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Eternals

*Eternals* is a 2021 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics race of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Eternals is a 2021 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics race of the same name. Directed by Chloé Zhao, it is the 26th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and features an ensemble cast of immortal beings who return from hiding to confront the Deviants.

Plot

The film centres on the Eternals, a group of immortal beings who emerge from hiding after millennia. They reunite to defend Earth against the Deviants, who threaten humanity once again.

Production

Eternals was produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Chloé Zhao directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Patrick Burleigh, Ryan Firpo, and Kaz Firpo.

Cast

The ensemble cast includes Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie.

Release

The film was released in 2021 and is the 26th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Reception and format

The film was released as a theatrical superhero feature and later made available on Disney+.

Key facts

  • Eternals is the 26th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
  • The film was directed by Chloé Zhao, who co-wrote the screenplay.
  • The story follows immortal beings who return from hiding to battle the Deviants.
  • The cast includes Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie.
  • The film was released in 2021 and later added to Disney+.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in Canada as part of its wide international release, and it is also available through Disney+ for Canadian viewers.[1][4]

Frequently asked questions

What is Eternals?
Eternals is a 2021 Marvel superhero film about a hidden group of immortal beings who defend Earth from the Deviants.
Who directed Eternals?
Chloé Zhao directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay.
Is Eternals part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Yes. It is the 26th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What is the basic plot of Eternals?
The Eternals come out of hiding after thousands of years to protect humanity from the returning Deviants.
Who stars in Eternals?
The cast includes Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, and several others.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternals_(film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, MCU placement, director, screenplay credits, cast, and plot summary.
  2. Marvel Studios — https://www.marvel.com/movies/eternals
    Supports: Official synopsis, MCU context, and post-Avengers: Endgame setup.
  3. Disney+ — https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-b042efa2-6650-48fd-bf35-ea285a5a5649
    Supports: Streaming availability and synopsis.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/eternals
    Supports: Release timing and streaming date information.