Meet The Cast Of Marvel’s ‘Eternals’

“Eternals” is shaping up to be one of Marvel Studios’ most ambitious new projects for their recently announced Phase Four. Based on the characters created by Jack Kirby in 1976, the Marvel Cinematic Universe film will follow a group of immortal aliens sent to Earth to protect humanity from the malicious Deviants. Naturally, any comic book movie based on a team is going to need a strong cast, and Marvel Studios have put together an ensemble for the ages. Here’s a rundown of who’s who in the 2020 superhero film.

Angelina Jolie (Thena): One of the biggest movie stars of the 2000s in films like “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Girl Interrupted,” Jolie has recently slowed her acting work to focus more on directing and activism. She has most recently appeared in the “Maleficent” films, also released by Disney. In the comics, Thena served the Greek gods and was the earthly representative of Athena.

Salma Hayek (Ajak): Playing the leader of the group, Hayek is one of the most famous international actresses in modern Hollywood, known best for the films like “Frida,” “Desperado,” and “From Dusk Till Dawn.” Ajak is typically portrayed as a man in the comics and can communicate with the Celestials, the creators of the Eternals.

Richard Madden (Ikaris): English actor Madden broke out in a huge way playing the doomed King in the North Robb Stark on HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” He also played Prince Charming in Disney’s live-action “Cinderella” and recently won a Golden Globe for his leading role on Netflix’s “The Bodyguard.” Known for his power of flight, Ikaris guided Noah’s Ark to Mt. Ararat and was the father of mythical Greek figure, Icarus.

Kumail Nanjiani (Kingo): Starting from the world of stand-up comedy, Pakistan-born actor Nanjiani has become one of the biggest comedians of the moment, appearing in “Silicon Valley,” “Stuber,” and “The Big Sick,” for which he also received an Oscar nomination for writing alongside his wife. In the comics, Kingo is a trained samurai and master swordsman.

Brian Tyree Henry (Phastos): Henry is one of the biggest breakout performers in recent memory, after strong turns in “Atlanta,” “Widows” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” He will also appear in “A Quiet Place Part II.” In the comics, Phastos is known as an ingenious inventor and engineer.

Ma Dong-seok (Gilgamesh): A beloved South Korean actor, best known internationally for his surly turn in zombie film, “Train to Busan.” Gilgamesh is one of the strongest characters in the Marvel Universe, with strength rivaling Thor, the Hulk and Thanos.

Lia McHugh (Sprite): Cleverly cast as the oldest Eternal, 12-year-old McHugh has appeared in A24’s “Hot Summer Nights” and Hulu’s “Into the Dark.” Usually a male character in the comics, Sprite is known as a prolific trickster.

Lauren Ridloff (Makkari): The MCU’s first major deaf performer, Ridloff is perhaps best known for playing Connie on Season 9 of “The Walking Dead.” Unlike most of the Eternals, Makkari’s defining power is her speed.

Marvel Studios will release "The Eternals" on Nov. 6, 2020.