Before Academy Award–winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao stepped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Eternals, she was nearly attached to a different MCU movie entirely. However, her journey into Marvel Studios wasn’t straightforward. Instead, it involved surprising opportunities, creative discoveries, and a pivotal decision that ultimately set her on a new path.
Zhao’s interest in Marvel also surprised many fans, as her previous films like Nomadland and The Rider featured grounded, intimate storytelling. Yet, her desire to explore myth, philosophy, and humanity made her a natural fit for a cosmic-level project.
Chloé Zhao Nearly Joined the MCU Through Black Widow
During an appearance on The Town podcast with Matt Belloni, Zhao revealed that her first meeting with Marvel was actually for Black Widow.
She shared:
“I went in at first for Black Widow, and then there was a scheduling conflict.”
This one sentence confirmed what fans never expected—that Zhao could have shaped Natasha Romanoff’s long-awaited solo film. Ultimately, the scheduling conflict opened another door.
Instead of stepping away from Marvel entirely, Zhao continued her conversations with the studio. This led to a crucial meeting with Marvel producer Nate Moore, who offered her a look at the early treatment for Eternals. That moment shifted everything.
The Treatment That Changed Everything
After seeing the initial concept for Eternals, Zhao felt an immediate creative spark. The story had the mythic and philosophical tone she had been seeking.
She explained:
“When Nate Moore, my producer for Eternals, showed me the treatment, I went, Oh, wow. I get to have all these immortals, like a Greek play, to discuss humanity. And then I get to create monsters and space gods, right?”
This combination of cosmic action and deep human themes allowed Zhao to blend her indie sensibilities with blockbuster filmmaking. Moreover, it gave her the freedom to build a world filled with ancient history, moral conflict, and sweeping visual landscapes.
Why Eternals Resonated Deeply With Chloé Zhao
Zhao has always explored questions about identity, purpose, and human connection. Therefore, Eternals became the perfect canvas for her.
She said:
“Eternals, at its heart, is a story about a pantheon of gods having discussions about the nature of humanity and whether we are worth surviving. It was my way of trying to process all the questions I was having in those ten years of making the first three films.”
This emotional connection explains why Zhao remained committed to the project, even as she stepped into unfamiliar blockbuster territory.
A Massive Ensemble and a Mythic Story
Eternals centers on immortal beings who have secretly protected Earth for thousands of years. When the Deviants return, the group must reunite to stop the threat. Its cast included Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie.
Released in November 2021, Eternals received mixed responses from critics. While Zhao’s ambition and visual style were praised, others criticized pacing and character development.
With a 47% Rotten Tomatoes score, it ranks as the MCU’s second-lowest–rated film, just above Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania at 46%. Despite this, Eternals remains one of Marvel’s boldest and most stylistically distinct projects.
Although Chloé Zhao did not end up directing Black Widow, the opportunity ultimately led her to Eternals—a film that allowed her to explore mythology, humanity, and cosmic storytelling on an unparalleled scale. Consequently, her journey shows how unexpected turns often lead creators to the stories they’re meant to tell.
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