Marvel Missed The Chance To Create The MCU’s Superman

by

Summary

  • Ikaris in Eternals resembles Superman with powers like flight, strength, speed, and eye lightning.
  • Marvel had the chance to develop Ikaris as a powerful character but restricted his potential in Eternals.
  • Ikaris’ demise in Eternals as a tragic villain felt rushed, wasting a character with the potential for broader MCU impact.

As a movie critic who has spent countless hours immersed in the superhero genre, I must say that Marvel had a golden opportunity with Ikaris in Eternals to create their very own Superman equivalent, but alas, they squandered it like a greenhorn trying to catch a kryptonian.

Superman stands as one of the most enduring symbols among all superheroes, easily identifiable even by those who typically avoid this genre. He serves as an emblematic figure for DC Comics, and while Marvel boasts a host of iconic characters, creating a character reminiscent of Superman could undeniably strengthen the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As a cinema enthusiast, I must say that while Iron Man is all about technology, Superman stands out with his extraordinary abilities, a stylish appearance, and an aura that leaps off every page or screen. Marvel missed the mark when it came to creating a character like Superman, but they had the opportunity to introduce their own version in “Eternals” with Ikaris.

Who Is Ikaris?

In Marvel’s “Eternals” movie, Ikaris is one of the main characters, who belongs to a less spotlighted group within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film revolves around an under-the-radar superhero team with godlike abilities, each possessing unique powers. Among all characters in the film, Ikaris stands out as the most powerful and has the greatest potential to influence the broader MCU narrative beyond “Eternals”.

In the movie, Richard Madden, who was previously known for his role in “Game of Thrones,” assumed a leadership position within the Eternals group. His character initially appeared as a hero, but it was later revealed that he was actually a villain who believed Earth should be sacrificed to foster life in new galaxies. This unexpected twist in the film didn’t receive as much attention as other key moments, but Madden’s powerful portrayal of his character made him an intriguing aspect of the movie.

What Similarities Does He Have To Superman?

Indeed, it’s not surprising that two characters hailing from distinct storylines within the realm of comic books would differ significantly, a fact well-understood by devoted fans. Yet, an intriguing overlap exists between Ikaris and Superman, a comparison that has persisted for decades even before Ikaris became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With Ikaris’s arrival in Eternals, fans were thrilled at the prospect of seeing how this character would be integrated into the MCU.

It’s quite clear that these characters share a striking trait – they have the ability to fly, which is undeniably one of the coolest superpowers out there. This aspect often leaves viewers in awe because it’s something they can’t personally relate to, generating an exciting response. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not many characters possess this ability, and even among them, only a select few can fly without aid like Iron Man. Furthermore, these characters are challenging adversaries due to their resilience; bullets can’t harm them, and they don’t tire, ensuring they maintain their power and stamina throughout any battle.

In terms of shared abilities, these two characters boast superhuman physical prowess and speed, traits that have long captivated audiences and can effortlessly fuel an enthralling cinematic narrative. Additionally, they emit lightning from their eyes, a power that sets them apart from others, albeit one that Marvel comic book adaptations haven’t fully exploited to its potential.

How Did Marvel Ruin Him?

In the movie Eternals, Ikaris unwittingly causes Ajak’s demise, which profoundly alters his character arc. His actions not only portray him as a figure of tragic consequence but also hint at a potentially villainous nature, echoing his comic book persona. However, this narrative choice limited Ikaris to a single movie appearance, squandering the potential for a more expansive character development. Given his immense power, some viewers felt Marvel missed an opportunity to further explore and expand upon Ikaris’s character, whether as a hero or a villain, in subsequent films.

Characters like Ikaris, who possess immense power, can often be intriguing due to their potential for both greatness and overbearing behavior, similar to Superman. However, this power can sometimes lead to destructive consequences that others may misinterpret as villainy when the character sees themselves as a hero. The complexities of this character could have been further delved into beyond the Eternals project. Despite the 2021 film not being one of Marvel’s more popular projects, it seemed as though Marvel was pushing to develop Ikaris hastily.

As a passionate movie buff, I can’t help but feel that introducing a character like him into the Marvel Cinatic Universe (MCU) would have added an exciting dynamic. His unique skills and captivating persona could have greatly enriched the universe, offering intriguing interactions with other characters and delivering electrifying fight scenes and plot advancements.

Read More

2024-12-17 06:03