Angelina Jolie is no stranger to action roles. She starred in two ‘Tomb Raider’ movies, as well as flicks like ‘Mr & Mrs. Smith’, ‘Wanted’, ‘Salt’, and more. But that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t need to get into shape for her role as Thena in Disney’s upcoming ‘Eternals’, and the reason for that seems to be her kids. Jolie is famously the mother of six, and she revealed to People:
“What’s really moving to me is that they want to see me strong… It’s less to see me in a film, but they’re just happy I will be strong and having fun.”
But being that strong comes at a price. Jolie went on to discuss her training for ‘Eternals’:
“Everything from swords to ballet… She’s a warrior. I’m going to have to work very hard to give the Marvel Cinematic Universe the Thena they deserve.”
Jolie was rumored to be circling this film back in March, but her casting wasn’t confirmed until Marvel Studios’ San Diego Comic-Con panel. Chloé Zhao is attached to direct. The cast also includes Salma Hayek as the leader of this race, Ajak; Brian Tyree Henry as weaponsmith Phastos; Don Lee (Ma Dong-seok) as Gilgamesh the Forgotten One; Richard Madden as Ikaris; Lia McHugh, as Sprite; Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo Sunen; and Lauren Ridloff, the former Miss Deaf America, as Makkari, who will be Marvel’s first deaf superhero.
Jolie’s character, Thena, is based on the Greek goddess Athena. All Eternals have superhuman strength, can fly, have various energy and mental powers, and can manipulate matter, among other abilities. Thena emphasizes combat, carrying a powerful bow and arrow and spear. Jolie mentioned training with swords, so that will likely factor into the movie.
It remains to be seen how the films will interpret these insanely powered beings in a way that viewers can relate to.
‘Eternals’ is scheduled to open on November 6, 2020.
