Eternals is often cited for its groundbreaking representation, featuring the MCU's first openly gay superhero, , and its first deaf superhero, Makkari . Unlike previous MCU films that relied heavily on green screens, Zhao insisted on filming in practical locations (like the volcanic landscapes of Fuerteventura) to ground the cosmic story in the natural world. Reception and Legacy

: The film's central conflict arises when the group discovers that Earth is merely an incubator for a new Celestial. Its birth will destroy the planet but create life elsewhere. This forces the heroes to choose between their creator’s grand design and the lives of the people they have come to love. Diversity and a New Cinematic Language

: Characters like Thena (Angelina Jolie) suffer from "Mahd Wy'ry," a form of dementia caused by the accumulation of thousands of years of memories, reflecting the fragility of the mind when faced with eternity.

The "essay" of the film’s narrative examines the psychological toll of this non-interference: