Report: Marvel Wants an Openly Gay Actor to Lead The Eternals

If Marvel Studios plans on releasing any new movies next year, pre-production will have to begin soon. If there’s any truth to this latest rumor, The Eternals may be the first film on the docket. The Hashtag Show is reporting that Marvel is currently looking for an actor to play the film’s lead. According to the studio’s criteria, the actor must be someone who falls in the 30-49 age range and “physically looks like a superhero.” Moreover, Marvel would prefer it if the actor were openly gay.

The Hashtag Show also cited Kevin Feige’s comments when Ant-Man and the Wasp was released last summer. During press runs for that movie, Feige revealed that Marvel was looking to introduce an LGBTQ character in a future MCU film. However, he didn’t specify which one. Whoever the character is, it will continue the studio’s push toward a more diverse and inclusive cinematic landscape. It will mark the first time that a LGBTQ character has co-headlined a Marvel Studios production.

A number of characters have fallen under The Eternals‘ banner since Jack Kirby created the comic in 1976. Supposedly, the flim’s lineup will include Sersi and Ikaris. Director Chloe Zhao is also rumored to be considering The Umbrella Academy’s Cameron Britton and polish actor Tomasz Kot for roles in the film. But for now, there are no firm details.

Zhao is directing The Eternals from a script co-written by Matthew and Ryan Firpo. The film is allegedly targeting a September production start in the UK. Do you have any theories about which character Marvel is planning to cast? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!