Chloé Zhao Explains Why Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ Was So Divisive

Remember the buzz around Marvel’s Eternals? It had everything going for it: a star-studded cast including Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek, a massive cosmic story, and an Oscar-winning director in Chloé Zhao. It was supposed to be the next big thing for the MCU.

But when the movie finally hit theaters, something funny happened. The reaction was… mixed. To put it lightly.

For every fan who loved its stunning visuals and thoughtful tone, there was a critic who found it slow and confusing. It quickly became one of the most polarizing films in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, what went wrong? Or did anything go “wrong” at all?

Well, director Chloé Zhao has shared her thoughts on why the film split audiences right down the middle, and it makes a lot of sense.

A Different Kind of Marvel Movie

Let’s be honest, we all have a general idea of what to expect from an MCU movie. We’re looking for big action, witty one-liners, and a triumphant finale where the good guys win. It’s a formula that works incredibly well.

Eternals, however, decided to try something completely different.

Chloé Zhao, known for her grounded and character-driven films like Nomadland, brought her unique style to the world of superheroes. The result was a movie that was quieter, more philosophical, and a lot sadder than your typical Marvel adventure.

Think of it like this: If most MCU films are like a thrilling roller coaster, Eternals was more like a long, scenic hike. Both can be amazing experiences, but if you show up expecting a roller coaster and get a hike, you might feel a little disappointed.

The Director’s Take: Why It Split the Audience

According to Zhao, the very things that made Eternals unique were also what made it so divisive. She didn’t set out to make a carbon copy of other superhero films.

Here are a few reasons why that approach created such a split reaction:

• The Gloomy Vibe: The movie deals with some seriously heavy topics. We’re talking about the meaning of humanity, blind faith, and whether a planet full of people deserves to die. It’s not exactly the fun, escapist adventure some fans were looking for after Endgame.
• Too Many New Faces: We were introduced to ten brand-new heroes all at once! The original Avengers were introduced over five separate movies. It was tough for audiences to get to know and care about every member of the Eternals team in just one film.
• It Broke the Formula on Purpose: Zhao has said the film’s tone was intentional. She wanted to explore these characters from a more intimate, human perspective, even though they are god-like beings. For some, this was a breath of fresh air. For others, it just didn’t feel like a “Marvel movie.”

So, Was ‘Eternals’ Actually a Flop?

While the movie’s title in the news might say it “flopped,” that’s not exactly true. The film made over $400 million worldwide during a very challenging time for theaters. For almost any other movie, that would be a huge success.

The “flop” label comes from comparing it to the sky-high expectations of a typical Marvel blockbuster.

But maybe box office isn’t the only way to measure a movie’s success. Eternals tried something new and started a conversation. It dared to be different in a universe known for its consistency. And honestly, that’s pretty bold. It laid the groundwork for a whole new corner of the MCU, and its characters are sure to pop up again.

Ultimately, the reason Eternals was so divisive is because it challenged what we thought a superhero movie could be. And whether you loved it or hated it, you can’t deny that it made you think.

What about you? Did you enjoy the unique direction of Eternals, or did you miss the classic Marvel feel? Let us know your thoughts