Eternals: Asian Representation in Film Makes Strides in 2021

Written by Deborah Lau-Yu

Image of Chloe Zhao courtesy of Chanel

Other Images: Entertainment Weekly

Chloé zhao, director of the film, *Eternals,* wore a black viscose pullover with a printed denim skirt, look 18, from the Métiers d’art 2020/21 collection. Chanel headband, belt and shoes.

CREDIT: ALBERTO E. RODRIGUEZ/GETTY IMAGES. Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Salma Hayek, Brian Tyree Henry, Don Lee, Richard Madden, Lia McHugh, Kumail Nanjiani, and Lauren Ridloff joined their costar Kit Harington and Oscar-winning director/screenwriter Chloé Zhao on the red carpet to commemorate the world premiere of Eternals, image source: Entertainment Weekly.

Marvel is on a roll this year. Not only in their volume of released films during an uncertain time for theatre-going, but in the opportunity they seized to make continued progress in Asian Representation and representation at large in their cinematic universe.

Gemma Chan wearing Louis Vuitton to the L.A. premoere of the “Eternals“. CREDIT: AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN/FILMMAGIC. image source: Entertainment Weekly.

After a year of delay due to the pandemic, Marvel Studios’ Eternals was finally unveiled at the world premiere this Monday, at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. Guests and critics who got a sneak peek of the film before its official release on November 5th, came back with generally glowing reviews, such as describing the work as evocative, emotional, and extraordinary, especially as a superhero film.

ASIAN WOMEN AT THE HELM

Although it is no surprise that this film stands out, because Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) is the writer and director of the movie, with Patrick Burleigh contributing to the screenplay as well. This makes the movie a very special piece that represents Zhao’s universe, voice and work, and also marks her position as the first Asian female director of a Marvel film. Audiences can expect to experience and feel something new and stimulating with her artistic leadership.

What’s also notable and refreshing is to see Gemma Chan on the silver screen again in a key role. She’s been active for several years in her career: Chan played Bess of Hardwick in the historical drama Mary Queen of Scots (2018) and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel (2019). But perhaps most audiences will find her most memorable role to be Astrid from Crazy Rich Asians (already 3 years ago!), where she gained widespread acclaim and recognition.

Chan’s character in Eternals is the lead, as expressed in earlier interviews with Marvel’s Kevin Feige. For many film lovers in our generation that have been yearning to see Asian representation in Hollywood, it is extremely exciting to see her headlining with Angelina Jolie.

With two Asian women in the key roles, this makes Eternals such a special milestone moment, and a poetic second half to the season which was proudly dominated by fan favourite and breakthrough movie, Shang-Chi, starring Simu Liu and Tony Leung. What a year it was for Asian representation, with specifically Chinese ethnic representation, in what was previously unchartered territory: Marvel. Be sure to tune in as we follow the film to its November 5th official release.

About the film

maddox jolie-pitt, vivienne jolie-pitt, angelia jolie, zhara jolie-pitt, shiloh jolie-pitt, and knox jolie-pitt at the enternals premiere. CREDIT: AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN/FILMMAGIC. image source: Entertainment Weekly.

Marvel Studios' Eternals features an exciting new team of Super Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a completely different texture to the film (even down to the look and feel of the movie poster!), which is a nod to Marvel for always finding new and exciting ways to tell stories. The storyline, which chronologically follows the events of Avengers: Endgame, reveals that ancient aliens have been living on Earth and in secret for thousands of years. They come out of hiding due to an unexpected event, and reunite to fight against the Deviants — mankind's ancient enemy.

Eternals is an incredible cast which includes Angelina Jolie, (who brought her children to the world premiere), Gemma Chan, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, and Don Lee.

Other guests that we recently covered in our stories of Asian representation were also spotted on the red carpet included Meng’er Zhang, Ronny Chieng, and martial artist Andy Le from Shang-Chi.