Lesser-known figures created by Marvel Comics’ Jack Kirby, the Eternals have officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the release of Phase Four’s third movie. Directed by Chloe Zhao and starring talented actors like Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Salma Hayek, and Kit Harington, Eternals nevertheless received a less than enthusiastic reception from the critics.
Eternals’ major flaw is perhaps its greatest asset. The movie adds a large number of characters to the storyline, many of which are exceptional in their individual ways. Sadly, they don’t get the chance to fully explore that potential, even if they could have been among the most likable characters in the MCU.
10 Ikaris Kills His Longtime Leader And Friend
Created by the Celestial Arishem, the Eternals are originally sent to Earth to defeat creatures called deviants. Officially, their role is to protect humanity. In reality, they are meant to ensure the growth of Earth's population, so that the Celestial Tiamut can emerge from the planet’s core. Acknowledged as the strongest Eternal, Ikaris (Richard Madden) is one of the biggest assets to the team in their fight against the deviants.
Unfortunately, his strength, laser vision, and ability to fly prove to be just as powerful when he goes against his fellow Eternals. As the movie progresses, it is revealed that his leader Ajak (Salma Hayek) displayed doubts regarding their mission, thereby betraying Arishem. As a result, Ikaris feeds her to the deviants. His love for Sersi (Gemma Chan) wins him a few points, and his suicide does suggest he regretted his actions. Even so, Ikaris is by far the least likable Eternal.
9 Sprite Betrays Her Teammates For The Man She Loves
Fighting for a loved one is the most natural thing in the world, and that’s exactly what Sprite (Lia McHugh) does in Eternals. Despite being trapped in a childlike body, she has powerful romantic feelings for Ikaris. When he seeks to protect Tiamut’s Emergence, she joins his side.
While her dedication is admirable, one cannot help but feel that her decision to stab Sersi is motivated by jealousy. She also doesn’t seem to care that much about the fact that Ikaris killed Ajak, despite how affected she was upon seeing Ajak’s body. Her choice may be understandable but it doesn’t make her very likable.
8 Druig Mind-Controls Humans In A Pacifistic Form Of Slavery
No matter how one looks at it, a mind-control power is highly questionable from a moral perspective. And yet, that’s exactly the power Eternal Druig (Barry Keoghan) wields. Ironically, the skill is useless against deviants, but it is strong enough to mind-control every single human on the planet. Witnessing the numerous wars started by humanity, Druig struggles with Ajak’s enforced policy of non-interference.
When the Eternals finally go their separate ways, he ends up in Peru where he mind-controls humans in a pacifistic form of slavery. His desire to protect humanity from itself is understandable and his affection for Makkari elevates him as a character, but enslaving people is still not a very likable thing to do.
7 Ajak’s Wisdom And Leadership Stand Out As Remarkable Despite Her Deceit
The leader of the Eternals, Ajak is aware from the very beginning of the truth behind their mission. She hides it from her fellow Eternals for millennia, always loyal to Arishem. The only one she shares the information with is Ikaris. Her deceit and service to Arishem could have made the character unlikable, especially considering the small part she actually plays in the events.
However, her exchange with Ikaris saves her, revealing just how much she truly cares about her fellow Eternals. When she realizes he is about to kill her, her reaction is to apologize, not to worry about herself. It’s a very touching moment, and it makes viewers regret they didn’t get the chance to see more of Ajak.
6 Kingo’s Acting Career Adds A Much Needed Dose Of Lightness
If there’s one character who stands out primarily for his likability, it’s Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani). His energy projection ability isn’t that special, considering the skills of his fellow Eternals. Kingo compensates for that by adding a much-needed dose of lightness to the story. His career as a Bollywood actor is a source of hilarity. While this doesn’t always suit the serious tone of the movie, it fits Kingo and it makes him a joy to watch.
5 Makkari Could Have Been The Best Character In The Movie
The Eternals' speedster, Makkari (Lauren Ridloff) is teeming with potential. Her extreme speed allows her to cross the whole planet in a short amount of time, and her momentum can generate shockwaves or waves of extreme force. Makkari's deafness makes her incredibly relatable, and her tendency toward kleptomania adds another layer to her personality.
Makkari's obvious affection for Druig is also heartwarming, their dynamic even making Druig more likable. If she's had more screen time, she could have easily been the best character in the movie. Unfortunately, Makkari is one example of Eternals' inability to do its own stars justice.
4 Thena’s Struggle With Mental Illness Makes Her Very Human
The most experienced warrior of the Eternals, Thena (Angelina Jolie) falls prey to Mahd Wy'ry, a unique affliction that targets only Eternals. According to Ajak, it’s a symptom of her mind fracturing under the weight of her memories. In reality, it’s caused by her memories being wiped imperfectly during her last mission to assist another Celestial’s Emergence.
The illness causes her to lose control and lash out at everyone around her. Originally, Ajak suggests wiping her memories to remove the source of the problem. Thena opts against that and retires with her partner Gilgamesh (Ma Dong-seok) in Australia. Her struggle with mental illness – and later, with Gilgamesh’s loss – makes her vulnerable, but also very human and incredibly relatable.
3 Sersi’s Empathy Helps Her Become A True Leader
After Ajak’s death, she chooses Sersi to become her successor and the Prime Eternal. Sersi doesn’t originally understand Ajak’s reasoning, as she apparently lacks the decisiveness and strength of will required to fight a battle against a Celestial. Ajak’s decision turns out to be correct, since it is Sersi’s empathy and desire to help people that make her a leader.
She does have a few hiccups along the way. She often seems to vacillate between her relationship with her ex-husband Ikaris and current boyfriend Dane Whitman (Kit Harington). But no one is perfect, and Sersi's hesitation is ultimately understandable considering the history she shares with Ikaris. In the end, her uncertainties, like Thena's vulnerability, make her all the more human – echoing her beautifully empathetic nature.
2 Gilgamesh’s Courage And Protectiveness Turn Him Into A True Hero
Gilgamesh’s cosmic exoskeleton may not be the flashiest power, but it suits him perfectly. His strength is rivaled only by his kind heart. He has a beautiful relationship with Thena and he acts as both her anchor and her protector. His welcoming presence and wisdom also give other Eternals respite after the tough experiences they've had to endure. Gilgamesh's death is one of the most heartbreaking moments in the movie. Fans can only hope he can make a return in the sequel.
1 Phastos’ Genius, Kindness, And Family Ties Create A Well-Rounded Character
As the inventor in the team of Eternals, Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) displays his desire to help humanity from the very first moment he appears on the screen. His wish to share his technology with them proves to be misguided, and he is crushed when he witnesses the nuclear devastation at Hiroshima.
His fellow Eternals believe he has completely lost faith in humanity, but as it turns out, that isn’t the case. Instead, Phastos finds a new anchor in his husband Ben and their son Jack. The bond between Phastos and Ben adds a lot of depth to the character. It certainly helps that his genius inventions actually allow him to immobilize Ikaris for a while, teaching Ikaris a lesson in humbleness.