In Marvel's Eternals, Superman gets a mention when Phastos' (Brian Tyree Henry) son meets Ikaris (Richard Madden) and mistakes him for the big blue boy-scout. It's a fun little nod to the iconic hero, and suggests that Supes and his fellow DC Comics comrades do exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as fictional characters.
During an interview with French publication cinema.jeuxactu.com, director Chloé Zhao was asked if Ikaris might have been the inspiration for the creation of Superman within the MCU, and revealed that Henry Cavill's take on the character we first met in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel was a big influence.
"You said it, not me! Superman is the Übermensch, the ultimate man, the superman, a concept that exists in all cultures. Of all modern interpretations of Superman, this is Zack Snyder's with Man Of Steel which inspired me the most because he approached this myth in an authentic and very real way. I remember thinking it was Superman by Terrence Malick when I saw the trailer. This film left a strong impression on me. But Ikaris is, of course, our own take on Superman."
It's interesting that Zhao mentions Man of Steel here, because some have already drawn comparisons between Eternals and Snyder's film. Both drew mixed-negative reactions from critics, but MOS is viewed as a misunderstood masterpiece by many fans, and the latest Phase 4 adventure may be destined for the same audience reception.
Also, without getting into spoilers, Ikaris proves to be a fascinating, complex interpretation/subversion of Superman in some ways.
What do you guys make of Zhao's comments? Have you been to see Eternals yet? If so, what did you think? You can check out our review here.