The upcoming Marvel Studios film ‘The Eternals’ now has Salma Hayek in early talks to join the stacked ensemble.
Hayek was recently in Lionsgate’s ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard,’ and will return in the upcoming sequel ‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard.’ She was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Julie Taymor’s ‘Frida.’ Next, she will appear in Paramount’s ‘Limited Partners,’ releasing January 10, 2020.
Moreover, the speculation going around is that Angelina Jolie (‘Maleficent’) is in talks to play Sersi. Meanwhile, Kumail Nanjiani (‘Silicon Valley’) and Ma Dong-seok (‘Train to Busan’) are cast in undisclosed roles. Richard Madden (‘Bodyguard’) is going to play Ikaris. Lastly, Keanu Reeves (‘John Wick’) is in negotiations for an unknown role.
Some of the premise, given by The Hollywood Reporter, is below:
“One aspect to the story involves the love story between Ikaris (Madden), a man fueled by cosmic energy, and Sersi (Jolie), who relishes moving amongst humans.”
Meanwhile, according to That Hashtag Show, Marvel Studios is also looking to cast an openly gay Asian male actor for a lead role. The role is under the name of James, who is “intellectual, emotional, and has a strong sense of family.” Specifically, the studio is looking at openly gay/bisexual Asian actors in their 20’s.
This role will mark the first time Marvel Studios will feature an openly gay male as a lead. This character will likely have a major presence in the film alongside the other leads: Sersi, Ikaris and “Piper.” As for actors, at the top of Marvel’s list for the role is Conrad Ricamora (‘Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,’ ‘How to Get Away with Murder’).
Moreover, Chloé Zhao (‘The Rider’) will be directing, while the screenplay is from Matthew K. Firpo & Ryan Firpo (‘Ruin’).
Further, the crew, so far, comprises of:
- Cinematographer Ben Davis (‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,’ ‘Captain Marvel’)
- Costume designer Alexandra Byrne (‘Doctor Strange,’ ‘Murder on the Orient Express’)
- Editor Craig Wood (‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,’ ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’)
- Production designer Eve Stewart (‘Les Misérables,’ ‘A Cure for Wellness’)
Filming will begin in the United Kingdom on either September 9th or 16th, and wrap sometime in January 2020.
There is currently no release date yet, but it will most likely claim the November 6, 2020 slot.
Source: The Wrap