Angelina Jolie in the Marvel universe: role of Thena in Eternals
Angelina Jolie’s foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) came with her pivotal role as Thena in the 2021 film Eternals. This marked a significant entry for the acclaimed actress into the expansive world of superheroes, a universe she hadn’t previously explored. The film, part of Marvel’s Phase Four, introduced an ancient race of beings created by the Celestials, tasked with protecting Earth from the Deviants. Jolie’s portrayal of Thena, a formidable warrior with a unique internal struggle, brought a new dimension to the MCU’s roster of characters. Her performance, despite the film’s mixed reception, showcased her ability to embody complex and powerful figures. Thena’s character is defined by her combat prowess and a distinct mental condition known as Mahd Wy’ry, which adds a layer of vulnerability to her otherwise indomitable persona.
Debut in the MCU: why did Angelina Jolie choose the role in Eternals?
The decision for a star of Angelina Jolie’s caliber to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly in a project like Eternals, sparked considerable interest among fans and industry observers. While the exact motivations remain personal, several factors likely contributed to her acceptance. The opportunity to portray a character as distinct and powerful as Thena, a warrior with a rich backstory and internal conflicts, undoubtedly played a role. Furthermore, the film was helmed by director Chloé Zhao, whose distinct filmmaking style and reputation for compelling character-driven narratives likely appealed to Jolie. Joining a massive franchise like the MCU also presents a unique platform, potentially serving to boost her career and reach a wider audience. The film’s exploration of ancient mythology and its ambitious narrative scope offered a departure from typical superhero fare, aligning with Jolie’s penchant for diverse and challenging roles.
Analysis of the character Thena and fan reception of the role
Thena, as brought to life by Angelina Jolie, is a fierce and skilled warrior of the Eternal race. Her defining characteristic is her mastery of combat, wielding cosmic energy to form a variety of weapons, from swords to spears. However, Thena is not just a one-dimensional fighter; she grapples with the Mahd Wy’ry, a condition that affects her memory and mental state due to the sheer volume of her past lives and battles. This internal struggle adds a significant layer of depth to her character, making her relatable despite her superhuman abilities. Angelina Jolie’s performance was generally noted for its strength and gravitas, with many critics acknowledging her commanding presence on screen. Fan reception, however, was somewhat divided, mirroring the film’s overall mixed reviews. While some fans appreciated Jolie’s dedication to the role and her portrayal of Thena’s power and vulnerability, others felt that the character, like many in Eternals, was underdeveloped due to the film’s sprawling narrative. Despite this, Thena remains a memorable figure within the MCU, a testament to Jolie’s acting prowess.
Unfulfilled dreams: Angelina Jolie and a potential role in Spider-Man 4
Before her MCU debut, Angelina Jolie was reportedly considered for a significant role in Sam Raimi’s unmade Spider-Man 4. This potential casting offers a fascinating glimpse into what could have been, a lost opportunity to see the star in a different corner of the superhero landscape. The discussions surrounding her involvement hinted at a compelling role, potentially as Vultress, the daughter of the iconic villain Vulture. This prospect generated considerable excitement, as it would have placed Jolie as a formidable antagonist opposite Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, creating a dynamic and potentially classic cinematic confrontation. The film’s eventual cancellation meant this exciting casting never materialized, leaving fans to only imagine the impact Jolie would have had in such a role.
Unused potential: why the role in Spider-Man 4 was ideal for Angelina Jolie?
The prospect of Angelina Jolie starring in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 4, potentially as Vultress, represented an ideal synergy between star and role. Jolie’s established ability to portray complex villains with charisma and a commanding presence would have been perfectly suited to such a character. Vultress, as the daughter of Vulture, offered the opportunity for a deeply personal and villainous arc, allowing Jolie to explore themes of legacy and conflict. Her natural intensity and striking on-screen persona would have provided a captivating foil for Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, creating a memorable villain that could have elevated the entire film. This was a chance for her to inhabit a character designed to showcase her unique talents within the established charm of Raimi’s Spider-Man universe, a far cry from the ensemble nature of Eternals.
What if? A lost chance for an MCU classic
The cancellation of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 4 represents more than just a lost movie; it’s a lost opportunity for a potentially iconic cinematic moment, especially concerning the rumored casting of Angelina Jolie. Imagine Jolie as Vultress, a character with a direct lineage to a classic Spider-Man villain, facing off against Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker. This scenario promised a captivating blend of action and personal drama, a hallmark of Raimi’s earlier Spider-Man films. The dynamic between Jolie’s formidable presence and Maguire’s earnest portrayal could have resulted in a truly memorable confrontation, adding another layer to the already beloved franchise. This “what if” scenario highlights how pivotal casting decisions can shape the perception and legacy of a film, and in this case, it represents a significant missed chance for a potential MCU classic.
