“Eternals” is Marvel Studios’ latest superhero epic, a tale of ten uniquely gifted beings (dubbed Eternals), who have been policing Earth for thousands of years, making sure a race of ancient monster (called Deviants) doesn’t overrun humanity. As the eons roll along, they help humanity grow, learn and evolve – all while keeping a safe distance. (Yes, they explain why they didn’t interfere with Ultron, Thanos, or any of the other world-endangering horrors that have befallen the MCU over the past 20-odd movies. Whether or not you buy that explanation is up for debate.) With unique direction from “Nomadland” Best Director Oscar-winner Chloe Zhao and an insanely talented cast that includes (but is not limited to) Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie, “Eternals” sets itself apart from the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in several ways – but includes hallmarks of the series you just can’t get away from. You know, like sitting through the credits for a tantalizing morsel of what’s to come. This is a spoiler-free peek at what to expect at the tail end of “Eternals.”
Is there a post-credits scene?
The short answer is yes. The slightly longer answer is: yes, there are actually two – a mid-credits sequence (following a majestic main-on-end title sequence) and a post-credits sequence following all of the credits (we salute you, unit publicists).
Does it matter?
This is, perhaps, the bigger question – are the end credits sequences worth you sitting in your seat for even longer, potentially running into a logjam at the bathroom and/or leaving the parking structure? Both of the end credits sequences from “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” were — like the rest of the movie — utterly delightful. Did they chart a new course for the MCU or tease an upcoming otherworldly threat? Not really. But you got to see Wong do “Hotel California” at a karaoke bar, and maybe that’s enough. The two end credits sequences for “Eternals,” however, are whoppers. One introduces a potentially huge new character to the MCU (ruined by some unscrupulous post-premiere tweets) and the other … well, you’ll just have to see. But these are probably worth sticking around for, not just because of their importance in the overall continuity, but for the fact that it will give you something to talk to your date about as you’re stuck leaving the parking garage with all the other like-minded nerds.
Will you be confused?
Yes. While no comic book savant, I at least have a cursory understanding of this world and its many overlapping continuities, multiverses, and so on. But the two end credits sequences, much like “Eternals” itself, are utterly baffling. They’re hugely important to the future contours of the MCU, but truly WTF-worthy at the same time. Have Wikipedia at the ready. You’re going to need it.