entertainment

Meet MCU Phase 4's New Super Heroes — Who Are The Eternals & What Are Their Powers?

Come, learn about the Eternals before catching the movie in cinemas!

Cover image via The Walt Disney Company (Malaysia) (Provided to SAYS)

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As part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phase 4 films, Marvel Studios' Eternals is hitting the big screen on 4 November, with early screenings on 3 November. We're just SO STOKEDDD!

Based on the Marvel comics of the same name, which were first published in 1976, Marvel Studios' Eternals marks the 25th movie in the MCU. Presenting an all-new adventure and introducing 10 new super heroes who have never been seen before on screen, the highly anticipated movie picks up following the aftermath of Marvel Studios' Avengers: Endgame.

Starring a diverse and talented cast — Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, and Kit Harrington — it's no wonder the upcoming movie has caused a surge of excitement among MCU fans all over the world.

Directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao, Marvel Studios' Eternals tells the story of a group of super heroes from beyond the stars who come together to defend Earth

As part of a race of immortal aliens from the distant planet Olympia, they have protected our world since the dawn of man. Having split apart and lived here on Earth under different identities for thousands of years, hiding in plain sight as they live among humans, the Eternals are forced to reunite to defend humanity once again.

The threat? The return of Deviants, ancient monstrous creatures that were thought to have been wiped out centuries ago.

Sounds exciting? Watch the featurette below for a glimpse into the action:

With "who are the Eternals?" and "what are their powers" being the main questions on everyone's minds, jom, let's take a closer look at the characters:

1. Sersi, a humankind-loving immortal, played by Gemma Chan

Capable of matter transmutation, Sersi is able to manipulate and change an object from one thing to another. This means that her powers include things such as turning a gun into rubber and transforming a rock into water.

Dependable and caring, she uses her powers to help those in need. Another thing you need to know about Sersi is that she and Ikaris, a fellow Eternal, have been in love and had an intense on-off relationship for thousands of years.

Describing her role in the movie, Gemma Chan said, "This is really a coming-of-age story for Sersi in that when you meet her, although she has not been denying her Eternals background, she really loves humans. She wants to fit in with them.

"So, she's been kind of operating under the radar. Her story in the film is her rediscovering her power and finding out that she needs to use it to an even bigger extent than she ever thought."

2. Ikaris, the all-powerful Eternal, played by Richard Madden

Ikaris is said to be the most powerful Eternal in the team. He possesses strength, durability, speed, agility, stamina, reflexes, and other capabilities far superior to any human.

Focused, driven, and independent, he takes his responsibilities as an Eternal seriously and likes to be in control. For Ikaris, the mission always comes above all else, but of course, he has to pay some personal costs for that mindset.

As Richard Madden explains, "He's always constantly wrestling between what's right for him as a being and what's right for the greater good. And the guilt that comes with making either one of those choices."

3. Ajak, the matriarch and spiritual leader of the Eternals, played by Salma Hayek

As a thinker, Ajak not only steers the group of Eternals, but also gives each one individual guidance and support. She is the only Eternal with a direct connection to the Celestials, a race of cosmic builders who were first seen in Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy. If you need a reminder, Peter Quill a.k.a Star-Lord's father, Ego, was a Celestial.

Ajak's cosmic energy creates a golden sphere between her collar bones, which is what gives her the power to communicate with the Celestials. Besides that, it also allows her to heal her fellow Eternals, humans, and animals.

For Salma Hayek, there is a deeper meaning to the Eternals' diversity. She explains, "The Eternals are all very powerful, but they are the most powerful when they come together. Because they're so diverse, I think this is also another message: the importance of working together towards helping this planet and embracing our differences."

4. Thena, a badass warrior, played by Angelina Jolie

Able to create weapons that morph at her will during battle, Thena is one of the strongest warriors of the group. Watching her in battle is truly a sight to behold, as she can create a sword that first turns into a spear, then seamlessly transforms into two swords.

And they're not just ordinary weapons at that — they can cut through objects and block blasts! Though she is a fearsome opponent on the battlefield, she is also sensitive, and can get overwhelmed by her memories of the past.

