It’s been confirmed that Gemma Chan is joining the cast of Marvel’sEternals. The news was revealed during Disney’s massive movie panel at the D23 Expo. Chan will play Sersi, a member of the titular group. It has also been confirmed that rising star Barry Keoghan will portray another member of theEternals, Druig, in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the Marvel Comics title. This adds to an already stacked cast, and it also adds an interesting layer to the MCU overall.
It had previously been reported thatGemma Chan, best known for her role inCrazy Rich Asians, was being eyed for a role inEternals. The main wrinkle there being that Chan already appeared as Minn-erva inCaptain Marvelearlier this year. That means, Chan will become the first actress to play two significant roles in the MCU. That has major implications, no doubt. Though, at one point Vin Diesel was possibly being eyed to play Black Bolt back when theInhumansmovie was still going to happen, and he also voices Groot. So it’s something that’s at least been toyed with in the past.
As forBarry Keoghan, this is brand new news and a huge role for the up-and-comer. Keoghan previously starred in projects likeDunkirkandChernobyl. But this will surely help put him on the map. It was also revealed at the panel that formerGame of ThronesstarKit Harrington will be portraying Black KnightinEternals. That rounds out a huge ensemble that already included Angelina Jolie (Thena), Bryan Tyree Henry (Phastos), Lia McHugh (Sprite), Don Lee (Gilgamesh), Salma Hayek (Ajak), Lauren Ridloff (Ikari), Richard Madden (Icarus) and Kumail Nanjiani (Kingo).
TheEternalswere created by the legendary Jack Kirby, who wrote and illustrated the group’s first series in the pages of Marvel Comics back in 1976. Similar toGuardians of the Galaxy, not many outside of hardcore comic book readers were familiar with the group prior to the announcement of the movie. While no synopsis for the movie has been revealed, the story centers several beings who have been given special powers, via accelerated evolution by a cosmic group known asthe Celestials. This ancient group has been teased, albeit briefly, in MCU in the past. TheEternalsare one side of a long-running war with The Deviants, their counterparts. The goal is to determine who is the superior race.
Chloe Zhao (The Rider) is in the director’s chair.Eternalswill be the first brand new property introduced in Marvel’s Phase 4 lineup.Black Widowwill be the first Phase 4 MCU movie overall, which is set to arrive in theaters in May 2020.Eternalsis scheduled to arrive on July 17, 2025. We’ll be sure to keep you posted as any further details are made available. Be sure to check out the cast photo fromD23, via the officialMarvel Studios Twitteraccount below.
