It turns out the role of Thena in Marvel's Eternals wasn't the first chance Angelina Jolie had to play a superhero -- but who was the actor up for?

Jolie spoke to Empire about the upcoming blockbuster film, which will introduce a new pantheon of heroes into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And during the discussion, the actor revealed that she had the opportunity to play a major superhero at one point in her career. Unfortunately, Jolie didn't go into detail, but given her long reign in Hollywood and history with action films, it's not hard to imagine her being up for almost any role in the Marvel or DC film universes.

Though she wouldn't spill the beans on the role that could've been, Jolie did explain why she agreed to play Thena for Marvel Studios.

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"I don't usually lean towards superhero or sci-fi films," Jolie said. "It's not usually what I'm looking to do. It felt like something else was happening in this film, though. It was very character-driven."

The actor went on to discuss how the Eternals aren't what audiences are used to when it comes to superheroes, which seems to be a large part of the appeal to her.

"These guys aren't Spider-Man or Captain America or the Hulk," Jolie said. "A lot of hardcore fans won't know who the Eternals are. Introducing them all at once, that isn't easy."

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While the MCU has featured plenty of ensemble films, Eternals will involve the largest group outside of the Avengers. But unlike the flagship team, this family has been together for generations. And that longevity has forged a different kind of dynamic.

"It's not one of us in front and other characters behind," Jolie continued. "It's this really equal family. And I wanted to be a part of this family."

The cast and crew have all harped on the fact that Eternals is akin to an indie movie, unsurprising given Academy Award-winner Chloé Zhao is at the helm. It's clear that Jolie and others were drawn to that aspect of the film, which made them willing to step into the world of superheroes for the first time.

Angelina Jolie's superhero debut, Eternals, hits theaters Nov. 5.

Source: Empire via The Direct