Angelina Jolie Marvel: analysis of criticism and future possibilities
Angelina Jolie’s involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically with Eternals, has been met with a complex mix of reactions, leading to questions about her MCU career’s success and future. While her performance as Thena was individually praised for its strength, the film itself garnered mixed to negative reviews, impacting the broader perception of the Eternals characters and their place within the MCU. This critical reception has cast a shadow over the potential for future installments or significant roles for these characters. The film’s underperformance at the box office, grossing over $402 million worldwide, and the criticism surrounding its screenplay and pacing, have made any immediate sequel plans seem unlikely.
Eternals: success or failure for Angelina Jolie’s MCU career?
Evaluating Eternals as a success or failure for Angelina Jolie’s MCU career is nuanced. On one hand, her performance as Thena was a highlight, showcasing her ability to embody a powerful superhero with a compelling internal struggle. She brought gravitas and a commanding presence to the role, proving her suitability for the superhero genre. However, the film’s overall mixed to negative reception and its impact on future MCU plans undeniably created a less than ideal launchpad. The criticism of the film’s screenplay and pacing meant that the characters, including Thena, didn’t fully resonate with a wider audience as intended. Therefore, while Jolie’s individual contribution was strong, the film’s performance ultimately hindered the potential for her character to become a cornerstone of the MCU in the way some might have expected. It was a significant role, but one that was part of a project that didn’t achieve widespread critical or commercial triumph.
More than one role: will Angelina Jolie ever star in another Marvel film?
The question of whether Angelina Jolie will star in another Marvel film remains open to speculation. Her debut in Eternals was a significant event, but the film’s reception has made a direct sequel or the prominent continuation of her character’s storyline uncertain. While the possibility of her returning as Thena exists, it would likely depend on shifts in Marvel’s strategic direction and the potential for a more impactful narrative for the Eternals characters. Given her past consideration for a role in the unmade Spider-Man 4, it’s clear that the Marvel studio has been interested in her talent for some time. If an opportunity arises that aligns with her artistic interests and presents a compelling character, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that she could appear in another Marvel project, perhaps in a different capacity or as a new character altogether. Her versatility and star power make her a valuable asset to any film franchise.
Director Chloé Zhao and the vision of the Marvel universe
Chloé Zhao’s direction of Eternals represented a distinct departure from the typical Marvel Cinematic Universe formula. Known for her critically acclaimed independent films like Nomadland and The Rider, Zhao brought a unique sensibility to the superhero genre, aiming for a more grounded and character-focused approach. Her vision for Eternals was to explore the ancient beings not just as powerful warriors, but as complex individuals grappling with their existence, their purpose, and their impact on humanity. This approach sought to imbue the film with a sense of realism and emotional depth rarely seen in large-scale superhero productions.
A new approach to superheroes: Chloé Zhao’s style in Eternals
Chloé Zhao’s directorial style in Eternals was characterized by its emphasis on naturalistic performances, breathtaking cinematography, and a contemplative narrative pace. Instead of relying solely on high-octane action sequences, Zhao focused on the internal lives of the Eternals, using sweeping landscapes and intimate close-ups to convey their vast history and emotional weight. Her decision to shoot on location and utilize natural light contributed to a more grounded aesthetic, differentiating Eternals from the often hyper-stylized look of other MCU films. This approach allowed for the exploration of diverse themes, including love, loss, faith, and the human condition, as seen through the eyes of beings who have witnessed millennia of history. The film also notably featured groundbreaking representation, with Brian Tyree Henry’s Phastos being the first openly gay superhero in the MCU and Lauren Ridloff’s Makkari being the first deaf superhero. Zhao’s commitment to these elements underscored her vision for a more inclusive and artistically ambitious Marvel universe.
The future of Eternals in cinema and potential sequels
The future of Eternals in cinema, particularly regarding potential sequels, appears uncertain following the film’s mixed reception and the impact of censorship in some regions. While the film introduced a compelling new mythology and a diverse cast of characters, including the introduction of Harry Styles as Eros/Starfox in a post-credits scene, the critical reviews and the box office performance have cast doubt on immediate follow-ups. Director Chloé Zhao had expressed interest in exploring the characters further, but the studio’s focus often shifts based on the performance and reception of its projects. The censorship of Eternals in certain Middle Eastern countries due to the depiction of a gay couple (Phastos and his husband) also presented challenges for its global rollout and potential for future installments in those markets. As such, any discussion of an Eternals sequel remains speculative, with Marvel’s Phase Four and subsequent phases likely prioritizing other established or newly introduced franchises.
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