Chloé Zhao, the Academy Award-winning director of Nomadland, revealed the Marvel project she was originally offered before taking on Eternals. Fans have long wondered how Zhao, known for her intimate storytelling style, would fit into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In a recent interview, she shared why she passed on the initial offer and what drew her to the cosmic superhero epic instead.
The Offer That Could Have Changed Marvel’s Future
Which Marvel Movie Was on the Table?
The original Marvel movie that Zhao was offered was Black Widow. In 2018, Marvel Studios searched for a female director to helm the film, speaking with over 65 filmmakers in an “extremely thorough” search. Candidates included Amma Asante (A United Kingdom), Deniz Gamze Erguven (Mustang), and Chloé Zhao (The Rider). The studio aimed to break its glass ceiling with a strong female-led superhero story.
Why Zhao Turned It Down
Zhao declined the offer due to a scheduling conflict, most likely because she was working on Nomadland, her 2020 drama that she wrote, produced, edited, and directed.
Later, Nate Moore, the producer of Eternals, showed Zhao the film’s treatment. “Oh, wow,” she said. “‘I get to have all these immortals, like a Greek play, to discuss humanity. And then I get to create monsters and space gods, right?” Zhao admitted the project should have been intimidating, but she embraced it anyway. “It probably should have scared me. I don’t know. I tend to jump before I know how to swim.”
Zhao’s Vision for Eternals
The universe of monsters and immortals in Eternals resonated with Zhao far more than Natasha Romanoff’s past in Black Widow. She explained, “For those 10 years when I was going around America and learning new ways of life and having a relationship with nature, there was something bubbling inside really intensely. The volcano reference erupted, and that was in the form of Eternals. Because Eternals, at its heart, is a story about a pantheon of gods having discussions about the nature of humanity.”
Unique Storytelling Style in a Superhero Film
Chloé Zhao brought her signature storytelling style to the superhero film, blending intimate character moments with epic superhero spectacle. Known for her naturalistic approach in films like Nomadland and The Rider, Zhao emphasized human emotion and subtlety even within a sprawling Marvel ensemble. She explored the personal struggles, relationships, and moral dilemmas of immortal heroes, giving the MCU a fresh, contemplative layer often missing in traditional superhero blockbusters. Zhao proved that Marvel films could balance blockbuster action with deeply human storytelling.
Challenges of Directing a Marvel Ensemble
Directing Eternals presented unique challenges for Zhao, particularly managing a large ensemble cast and multiple storylines. She carefully coordinated each hero’s powers, arcs, and screen time while maintaining clear pacing and character development. Zhao had to assert her creative voice within the Marvel Cinematic Universe framework, blending her style with franchise expectations. Despite the complexities, she delivered a Marvel film that feels both epic in scale and intimate in emotion.
While Eternals received mixed reviews due to its large cast of new characters and uneven pacing, critics agreed that the main issue lay in the script, not Zhao’s direction. Her vision and storytelling elevated the material, showcasing her ability to bring depth and nuance to the MCU.
Conclusion
Chloé Zhao’s decision to direct Eternals highlights her unique vision and willingness to bring a fresh perspective to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although the Black Widow project she initially turned down remains a “what if” for fans, her work on Eternals has left a lasting mark on the MCU. Zhao’s creative voice continues to shape the future of superhero storytelling, proving that blockbuster films can be both epic and emotionally resonant.
Which Marvel movie do you think Chloé Zhao would have made a big impact on if she had directed it instead of Eternals? Leave a comment below or share with your friends on social media!
