Gemma Chan’s Eternals Character Will Make Viewer Rethink Superheroes

August 6, 2021

Marvel Studios’ Eternals is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year, and according to actress Gemma Chan, when fans finally get to see the film, they’ll come away with new expectations around superheroes.

Speaking to Vogue UK (via The Hollywood Reporter), Chan and director Chloe Zhao both spoke about Chan’s character Sersi, with Zhao noting that it’s been one of her personal passions to help create a more nuanced female superhero for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When it comes to Sersi, Chan said that fans shouldn’t expect to see the typical superhero they’ve seen in past comic book films.

“She’s not necessarily the best fighter, she doesn’t have the most obviously impressive powers,” Chan said. “The main thing is she’s an empath. She has a connection with humans, and with the world and the earth. That is her strength, so I leant into that.”

While not too much is known about Eternals, Zhao also praised Gemma in her portrayal of the character, calling her a “great actress” that also brought some incredible ideas to the role. “Gemma was very interested in this idea as well and took on the challenge,” Zhao said. “She brought a beautiful sense of gentleness, compassion, and vulnerability to Sersi that I believe will invite viewers to rethink what it means to be heroic.”

Based on Jack Kirby’s Marvel comics of the same name, Eternals welcomes an exciting new team of superheroes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The epic story, spanning thousands of years, features a group of immortal heroes forced out of the shadows to reunite against mankind’s oldest enemy, The Deviants.

The outstanding ensemble cast includes Richard Madden as the all-powerful Ikaris, Gemma Chan as humankind-loving Sersi, Kumail Nanjiani as cosmic-powered Kingo, Lauren Ridloff as the super-fast Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as the intelligent inventor Phastos, Salma Hayek as the wise and spiritual leader Ajak, Lia McHugh as the eternally young, old-soul Sprite, Don Lee as the powerful Gilgamesh, Barry Keoghan as aloof loner Druig, and Angelina Jolie as the fierce warrior Thena. Kit Harington plays Dane Whitman.

Eternals is directed by Chloe Zhao, who is coming off from winning numerous awards including Best Picture and Best Director at the recent Golden Globe and Oscar awards. It is co-written by Matthew K. Firpo and Ryan Firpo with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige set as the producer.