Chloé Zhao, acclaimed for her work on “Nomadland,” delved into the potentially perilous aspects of having “unlimited money and resources” while directing “Eternals,” a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film. Despite grossing $402 million globally during the pandemic, “Eternals” remains one of Marvel’s more divisive efforts. Zhao believes the film’s opulence might have been a double-edged sword, influencing its mixed reception. This insight comes as Zhao transitions to her new project, “Hamnet,” highlighting the lessons learned from her Marvel experience.
The Dangers of Limitless Resources
In a conversation with Vanity Fair, Zhao reflected on the lack of constraints she faced with “Eternals.” She described the absence of limits as “dangerous,” suggesting it may have affected the film’s creative direction. With a modest 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film missed the mark for many Marvel aficionados. Zhao, nevertheless, saw this experience as instrumental in preparing her for “Hamnet,” her upcoming venture with Focus Features, a film deeply rooted in the real world and ambition tempered by practical limitations.
Blurred Release Timing and Its Impact
Originally slated for a November 2020 release, “Eternals” was pushed back due to the pandemic, eventually debuting a year later, far from the shadow of “Avengers: Endgame.” Zhao told Empire magazine that the timing, amid global uncertainty, influenced its divisive reception. The film’s themes of existential crises resonated differently in a world coping with its own upheavals.
Fusion of Styles: Indie Meets Marvel
Zhao’s distinctive indie sensibilities, combined with Marvel’s signature style, contributed to the film’s polarized reception. Her earlier works, such as “The Rider” and “Nomadland,” earned critical praise, yet “Eternals” departed from these with pronounced Marvel characteristics. “We truly stepped out of the box,” Zhao noted, acknowledging the discomfort this blend might provoke among die-hard fans of both genres.
The Cast and Future Marvel Plans
“Eternals” boasted a star-studded ensemble, including Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, and Angelina Jolie, marking their MCU debuts. However, the film’s tepid reaction put future projects in uncertainty. Kumail Nanjiani, looking forward to a tenure with Marvel, shared his unexpected shift in plans, expressing surprise that his commitments extended only to “Eternals.” Despite these challenges, the actors remain connected to the expansive universe.
Zhao’s “Hamnet,” starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before its theatrical release on November 27. The experience with “Eternals” continues to shape Zhao’s cinematic approach, highlighting the nuanced balance between creative freedom and practical limitation.