Speaking about Thena's character, Angelina Jolie said, "Thena is not comfortable in peace time. She doesn't know how to exist as a civilian or as a lover or as a friend, but she does know war. She knows who she is in combat. But she doesn't know how to go to a party or socialise. She just doesn't have those skills."

5. Druig, the one who wants to change the world, played by Barry Keoghan

With his power of mind control, he can influence his fellow Eternals. Not only that, he has even used it to control the minds of humans for over 7,000 years, during times of conflict.

Throughout his time on Earth, Druig has grown frustrated with how divided humanity is. In contrast to what Ajak and the Celestials want him to do, this intense and withdrawn Eternal's true desire is to use his powers to change more things, perhaps even to alter history.

6. Kingo, the fun-loving Eternal-turned-Bollywood-actor, played by Kumail Nanjiani

Enthusiastic and confident, Kingo comes with a dose of attitude and flair, which goes hand in hand with his human identity as a Bollywood actor.

But don't let his fun-loving persona fool you, he's still a powerful Eternal, able to create powerful cosmic energy blasts with his hands. In fact, Kingo has a great admiration for Ikaris, and wants to one day be seen as an important hero like him.

Describing Kingo's flamboyance, Kumail Nanjiani shared, "The Eternals split up from each other a long time ago and are all supposed to keep a low profile. So, Kingo decided to keep a low profile by becoming a Bollywood movie star. He's this guy who's always been pretty flashy. He's always wanted people to know he's a super hero, but he can't reveal that. So, to him, this is the second best thing."

7. Phastos, one of the smartest people in the universe, played by Brian Tyree Henry

This technopath and master inventor's cosmic energy gives him the power to help advance mankind. Other than having the ability to understand, build, and communicate with machines and devices, Phastos can also combine different technologies to bring his wildest ideas to life.

He controls Domo (the Eternals' starship), and similar to Sersi, has grown attached to humans and enjoys being around them.

8. Gilgamesh, a fighter and the strongest Eternal, played by Don Lee a.k.a Ma Dong Seok

Strong and powerful in battle he may be, but at heart, Gilgamesh is gentle and kind. When not fighting, during which he can create an exoskeleton that amplifies his strength, he loves to just relax and enjoy life. Of all the Eternals, he shares a close bond with Thena, of whom he is fiercely protective.

Delighted by the chance to play Gilgamesh, Don Lee shared, "He's one of most strongest and most powerful characters in Eternals. His specialty is his super strength and his super punch. But he's also a fun-loving, entertaining character, so hopefully people love him."

9. Makkari, the fastest woman in the universe, played by Lauren Ridloff

Makkari is highly significant, in that she's the MCU's first deaf character, played by deaf actress Lauren Ridloff.

Able to run faster than the speed of sound, Makkari lives life in the fast lane. Her speed and stealth allow her to zip through and get things done before it's even possible to notice her.

Having seen every corner of the world thousands of times, collecting artifacts and mementos along the way, she has grown disillusioned and a bit bored with life on Earth.

Sharing some insight into Makkari, Lauren Ridloff said, "Obviously, she's fast. That's her strength, but she's also loyal and values her family. She would do anything for her family. She would do what's right.

"But she's not a goodie-two-shoes. She's not a saint. She does steal quite a bit. She likes shiny objects. She's been on this planet for 7,000 years, so she's picked up a few things that she likes."

10. Sprite, a 7,000-year-old Eternal in the body of a 12-year-old girl, played by Lia McHugh

In addition to having the power to create illusions, Sprite can also make herself and others invisible. Quite the storyteller, she finds being in the body of a 12-year-old girl incredibly frustrating, as given her real age and powerful capabilities, she doesn't want to be treated like a child.

According to Lia McHugh, "Sprite's like a cranky old lady, but she's also like the trickster of the group. And she's sort of funny, but doesn't always intend to be just because of how she expresses herself."

Now that you know more about the characters in Marvel Studios' Eternals, it's time to put your knowledge to the test, hehe. ;)

Take the quiz below and see how much you score. Good luck!

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Note: This quiz is for entertainment purposes only. Dun so serious, okay? :)

Make sure to catch Marvel Studios' Eternals in cinemas nationwide from 4 November onwards, it's definitely a movie you don't want to miss out on!

Get your tickets now from your favourite cinema!

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