ETERNALS Considered Captain America, Kang The Conqueror, And More For Post-Credits Cameo - SPOILERS

In Eternals' post-credit scenes, Dane Whitman is just moments away from wielding the Ebony Blade when a voice off screen asks him, "Are you sure you're ready for that, Mr. Whitman?" We've since learned that this was Mahershala Ali's Blade, which is a strong indication the vampire hunter will team up with Black Knight in his upcoming solo movie. 

However, it turns out Blade wasn't the only character considered for that last-second surprise. 

During a recent interview with The Wrap, Eternals writers Matthew 'Kaz' Firpo and Ryan Firpo revealed some of the other ideas they came up with. Apparently, they mulled over having Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror show up to "come hang out and have a little conversation with these guys," according to Kaz, but the focus was then shifted back to Dane. 

The trade pointed out that they'd heard Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange was considered as that mystery voice, which FIrpos says they could "neither confirm nor deny." However, Kaz added that "I think that once upon a time it may even been Sam [Wilson], our new [Captain America]."

Ultimately, they went with Blade, but the decision was in flux for a while. Kaz explains: "There was about, I would say half a dozen solid versions of those end credit sequences that we explored. As much as everyone would like there to believe that there’s a master whiteboard that hasn’t been touched in generations and sits in Kevin’s office that has everything that’s happening for the next 40 years, really it’s a process of what do people want to see? What’s fun in that moment? What door can we leave open that will become satisfying later on?"

As intriquing as it is to think about what might have been, Blade making his MCU debut is arguably bigger than any of these alternate scenarios. It is a shame we didn't get a physical appearance from the character, of course, but the stage has been set for a very exciting new partnership. 

Eternals is playing in theaters across the globe right now!