My admiration for Angelina Jolie runs deep, but her involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has taken a disappointing turn. The excitement surrounding her earlier rumored casting in a different Marvel film adds to the disappointment. Jolie is an enduring talent, famous for embodying memorable characters like Lara Croft and Maleficent. Her remarkable ability to deliver dynamic performances, coupled with her charm, confidence, and intensity, makes her an excellent fit for a Marvel project.
This anticipation reached a peak when Jolie appeared as Thena in Eternals. I was eager to see how this would unfold for her character and the ensemble cast. Unfortunately, the lukewarm response from audiences and critics alike led to the cancellation of plans for a sequel. What’s more disheartening is that this isn’t Jolie’s first ride on the Marvel rollercoaster, as her involvement in another Marvel sequel was also scrapped before it could gain traction. Her potential in the MCU felt underutilized in this instance.
Angelina Jolie’s Role in Eternals: A Missed Opportunity in the MCU
Thena Was a Worthy Role, Yet Eternals’ Reception Was Disappointing
I must emphasize that Jolie’s performance as Thena was commendable. The character, who struggles with a debilitating illness that puts her at odds with her allies, offered a rich narrative opportunity. However, due to the film’s unfavorable reception, Thena and her fellow characters now seem to be caught in uncertainty. The last time we witnessed Thena, she was aboard the Domo with Druig and Makkari, encountering the enigmatic Starfox, played by Harry Styles.
This potential new team, embarking on cosmic adventures, had the promise of branching out the MCU much like the Guardians of the Galaxy. Sadly, that vision feels increasingly unlikely. While I hold onto hope for a possible return of these characters in upcoming installments like Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars, it is regrettable that Jolie’s contributions to the MCU were cut so short. Given her exceptional talent, she could have crafted more compelling stories involving the hunt for the Celestials.
Angelina Jolie Could Have Shone Even Brighter in Spider-Man 4
Jolie Was Considered for a Tailored Role in Spider-Man 4
Interestingly, Jolie was also slated to portray an original character in Sam Raimi’s ill-fated Spider-Man 4. According to The Direct, Raimi envisioned Jolie in the role of the daughter of Adrian Toomes, famously known as the Vulture, who would take on the mantle of Vultress.
This character had the potential to add layers of conflict for Spider-Man, as she would challenge him both as a supervillain and in her pursuit of power within the media sphere by acquiring the Daily Bugle. Such a role would have allowed Jolie the creative freedom to define and expand the character, showcasing her duality with a villainous side and her civilian alter ego.
Angelina Jolie’s Missed Opportunity in Spider-Man Highlights the Sadness of Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man 4 Cancellation
Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 4: A Promise Never Realized
Regrettably, the production of Spider-Man 4 was shelved, as studios opted to reboot the franchise with Andrew Garfield in the lead role. Although I, like many fans, had mixed feelings about Spider-Man 3 and its divergent creative choices, I held immense respect for Raimi’s vision and the growth of Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker throughout the series. Having Jolie join this franchise would have been a monumental addition.
Yet, once the project was abandoned, the full realization of Raimi’s narrative vision vanished along with it. Jolie’s eventual entry into the MCU arrived on a disappointing note, with Eternals facing criticism that led to the characters’ premature retirement from the MCU. Currently, Angelina Jolie’s future in the Marvel landscape remains uncertain, leaving behind a legacy of missed potential and what could have been for both her and the franchise itself.
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