Angelina Jolie Turned Down A Big Superhero Role Before Joining Eternals

Angelina Jolie reveals that she turned down a big superhero film before signing up to star in Eternals. Marvel Studios’ next blockbuster will introduce a whole new team of superheroes who have been on Earth for thousands of years. Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, the film boasts a star-studded cast, including Jolie, who plays one of the Eternals, Thena.

Announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, Eternals has been delayed multiple times due to the coronavirus pandemic, as with the rest of MCU’s confirmed slate. Fortunately, however, it wrapped principal photography before COVID-19 became a global problem. Since then, two trailers have already been released for the movie, dropping clues as to what eager fans can expect from it. Created by the Celestials, the Eternals are powerful beings who are essentially immortal. Given this, the blockbuster’s story will span thousands of years, although the main narrative will take place shortly after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Specifics of the film’s plot are still under wraps, and it’s safe to say that they will stay that way until Eternals rolls out in theaters in November.

Speaking with Empire (via @CreamOrScream) Jolie opened up about her decision to join the Marvel Studios project. Admitting that she doesn’t “usually lean towards superhero or sci-fi films,” the actress said that she “felt like something else was happening in this film” and that it was “very character-driven.” The actress then added that she was actually approached for a different high-profile superhero project before, which she turned down because of the aforementioned reason, saying the films are “not usually what I’m looking to do.” However, Jolie remained tight-lipped on what the role or project was, so it’s unclear who eventually landed the role instead.

Jolie’s casting in Eternals was big for Marvel Studios. Looking back at the original SDCC announcement, MCU architect Kevin Feige candidly revealed that even he was surprised that he was able to lock in an appearance from the high-profile actress. Since then, Jolie has had nothing but very positive things to say about her experience working on the movie, and seems to be very keen on the story they are telling. Prior to her new comment, Jolie said that she supports Marvel’s commitment to expanding the way superheroes are depicted on the screen. At this point, not much is known about Thena’s role in the narrative, but between agreeing to star in a comic book film and her subsequent high praises about the project, it seems like Marvel Studios really have something special with Eternals.

As for the role the Jolie rejected? It’s difficult to guess at, especially since the actress didn’t give out any clues as to when this conversation occurred. Over the years, she had been rumored to be in the running to appear in a few superhero blockbusters, but clearly, nothing seemed worth her while until Eternals. In any case, it’s understandable why Jolie would refuse to spill specific details about the mysterious project, since her words would almost certainly be twisted into an unnecessary commotion. And as a newcomer to the MCU, Jolie is likely keen to do whatever she can to avoid that.