In a recent appearance on the Comic Book Club podcast, acclaimed filmmaker John Ridley opened up about a Marvel series he had been developing at ABC back in 2015. Fans were eager to hear Ridley’s revelation, as the project had remained shrouded in secrecy for years. To the surprise of many, Ridley unveiled that the series was indeed centered around The Eternals, a lesser-known Marvel property. However, what truly captured attention was Ridley’s assessment of the project—a vision that was ultimately scrapped.
During the time of Ridley’s involvement, Marvel Television was at the height of its success, producing hits like “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Agent Carter,” as well as the popular Netflix shows “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” and “Luke Cage.” Yet, despite this thriving television arm, Marvel Studios decided to incorporate Marvel Television into their ranks, resulting in the cancellation of several planned series, including Ridley’s version of The Eternals.
In recounting his take on the Eternals, Ridley referred to his version as “the good version.” He described it as “f***ing weird,” suggesting that it would have offered a unique spin on the Marvel universe. Ridley’s pilot would have begun with a mysterious young man, who, in a bizarre twist, turned on a drill and placed it against his ear. The filmmaker went on to unravel more peculiar elements, such as another character sleeping in a bathtub and covering themselves with foil. Ridley’s vision aimed to tell a truly unconventional story, unlike anything seen before in the superhero genre.
Despite Ridley’s enthusiasm and artistic vision, he acknowledged that his take on The Eternals received mixed reviews. He recognized that this particular Marvel property posed unique challenges in its development. Ultimately, Ridley reached a thoughtful conclusion, admitting that perhaps it was for the best that his version never came to fruition. He questioned whether his unconventional approach would have been entertaining to a wider audience—a necessary factor for success. Acknowledging the difference between his personal taste and popular appeal, Ridley chose to prioritize the latter, recognizing the need for the project to have a broader appeal.
While Ridley’s vision for The Eternals was never realized, Marvel Studios later decided to produce a film adaptation of the comic series in 2021. Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film boasted an all-star cast including Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani, and Kit Harington. The cinematic version showcased the epic saga of the immortal alien beings known as the Eternals, who emerge from centuries of hiding to protect Earth from their rivals, the Deviants. Despite Ridley’s belief that his vision was superior, Marvel Studios’ decision to move forward with their own interpretation suggests that they found value in a different approach.
In the world of television and film, countless projects begin development but never see the light of day. John Ridley’s unmade Marvel series, based on The Eternals, joined this ever-growing list. While Ridley’s unconventional vision may have intrigued some, the final decision to scrap the project in favor of a film adaptation solidified Marvel Studios’ belief in their own direction. As fans continue to explore the depths of the Marvel universe, they can only wonder about the untapped potential of Ridley’s unmade series and the unique story it could have told.