The Wrap reports that Emmy-winning star of Netflix’s ‘Bodyguard’, Richard Madden, is in talks to join the ensemble cast of Chloé Zhao‘s ‘The Eternals’, based on a god-like sect of beings that dwell on Earth. Despite some reports, the cast is not finalized, but reportedly, Angeline Jolie, Kumail Nanjiani, and Korean action star Ma Dong-seok will star. Jolie is expected to play Sersi, an outgoing Eternal that, unlike other members of her race, enjoys living among humans.
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Based strictly on looks, it would be easy to imagine Madden as Ikaris, the square-jawed leader of the Eternals, who inspired the Greek myth of “Icarus.”
Like all Eternals, Ikaris is insanely powerful and has superhuman strength, invulnerability, stamina, healing abilities, the ability to manipulate cosmic energy, telepathic powers, matter transmutation, flight, teleportation and more. It hasn’t been stated, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they were significantly depowered in the movies.
Madden won a Golden Globe (US) and a National Television Award (UK) for his performance on The BBC/Netflix’s hit action thriller ‘Bodyguard’, although his first major role was as Robb Stark on ‘Game of Thrones’. He also starred on the series ‘Medici’, and appears as Elton John’s former lover, John Reid in the upcoming biopic ‘Rocketman’. He is currently filming World War I drama ‘1917’, directed by Sam Mendes, and co-starring another Marvel star, Benedict Cumberbatch.
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There have been rumors that ‘The Eternals’ will feature an LGBTQ lead character, with some speculating that it will be Ikaris, but that’s just buzz for now. The character isn’t gay in the comics and even had a son at one point. (Not that having a son makes you not gay, but, you know what I mean.)
‘The Eternals’ screenplay was penned by brothers Matthew Firpo and Ryan Firpo. The film is expected to begin filming this fall and may or may not be released on November 1, 2020.
What do you think of Richard Madden entering the MCU?
