The Greatest Unsuccessful Marvel Movie Might Be on the Horizon

Marvel Studios, the powerhouse behind countless blockbuster films, has never experienced a true flop. However, that doesn't mean the studio has completely avoided misfires. The term “flop”—in the context of blockbuster films—refers to a movie that fails to perform financially or critically. While some phase one films, like Captain America (1990), didn't fare as well as subsequent MCU entries, none of the titles tumbled into true flops until the most recent era of the studio.

While contemporary Marvel films haven't crashed and burned, the upcoming film Eternals stands as a significant exception. This adaptation of a comic book series faced numerous challenges and possible pitfalls during its development. The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, is based on the increasing narrative depth of Neil Gaiman and Jack Kirby’s original comic book series.

The Persistent Problem of Adaptations

Adapting comic book series into live-action films presents unique challenges, particularly when these adaptations come from highly detailed works. Three key figures stand out as particularly difficult to adapt: Jack Kirby, Alan Moore, and Neil Gaiman. Each is known for their meticulousness and complexity, which can make for smooth comic book narratives but challenging film adaptations.

Jack Kirby is celebrated for his vital contributions to the superhero genre. His illustrative style, characterized by bold and dynamic depictions, epitomizes the traditional comic book visuals. However, replicating this style in a live-action film poses significant challenges. For instance, his work in the Evil Trams illustrator collection is a stark contrast to the more conventional look of a Marvel film. This visual disparity can make the adaptation process complex and less appealing to a wide audience.

Alan Moore, on the other hand, is recognized for his rich and detailed narratives. Best known for works like Watchmen, Moore’s writing is filled with subtle references and complex dialogues that enhance the reader's experience. Adapting such content into a film format often results in a dilution of these nuances. While Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Watchmen tried to stay true, it still failed to capture the depth and intricacies of the original comic, leading to a mixed reception.

Challenges of the Eternals

Eternals, with its focus on ancient beings who have virtually no memory of their own history due to the actions of Sprites, presents its own set of challenges. Gaiman’s involvement in adapting the comic to a film introduces the complexity that has plagued previous adaptations. His writing style is intrinsically tied to the source material, making it difficult to transmute his intricate storytelling into a more digestible, action-oriented film.

The depiction of Celestials—a race of beings roughly miles tall—is another significant hurdle. In the comic book format, these giants can interact with other characters directly, but in a live-action film, they are constrained by practical and visual limitations. This necessitates creative solutions, such as using faraway establishing shots or flashback sequences, to convey their presence and significance within the narrative.

Conclusion: The Uncertain Future of Eternals

Eternals is an example of what can go wrong when translating complex, detailed comic stories into a visually and narratively simpler format. While Marvel Studios has a proven track record of adapting comics beautifully, Eternals, due to its unique challenges, may stand as a potential misfire. Time will tell whether the film lives up to the original comic’s depth and complexities, or if it simply becomes another miscalculation in the long line of superhero adaptations.