Marvel Quietly Drops Eternals’ Best Hope for the MCU
Marvel’s Eternals have faded from the spotlight, leaving one of their most intriguing characters sidelined. Discover why fans are still talking about Black Knight and what his absence means for the franchise.
With the latest phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe rolling out, the Eternals have all but vanished from the scene. This move has left a heap of untapped potential on the table, especially for characters who could have shaken things up. Among them, Dane Whitman—better known as Black Knight and played by Kit Harington—stood out as a real contender for a bigger role. Yet, with the Eternals now officially out of the MCU’s plans for 2026, Whitman’s story has been cut short before it really got going.
Black Knight: A Deeper Dive into Marvel’s Forgotten Hero
Many comic fans were left scratching their heads over how little Harington’s Black Knight was given to do. Despite hints at his abilities, the character never got the spotlight or the development that was originally on the cards. While the film touched on his background, the comics paint a much richer picture.
Whitman’s roots stretch back to the days of Camelot, with his lineage tracing to Sir Percy of Scandia. This connection ties him into Marvel’s take on Arthurian legend and explains his link to the Eternals, who’ve been nudging humanity along for centuries. He’s actually the third bloke to take up the Black Knight mantle, following his uncle Nathan Garrett—a villain who, in his final moments, asked Whitman to restore the family name by fighting for good.
Skills, Legacy, and the Ebony Blade
Unlike his superpowered mates, Whitman relies on top-notch sword skills and a sharp scientific mind. He’s no slouch in a scrap, and his intellect often gives him an edge. His signature weapon, the Ebony Blade, is a mystical sword that can slice through just about anything, deflect energy, and soak up magic. But there’s a catch: the more it’s used for violence, the more it corrupts its wielder. He also sports a suit of armour crafted by elves from a forgotten age.
With Marvel shifting its focus, Harington’s chance to bring this layered character to life has slipped away. It’s a double blow for the actor, who also saw a planned Jon Snow spin-off from Game of Thrones get the axe.
Marvel’s Missed Opportunity with the Eternals
Factoring in the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, the main reason the Eternals never took off in the MCU seems to be a lack of patience from the studio. Instead of letting the story breathe and develop, Marvel looked at the box office numbers and made a quick call about the future.
Fans had mixed feelings—some reckoned the film was a fresh take compared to the usual Marvel formula, but few thought it was a total flop. If the studio had given it a bit more room, sequels or spin-offs might have found their audience. The cast, including Kumail Nanjiani, have said they’re proud of what they achieved, suggesting the issues weren’t with the story or direction.
Eternals by the Numbers
Here’s a quick look at the film’s stats: Directed by Chloé Zhao, the cast featured Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and Kumail Nanjiani. On Rotten Tomatoes, it scored 47% from critics and 77% from audiences, and it pulled in $402 million at the box office.
What do you reckon—did Marvel pull the plug too soon on the Eternals and their characters? Let us know your thoughts below. The film is currently streaming on Disney+ in the US.