Three years ago, MCU fans got an unexpected treat when one of Marvel’s quirkiest cosmic characters, Starfox- aka Eros- appeared in Eternals. Even more shocking was the revelation that Thanos’ brother was played by none other than ex-One Direction singer Harry Styles.
Despite being directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, the 2021 film struggled to deliver the kind of box office success Marvel typically enjoys. And naturally, fans assumed Styles’ was a one-off cameo, just a fun surprise for fans to enjoy and move on from. But, as it seems, perhaps not.
Many fans have been holding out hope for an Eternals sequel since 2021. Recently, some MCU insiders reported that Eternals could make a comeback in the franchise. And it was not just rumors; even MCU boss Kevin Feige dropped a hint during D23 Brazil. While acknowledging the mixed receptions, Feige still expressed his pride in the film and hinted at the possibility of the characters returning, calling the ensemble cast a group Marvel would “be lucky to get any of them at some point.” Styles did not exactly feature in the main storyline of Eternals, though.
The #Eternals will reportedly return in the #MCU.
(via @AlexFromCC) pic.twitter.com/ubGtV3a9g6
— Cosmic Marvel (@cosmic_marvel) November 15, 2024
Instead, the ‘Watermelon Sugar’ pop star made a brief but memorable appearance in the mid-credits scene, where he introduced himself to the team as a fellow Eternal. During this short scene, he also warned the group that the rest of their squad was in trouble but assured them he was there to help. This moment left the doors open for Styles’ character, Starfox, to potentially play a larger role in a future sequel. However, it seems fans are less focused on Eternals returning to the MCU and more fixated on Harry Styles himself.
Many have taken to X to humorously point out that this Eternals return will mark Styles’ first job in any project after a two-year hiatus.
Harry Styles gets roasted by fans for potentially returning in Eternals
Harry Styles has been trying to establish himself in the acting world for some time now. But after the mixed reception of Don’t Worry Darling, he has not taken on any new film projects. It is possible he is just taking a break from acting, but fans on the internet have started joking that he has been unemployed for the last couple of years. With his role in Eternals, though, it looks like he might finally have a job again.
https://t.co/WYYWVjYmot pic.twitter.com/s231OF8cwg
— h🍒mustacherry🍒 (@hscherrrybaby) November 15, 2024
“EMPLOYED” over harry styles’ face is amazing
— beansbeasnbeans (@beasbeansbeans) November 16, 2024
the likes on this post??!?!! what yall know about unemployedrry https://t.co/5oxViYqEKU pic.twitter.com/sVN8Vo3RAk
— leo 🐞 (@saturnscinema) November 16, 2024
Some fans, however, are just happy to see Harry Styles back on screen after such a long break.
GOD I HOPE SO
— maja || saw taylor*.✧ (9-0) (@mlodyfukaj) November 16, 2024
HAHAHA WELCOME BACK H!
— jane doe (@idkwhoamitbh) November 16, 2024
I’ll watch it if he’s in it 😌
— jea 🐘 (@luvjeffs) November 16, 2024
Eternals might not have been the big box office hit Marvel hoped for, but it did manage to build a small, dedicated fanbase who still believe in its potential. Unfortunately, Marvel has not confirmed if a sequel is on the way, despite the recent insider updates, so it is still unclear when fans will get answers to the film’s loose ends- and when Harry Styles’ full-fledged entry in the MCU will really take off.
