Eternals 2: The King in Black – A Cosmic Clash Beyond Imagination
Marvel Studios’ long-anticipated sequel Eternals 2: The King in Black propels the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) into darker, more cosmic territory. Following the events of Eternals (2021), the new installment expands the scope of the Celestials’ legacy, exploring the balance between cosmic creation and destruction, while introducing one of Marvel Comics' most powerful and terrifying villains—Knull, the King in Black.
The film picks up shortly after Eternals, with the remaining Eternals scattered across the universe. Sersi, now grappling with her altered humanity, leads a fragmented group trying to understand their true purpose after the betrayal of Arishem. The emergence of Knull, the primordial god of darkness and creator of the symbiotes, forces the Eternals to reunite in a desperate attempt to protect not just Earth, but the entire multiverse.
Knull’s arrival marks a significant tonal shift for the MCU. The film delves into horror-inspired sci-fi, with scenes showcasing planets consumed by living darkness, civilizations torn apart by symbiote corruption, and even the Celestials themselves falling under Knull’s influence. Played with chilling intensity by an as-yet-unrevealed actor, Knull is portrayed not just as a villain, but as a cosmic force of nihilism, bringing existential terror to every corner of the galaxy.
Chloé Zhao returns as director, blending sweeping cosmic visuals with grounded, introspective character moments. Her signature storytelling style adds emotional depth to the godlike beings. Each Eternal confronts their past and their faith in the Celestials, especially Ikaris—resurrected and reborn through Knull’s manipulation—as a tragic figure struggling between darkness and redemption.
New characters are introduced to expand the cosmic pantheon. Black Knight (Dane Whitman), now wielding the Ebony Blade with greater confidence, joins the fray alongside Pip the Troll and Starfox (Eros), played again by Harry Styles. Their dynamic offers both levity and critical insight into the broader Marvel mythos, especially as the film hints at ancient connections between the symbiotes, the Celestials, and the multiverse.
The action is a highlight, balancing large-scale celestial warfare with intimate, emotional duels. One standout sequence features a battle on the surface of a dying star, where Thena (Angelina Jolie) faces off against corrupted Eternals under Knull’s control. The special effects are both mesmerizing and terrifying, reflecting the expanding boundaries of what Marvel is willing to explore in Phase 5 and beyond.
Critically, Eternals 2: The King in Black serves as a bridge between cosmic and supernatural MCU storylines. The presence of symbiote mythology ties directly into previous teases from Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Spider-Man: No Way Home, while also laying the groundwork for upcoming darker titles like Blade and Midnight Sons.
Ultimately, Eternals 2 is not just a sequel—it’s a philosophical exploration of purpose, identity, and the meaning of light in the face of overwhelming darkness. While not every storyline may satisfy casual viewers, its bold narrative choices and stunning visuals mark it as one of the most ambitious entries in the MCU. Whether you’re a longtime Marvel fan or a newcomer intrigued by cosmic horror, The King in Black delivers a cinematic experience unlike any other in the franchise.
