Marvel Studios has had to adapt and adjust its release schedule over the last 18 months, due to challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it seems things are still in flux in some cases. Marvel boss Kevin Feige recently hinted that Marvel’s Eternals, which is currently slated to be released in the U.S. on Nov. 5, could be streamed on Disney+ or may be postponed a bit as well, according to Variety.
Directed by Oscar winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, the cosmic adventure introduces audiences to the titular characters, an immortal alien race created by the Celestials who have secretly lived on Earth for more than 7,000 years, and now must reunite to protect humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants.
The release is largely dependent on how Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings does at the box office after its release on Sept. 3. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is set to be released under the new 45-day theatrical window, with a stream on Disney+ to follow.
If things go well, then the studio will most likely continue with its release slate of upcoming MCU movies. But if the Delta variant causes movie theater attendance to drop again, then a delay or the Disney+ option are both in play.
Feige suggested recently that the studio is somewhat winging it when it comes to release plans, so even if something is decided now, it could change by the time November comes around.
Regardless, Feige is confident Marvel Studios will make the best decision for fans.
“I love the movies. I love going to the movies,” he said. “I love making movies for people to see in a shared environment in a theater together. To us, that’s what it’s about. The hybrid release can also be good—you want customers to have a choice. In this case, the choice is in theaters for 45 days. Here’s what I know: there’s an opening weekend, and you can go see a movie.”
Marvel’s Eternals cast includes Game of Thrones stars Kit Harington as Marvel’s Black Knight and Richard Madden. Joining them are Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Ma Dong-seok, Salma Hayek, Kumail Nanjiani, Barry, Keoghan, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, and Lia McHugh.
Watch the latest trailer here.
