'I think it was just new': Barry Keoghan opens up about 'Eternals' mixed response
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nearly a year after 'Eternals' theatrical debut, Druig actor Barry Keoghan broke down this film's middling reception amongst critics and fans. Director Chloe Zhao's MCU debut was one of the most hotly anticipated films in Marvel Studio's history, as the Oscar-winning director brought forth her sprawling super-powered epic. Although the film grossed 402 million dollars worldwide, it received mixed reviews from critics. The film's themes and visuals were praised, the screenplay, pacing, and runtime, however, the character development was criticized.
The film's opening weekend earned 162 million dollars globally, which was the second-largest worldwide opening weekend in the COVID-19 pandemic for a Hollywood film but upon release, the film flopped, both critically and at the box office. While the future of Zhao's MCU franchise has been put into question, the director has remained adamant that she "would be back in a second" if an 'Eternals 2' were to happen. It stars an ensemble cast including Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie.
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Following a string of 'Eternals' actors looking back on the first film's mixed reaction, another star from Zhao's Marvel Studios' blockbuster has offered their take. During the latest episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Druig actor Barry Keoghan was asked for his take on 'Eternals' reception, and he seems to feel Zhao's style simply wasn't something a lot of fans were ready to embrace for the MCU.
“I think Chloe [Zhao] brought a whole kind of feel to it. You know? So Chloe brings - as you’ve seen from her past films - raw performances and really, really touching performances. I don’t think it was I think it was new. I think it was just new. It was new for the Marvel world."
As for that much-discussed sequel, Keoghan has previously stated that he'd be more than happy to reprise the role of Druig, and remains optimistic about a potential return. 'The Banshees of Inisherin' star also revealed that he spoke to producer Victoria Alonso about the chances of a follow-up, but stopped just short of confirming anything!
"I didn’t get a chance to chat with her too much, but yeah. I’m always optimistic, always. I wanna know what Druig is doing right now. Anyway, we’ll see. You’re not going to get that out of me. I know nothing!"
However, you can watch 'Eternals' on Disney+.