Thescreescore – Kumail Nanjiani, the charismatic Kingo from Marvel’s Eternals, has dropped a bombshell revelation that’s sending shockwaves through the MCU fandom. In a candid interview on Mike Birbiglia’s Working It Out podcast, Nanjiani revealed a stark contrast between his initial expectations and the reality of his MCU experience. Four years after Eternals‘ release, the actor confessed that the promised six-movie deal, along with a video game and theme park ride appearances, never materialized. "I signed on for six movies," he stated, "a video game, a theme park ride…and none of that happened." The statement underscores a disillusionment felt by many fans who anticipated a larger role for the Eternals cast within the broader MCU narrative.
The actor’s disappointment is palpable, especially considering the significant preparation he undertook, believing his MCU journey would span a decade. Nanjiani’s candid admission of the impact of the film’s reception and his subsequent need for therapy paints a picture of an actor grappling with unforeseen circumstances. The underperformance of Eternals, coupled with the lack of subsequent appearances for the entire cast, raises questions about Marvel’s long-term planning and the fate of lesser-known franchises within the sprawling MCU.
Kingo, with his unique Bollywood background and powerful abilities, seemed primed for multiple appearances. Yet, his absence from subsequent MCU projects, even cameos, is striking. While Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and Ms. Marvel offered fleeting mentions, the character’s potential remains largely untapped. This lack of integration extends to other Eternals characters, with even the tantalizing mid- and post-credits scenes featuring Eros and Blade respectively failing to lead to any further storylines.
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The exclusion of the Eternals cast from major crossover events like Avengers: Doomsday and Thunderbolts further solidifies the impression that Marvel has effectively shelved the franchise. While a slim chance remains for an appearance in Avengers: Secret Wars, the prospect of a six-year absence for these characters is disheartening for fans who championed their unique contributions to the MCU. Even the alternate-universe Kingo in What If…?, while receiving more screen time, doesn’t offer much solace.
Nanjiani’s revelation isn’t just about a broken contract; it highlights a larger issue within the MCU’s ever-expanding universe. The sheer volume of characters and storylines can lead to some franchises being sidelined, leaving actors and fans alike feeling overlooked. However, Kingo’s defection from the Eternals might ironically increase the chances of his return in the future, offering a fresh narrative arc for the character. Only time will tell if Marvel will revisit this compelling character and finally deliver on the promises made to Nanjiani and the fans. The future of Kingo, and the Eternals as a whole, remains uncertain, leaving a lingering question mark over the future of this unique corner of the MCU.
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