Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Eternals

Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Eternals is an intimate behind-the-scenes look into the creation of Marvel's 26th film. Directed by Chloe Zhao, a Chinese-American filmmaker known for her nuanced portrayal of characters and sweeping landscapes, the movie assembles the talented ensemble cast to share their experiences and insights on bringing the Eternals to life on screen. The documentary commences by spotlighting Director Zhao, who has spoken at length about the personal journey that led her to take on this project. Growing up as an outsider in her native China, Zhao found solace in the stories of outsiders in literature, particularly the character of the 'Wandering Earth' from science fiction writer Liu Cixin's work. Her affinity for underdogs and outsiders resonates throughout her work, including Eternals, as Zhao masterfully brought together a diverse cast to portray the first, and most ancient, superheroes in human history. From the onset, the documentary highlights the chemistry between the cast members, whose diverse backgrounds, both on-screen and off, proved a vital ingredient in fostering an authentic, enduring connection. Salma Hayek's Arkea, an Eternal tasked with safeguarding humanity, shares her first impressions of the film's themes, stating, 'As soon as Chloe explained it, I was sold. Because I believe that our existence as outsiders informs the way we interact with other people.' The bond between Zhao and the cast is palpable, as they recount moments of shared laughter, intense rehearsals, and late-night discussions that solidified their relationships. Bilal Baig, the actor who plays one of the Eternals known as Thena, speaks eloquently about how Zhao's unique approach helped the cast tap into the emotional depth of their characters. According to Baig, 'Chloe is not afraid to ask for vulnerability, and she trusts you enough to be scared with you.' Baig reflects that Zhao encouraged them to 'embody a certain sense of responsibility,' drawing parallels with the weight of being one of the first, and most ancient, superheroes. Throughout the documentary, glimpses of their time spent on location in Italy, England, and Iceland give an impression of the breathtaking landscapes that provided the perfect backdrop for the Eternals' epic story. Speaking on the practical side of filming, the cast reflects on the logistical challenges of working in remote locations for several months. Angelina Jolie's Thena recounts a memorable experience, saying, 'There were moments where I thought it was a nightmare; and when we came to the realization that we had to set up all the camera equipment again, it felt like we hit a wall. But Chloe made us believe, and we worked it as a team.' Chloe Zhao is praised not only for her vision but also for creating a culture of trust and collaboration on set. Gemma Chan, another key Eternal, discusses the atmosphere created by Zhao, expressing admiration for her dedication to understanding 'the emotional underpinnings of each character.' Chan highlights Zhao's unique approach to filmmaking: 'She lets it flow from her. If there's something that feels personal or true for you, then it feels more authentic and honest.' These moments underscore the strong relationship between Zhao and the cast, and demonstrate how this rapport influenced their performances. One pivotal element of Eternals is its exploration of what it means to be human versus immortal, a theme closely tied to the ensemble's portrayal of seven thousand years of coexistence with humanity. The Eternals' relationship with humanity is multifaceted, at times fraught, and always intertwined with their existence. Chloe Zhao, in her unique approach to storytelling, delves into the emotional depth of her characters by emphasizing the emotional scars they've accumulated throughout history. As Marvel Studios continues to push the bounds of cinematic storytelling, Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Eternals serves as a poignant reminder of the hard work and collaboration that underscores their successes – in this case, the creation of Eternals. Through this behind-the-scenes look, we gain a deeper appreciation of the filmmakers who poured their hearts and souls into crafting a sweeping epic of superheroes that are at once deeply human and utterly extraordinary. The documentary stands as a testament to the enduring bonds forged between the cast and their creative vision for a film that transcends their individual roles and leaves a lasting impact on the world of cinema.