Marvel star confirms there are no plans for this MCU character to return

After Avengers: Endgame upended things for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it was time for a change. For many changes, in fact, as Marvel Studios went back to the drawing board, using the Disney Plus platform to introduce television to the MCU, along with a host of new heroes.

In hindsight, it might have been a case of too much, too soon, but there is no denying that it gave Kevin Feige and co. a multitude of potentially new storylines and directions - even if they aren't planning on following through with all of them in the immediate future.

That unfortunately appears to be the case with one character in particular, as actor Kit Harington revealed that there aren't currently any plans to bring his Eternals character Dane Whitman, a.k.a. the Black Knight, back to the MCU.

Kit Harington provides disappointing update on Black Knight

In a new interview with Screen Rant, Kit Harington spoke about his interest in the Dane Whitman character, while also adding that he hopes Marvel finds a way to bring him back because nothing is planned, at the time being at least. He commented:

"I don't know, though. The honest answer is nothing's in the works at the moment. If they decide to use the character in something, or as a solo thing, I'd be very excited by it. But I don't think it's planned at the moment."

This will undoubtedly come as a blow to fans who were hoping to see Harington reprise his role in an upcoming MCU project. It's also the second blow that fans of the actor have faced as he also revealed that the long-planned Jon Snow Game of Thrones spin-off is no longer in the works (for now, at least).

Dane Whitman was a big part of Eternals. He was also the star of its post-credits scene, as the film implied that he was destined to follow in his comic book footsteps and become the Black Knight. The scene was also acting as a tease of the upcoming Blade movie, as it actually featured an uncredited voice cameo from actor Mahershala Ali as the titular vampire hunter. Thus, there was the hope that Harington might return as Black Knight in that film.

Harington's comments might be disheartening but they aren't entirely surprising either. Eternals was perhaps the first sign of weakness for the MCU's fourth phase as it received mixed reviews and was something of an underperformer at the box office (in spite of a star-studded cast). After a few more underperformers followed, Marvel Studios is now refocusing itself on surefire hits, which means more experimental ideas like the rumored Eternals 2 may no longer be on the table.

But still, there's hope. The MCU doesn't exactly do loose ends, as its Infinity Saga culminated in an epic, beautiful celebration of an 11-year story. Even though the current Multiverse Saga has been a lot less focused, it will likely do the same. And thus, we will likely see the Eternals again at some point; it's just that they probably won't be headlining another movie any time soon.

With Black Knight having such a rich story, it would be a missed opportunity not to bring him back at some point. Harington's comments definitely support this, as he spoke of his fascination with the character and how that would make for a great arc to explore:

"I hope that they do something with that character. I think that character is fascinating and brilliant. And I love his trajectory in the comics. I love the idea of a good guy being turned bad by his superpower. I think that's brilliant. I'm not sure whether we've had a protagonist that's like that, so I think it's a really strong idea. I'd love them to [revisit him]."

The Multiverse Saga is full of potential opportunities for any character from any point of the MCU's story to return, so here's hoping that the-powers-that-be find a way - and a place - for both Black Knight and the Eternals to make their presence felt in the future. At the very least, their stories deserve an ending.