Eternals arrives in cinemas on Friday, November 5, and we recently sat down with star Barry Keoghan to discuss his role as Druig in the latest big screen blockbuster from Marvel Studios.
The Irish actor put himself on the map with performances in Love/Hate, Dunkirk, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, but is breaking into Hollywood in a big way with both this movie and The Batman. In this interview, Keoghan talks to us about being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Extended Universe, revealing his love of these comic book worlds (and action figures).
He also details being part of Eternals' impressive opening scene, getting into the mindset of a character who is thousands of years old, and whether he recalls any deleted scenes with Druig.
In addition, Keoghan talks about the possibility that a villainous turn could be in the cards for the Eternal, especially as that's been a huge part of the character's comic book journey. Could that lead to a team-up with Loki? The actor certainly seems to hope so based on the comments shared here!
Check out the full interview with the Eternals star below:
I’ve got to start by asking: the incredible shot that already feels iconic in the MCU of the ten heroes lined up together when they first come to Earth -
And me not in it [Laughs]. Just slightly out of it...
- I can see you in there [Laughs]. What was it like to shoot?
Not as easy as it looks. I mean, I’m on the edge of a cliff in the Canary Islands. Well, not the edge of a cliff, I’m dramatizing that, but it’s definitely an iconic shot, man. Is that the one you’re on about?
Yeah, that opening shot.
The cinematography...yeah, amazing.
It’s such a great shot and this is such an interesting character. We see in the film that he’s told not to interfere with humanity, but in the comics he often has, and gone down quite a dark route. Looking ahead to the future, do you think that’s a possibility for Druig?
Yeah, I think so. I don’t want to put any ideas out there. I definitely think he’ll take a stand. He finds it hard not to interfere and stuff. It’s for the right reasons. He has some valid points to interfere and he’s doing it for good reasons, but yeah, maybe he does. Maybe he does. I’ve got no idea!
In the comic books at the moment, he’s just teamed up with Thanos, and this film deals with the fallout from his defeat, but who do you think would be the perfect supervillain partner for Druig if that were to happen down the line?
Hmm...I’m just going to throw my favourites out there so hopefully it happens. Thor? [Laughs] I don’t know. Him and Loki definitely have a similar thing going on, right?
I can definitely see that.
I don’t think they’d get on, though. Would they get on?
I think they’d butt heads.
Maybe him and Spider-Man [Laughs].
Of course, these films are so huge and this is such a massive cast, so were there any deleted or extended scenes you’re looking forward to people seeing down the line you recall not making it into the final cut?
I did a few good stunts that I don’t think made it, probably for the right reasons. We do see some stunts I did do myself, but there were a few more that were kind of cool I hope people see.
This is such a huge Marvel film that explores the history of this film, and then you’re going from this to something like The Batman with the dark, gritty streets of Gotham City. What’s it been like to be one of the few actors to jump between two vastly different franchises like that?
Yeah, I mean, being a comic book fan, a Batman fan, and a Marvel fan…it’s nice to go from one to the other. It really is nice. It’s a kid’s dream. I’ve got all the figurines at home of Spider-Man and Adam West’s Batman all from Forbidden Planet and stuff, so I have them like a kid at home. It is a kid’s dream. I’m not a kid, but you know what I mean!
Finally, this character, like the rest of the Eternals, is thousands of years old, so when you’re approaching a character like this, how much does it play in your mind as a performer who is that old and not how he looks on the surface?
I think, you know, having that in mind and trying to play that can definitely affect the performance. Being present is something I’ve always kept in mind going forward to be present in the moment. It’s really hard to do, but knowing all that for homework as is having that information [about Druig], but my think is throwing it all away and then reacting to literally what’s in front of me, even if it’s a rehearsal or just reacting to everything that’s going on…smells and everything [Laughs].
Well, thanks so much for your time, Barry. I can’t wait for people to see you in the film and where the character goes next.
Thank you. Hopefully, a solo movie! [Laughs]
Fingers crossed.
I’m putting it all out there.