Eternals ending explained: Breaking down the end of Marvel’s most polarizing movie

Eternals ending explained: Breaking down the end of Marvel's most polarizing movie

As a seasoned gamer and Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) aficionado with over two decades of comic book movie-watching under my belt, I must say that Eternals has been an intriguing addition to the MCU pantheon. The film’s unique blend of cosmic lore, ancient history, and emotional depth is a welcome change from the usual superhero fare we’re accustomed to.

Despite being somewhat overshadowed by other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, Eternals carries substantial implications that could significantly shape future movies!

Caution: This article contains SPOILERS for Eternals

2021 saw the arrival of “Eternals,” a fresh take on the classic Marvel Cinematic Universe storyline. In ancient times, around 5000 BC, these powerful celestial beings known as the Celestials selected ten extraordinary guardians – Ajak, Sersi, Ikaris, Kingo, Sprite, Phastos, Makkari, Druig, Gilgamesh, and Thena – to shield mankind from the threat of the Deviants, a race of fearsome monsters.

Over countless centuries, these immortal beings known as the Eternals have gradually separated and intermingled with humans. When Ajax meets an untimely end at the hands of the Deviants, they regroup to uncover what transpired. This sets off a series of events before Sersi (played by Gemma Chan) uncovers the astounding fact about the Eternals’ background and purpose.

The Eternals’ true purpose

Sersi is taken aback to discover that what the Eternals believed about their origins was untrue. Instead of being born before arriving on Earth, they had been dispatched to various planets first, only to have their memories erased afterwards. The Celestials sow a seed into a planet’s core, and when its inhabitants reach a specific number, it gives birth to a new Celestial – an event that obliterates the planet and all life on it.

The Deviants refused to accept the seeds, while the Eternals were tasked not with safeguarding humanity, but the seed itself. When Thanos’ snap removed half of existence, it postponed the Emergence, yet the people’s recovery implies that the seed will soon sprout. Therefore, Sersi urges the Eternals to make an effort to halt the Emergence.

Eternals ending explained: Breaking down the end of Marvel's most polarizing movie

The traitor within

In a clash between The Eternals and The Deviants, Gilgamesh meets his end. They attempt to harness the Uni-Mind, a collective of their mental abilities, but it instead unveils Ikaris as the one who killed Ajax. Despite this revelation, Ikaris remains devoted to Celestial Arishem and persists in allowing the Emergence. Sprite, with feelings for Ikaris, aligns herself with him, while Kingo chooses to step back from the turmoil.

In the Indian Ocean, the Eternals engage in fierce combat near an active volcano as the ominous “seed” sprouts, accompanied by the celestial being Tiamut. Sprite, recognizing that Earth’s destruction must be prevented, persuades Ikaris to unite with the others in the Uni-Mind. This collective consciousness empowers Sersi to transform Tiamut into a massive stone statue, complete with a towering hand, standing proudly amidst the Indian Ocean.

Tormented by his deeds, Ikaris chooses self-sacrifice by soaring towards the sun. Simultaneously, Sersi employs the final vestiges of Uni-Mind’s power to change Sprite into a human, liberating her from thousands of years confined within an immature form.

Eternals ending explained: Breaking down the end of Marvel's most polarizing movie

Eternals ending and post credits-scene explained

In London, Sersi reunites with her boyfriend Dane Whitman (Kit Harington) as Arishem makes an appearance, gathering Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos, expressing his annoyance over their interference with the Emergence. He informs them they are to participate in his “judgement” on mankind, evaluating if they deserve salvation. He then transports them to a distant galaxy.

As I eagerly embarked on my interstellar journey, leaving Earth behind, my mission was to alert Eternals residing on distant worlds about the impending Emergence. In the vast expanse of space, I encountered none other than Eros, famously known as Starfox (Harry Styles), and his trusty companion, Pip the Troll.

In my gaming world, I’m on a mission, hot on the trail of Sersi. With the Ebony Blade case in hand, I’m ready to make my move, just as Mahershala Ali’s voice echoes a caution, warning me it’s a risky play to mess with the blade.

The film received a blend of positive and negative feedback from viewers, critics, and box office numbers, creating uncertainty about its future. Some fans suggested that it would have been more suitable as a television series. Despite being billed as a major event featuring the Eternals, the ending’s cliffhanger leaves us wondering what will become of these characters and their ongoing struggle against the Celestials.

The appearance of The Blade in a cameo role was intended to pave the way for his standalone film, but unfortunately, it seems that this project has encountered one obstacle after another. As a result, the status of the Eternals and their role within the Marvel Cinematic Universe is uncertain at this time, despite the fact that the movie was designed as an innovative step for the franchise.

Eternals streaming on Disney+.

2024-11-26 16:01