The Eternals: Angelina Jolie gives praise to director Chloé Zhao

Maleficent star, Angelina Jolie, has given praise to director of The Eternals Chloé Zhao.

As revealed last month at San Diego Comic-Con, Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is really shaping up to be quite something.

During Marvel Studios’ panel and presentation, some major casting announcements were made – many of which involved the next MCU installment: The Eternals.  Announced as part of the line-up was veteran actress Angelina Jolie, who will be portraying Thena.

Born in the city of Olympia in ancient Greece, Thena (once known as Azura) is a member of a race of Eternals. They are an evolutionary offshoot of Homo sapiens that existed from over a million created by alien Celestials. Thena allowed Spartans to conquer her city of Athens in 404 B.C.

Jolie sounds incredibly excited to be a part of the film, and to be working with director, Chloé Zhao. As per Superhero Hype, the actress praised the director during an interview with People Magazine, stating:

"“I think Chloé is going to make a special Marvel film. With all the love and respect for the others and what makes them work, we hope to add something new.”"

After some time, Thena became a scholar and warrior. Roughly 2,500 years ago, she had an encounter with a Deviant known as Kro, leader of the opposing faction of the Eternals – a grotesque offshoot of humans.

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Kro chose not to slay her and as years passed, they grew close. Very close in fact, as during the Vietnam War, they made love and she became pregnant.

However, in secret, Thena used one of the vast superhuman abilities at her disposal to implant her embryos of her twin children, who eventually became known as Donald and Deborah Ritter, in an infertile human woman.

Jolie sounds like she’s ready to embrace the warrior aspect of the character, as she discussed her training and revealed how she is currently preparing herself for Thena.

"“Everything from swords to ballet… She’s a warrior. I’m going to have to work very hard to give the Marvel Cinematic Universe the Thena they deserve.”"

Created by legendary, multi-award winning writer/artist, Jack Kirby, The Eternals made their debut in The Eternals No.1 in 1976.

Neil Gaiman and John Romita Jr. are well known to have updated the setting and characters with the 2006 Eternals miniseries to modern times in Marvel continuity. With production of the MCU film having already begun with a target release of November 6, 2020, let’s hope this opens the door to another potential franchise.

Are you excited to see what Angelina Jolie adds to the role of Thena? Will you be seeing The Eternals when it is released? Let us know in the comments below!