The Eternals (2020) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of The Eternals (2021) reveals that the titular team of immortal beings were actually androids created by the Celestial Arishem to prepare planets for the birth of new Celestials. After stopping the Emergence (the birth of the Celestial Tiamut, which would have destroyed Earth), the team splits up. Some are captured by Arishem for judgment, while others go into hiding. The film sets up future conflicts, introduces the Eternals' true origins, and leaves unresolved questions about humanity's fate, the Celestials' plans, and the moral implications of the Eternals' actions.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Eternals centers on the team's internal conflict over whether to allow the Emergence-the birth of the Celestial Tiamut-which would destroy Earth but create a new cosmic entity. Ikaris, who remains loyal to the Celestials, fights against his fellow Eternals to ensure Tiamut's birth. However, Sersi, Phastos, and the others ultimately unite to stop the Emergence by using the Uni-Mind, a collective energy fusion, to turn Tiamut into marble. This act of defiance against their creators marks a pivotal moment for the Eternals, as they choose humanity over their programmed mission.
After the battle, Arishem-the Prime Celestial-appears and acknowledges their betrayal. He spares Earth for the moment but takes Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos away for judgment, implying that their fate and humanity's survival are still in question. Meanwhile, Thena, Druig, and Makkari depart on the Domo (their spaceship) to find other Eternals and uncover more about their origins. Sprite, no longer immortal after Sersi uses the Uni-Mind to make her human, stays on Earth. The film ends with Dane Whitman (Sersi's human love interest) about to open a mysterious box containing the Ebony Blade, teasing his future as the Black Knight, while an off-screen voice (later confirmed to be Blade) asks, "You sure you're ready for that, Mr. Whitman?"
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Will Arishem destroy Earth?
- Possible Answer: Given the MCU's tendency to avoid mass extinction, Earth may be spared, but at a cost-such as the Eternals being forced into a new mission.
- Alternative: The Celestials may return in a future film as antagonists, forcing heroes like the Avengers to intervene.
What happened to the captured Eternals?
- Possible Answer: They may be reprogrammed or put on trial, setting up a cosmic conflict in Eternals 2.
- Alternative: They could escape and join a rebellion against the Celestials.
What is the significance of the Ebony Blade?
- Possible Answer: Dane Whitman's transformation into Black Knight could tie into supernatural MCU storylines, like Blade or Midnight Sons.
Are there other Eternals in the universe?
- Possible Answer: Thena, Druig, and Makkari's journey suggests they might find other factions of Eternals, possibly leading to a civil war.
What was the Celestials' true purpose for the Eternals?
- Possible Answer: They may have been designed to shepherd multiple planets, not just Earth, hinting at a larger Celestial agenda.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The Eternals is a bold departure from typical MCU fare, focusing more on philosophical dilemmas than action-packed spectacle. The ending effectively sets up future storylines while leaving enough ambiguity to keep audiences intrigued. However, the film's pacing and dense mythology may have alienated some viewers. The moral conflict-whether to sacrifice billions for cosmic evolution-was compelling, but the emotional impact was uneven due to the large ensemble cast. The post-credits scenes (including Pip the Troll and Starfox's introduction) felt rushed, though they promise exciting cosmic adventures ahead. Overall, while flawed, The Eternals offers a fresh, ambitious take on the MCU that could pay off in future installments.
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