Filmmaker Chloé Zhao has been sharing new details about her forthcoming cosmic blockbuster,Eternals.In a recent interview, Zhao discussed what it was like working with Marvel Studios and how Leonardo DiCaprio’sThe Revenantinspired her MCU blockbuster.
Zhao has been answering questions regardingEternalsduring the press junket for herGolden Globe-nominated movie,Nomadland. The 38-year-old Zhao edited the Marvel Studios film during the release ofthe critically acclaimed indie, which stars Frances McDormand as a woman who leaves her home to travel the American West after the Great Recession.Eternals, on the other hand,featuresa group of immortal heroes who must reunite to take down the Deviants after secretly living on Earth for over 7000 years. The loaded ensemble includes Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kumail Nanjiani,as well asGame of Thronesstars Richard Madden and Kit Harington. Jolie has stated that she joined the project because of Zhao’s “vision” and the film’s focus on expanding the ways superheroes are viewed.
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While Wong Kar-wai’sHappy TogetherinspiredNomadland, Zhao toldThe Playlistthat she drew on 2015’sThe RevenantforEternals.Directed by Alejandro González Iñárrituand starring Leonardo DiCaprio,The Revenantdrew attention for shooting in natural light and its gruesome grizzly-bear attack scene. Similarly,Eternalswas shot on location and avoided the use of CG backgrounds and sound stages. However,The Revenanthad a particular impact on how Zhao chose to approach the action sequences ofEternals.
Noting that there were multiple films that inspired her work onEternals, Zhao recounted how theAcademy Award-winningRevenantspecifically inspired the “great team” she worked with on the Marvel Studios epic. “‘The Revenant’ is a film that I love so much. And I think we’ve watched ‘The Revenant’ so many times, every meeting when we come to our action sequences because most of those sequences are shot on location.” Zhao said. “And I love how immersive and the way how you feel the dash and sequences in ‘The Revenant.’ It’s definitely a film that we aspire to. And Marvel really, really supported that idea and really went for it.”
Due to the pandemic, numerous MCU projects were forced to shift their release dates. Marvel Studios' initial plan was to releaseEternalsin theatres last November, beforeWandaVision. Zhao noted that having the Disney Plus show released beforeEternalsput a lot of pressure on her film. However, she’s “very happy” forWandaVisionand gladthat the show has found success.
Zhao has another big-budget film in the pipeline. Earlier this year, it was reported that the filmmaker would write, direct and produce a futuristicSci-Fi Western version ofDraculafor Universal Pictures. Zhao stated in a press release that the concept of vampires and what they embody have always fascinated her. Bram Stoker first createdDraculain his 1897 gothic horror novel and numerous high-profile actors have played the vampire over the past century. Universal has yet to announce who will play the titular role in Zhao’s new take.
Marvel Studios’Eternalsis set to premiere in theatres on June 28, 2025.
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