Eternals is fast approaching. The movie, directed by Chloé Zhao, focuses on a group of immortal beings who've watched the world evolve (and, as is customary in the MCU, be in danger) without interfering. In modern times, an alien race known as the Deviants plans to destroy Earth, forcing our ever-lasting group of heroes to come together once again to stop them.
Trailers for the film have shown glimpses of its titular characters in the past, so we knew the movie would explore different time periods. Up until now, it seemed like those scenes would largely serve as exposition for how the Eternals came to be. As it turns out, though, that's not the case.
Disney has sent out a press release for Eternals with a new synopsis, revealing that the film will be split into two storylines, each taking place in two different time periods:
"The story takes place across two time periods. One storyline is set in the past when they operated as a formidable team and a close family unit. The second storyline is in the present, when the group has fractured and split apart, content to live among humans, hiding in plain sight. The prevailing threat of the Deviants, which once again threatens the existence of mankind, means the Eternals need to put their differences aside and regroup."
While this new tidbit doesn't reveal much in terms of specific plot details, it does give us a better idea of what to expect from Eternals structure-wise. This is just speculation, but the fact that the movie will focus on two time periods could point to its separate storylines intersecting, or at least have some relevance to one another. As we've seen in the past with films dealing with different timelines (Arrival, anyone?), it could even lead to some great twists.
Another interesting takeaway from the synopsis is its hint at how the film will humanize its protagonists. The Eternals are basically gods. When a story centers around immortal and super-strong beings like them, it can be challenging to have audiences connect with them. But, as the description above shows, we'll get to see their more human sides by watching them go from a "close family unit" to a broken team forced to unite years (or, you know, centuries) later.
Heroes disbanding and coming back together for a common goal has been explored many times in comic-book films, but seeing that dynamic play out with the twist offered by the Eternals' unique background could make for plenty of fascinating drama.
Eternals will arrive in theaters on November 5, 2021.