarding the future of the Eternals franchise.

Audience Reception and Controversies Surrounding Eternals

Eternals, Marvel Studios' biggest outing since The Avengers, garnered massive expectations but received mixed reviews and faced several controversies.

The film featured the first openly gay main character, which led to its ban in several Middle Eastern countries. Additionally, a sensitive scene between two characters raised concerns about its suitability for younger viewers.

These controversies and the polarized reception of the movie have likely influenced the decision to not proceed with an Eternals sequel, as Marvel Studios aims to maintain a balance between creative storytelling and audience sensibilities.

Impact of the Pandemic and Shifting Industry Dynamics

The release of Eternals in the final months of the pandemic may have impacted its box office performance, as the movie struggled to make a significant impact at the box office despite its unique storytelling elements.

Also, the evolving dynamics of the entertainment industry, including the rise of streaming platforms and changing audience preferences, have prompted Disney to reassess its content strategy, potentially leading to a shift away from sequels to less successful movies like Eternals.

Harry Styles' Role and MCU Future

The introduction of Harry Styles' character, Eros, in Eternals sparked curiosity about the potential storyline for a sequel. Yet, reports indicate that Eternals 2 has been canceled, leaving uncertainty about the fate of Eros' storyline within the MCU.

This decision reflects Marvel Studios' strategic reevaluation and the studio's prioritization of projects with clearer success trajectories in the current market landscape.

While fans may express disappointment over the cancellation of the sequel, Marvel Studios and Disney's strategic realignment underscores the complexities and challenges of navigating the ever-changing landscape of superhero movie franchises.