Eternals, the 26th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), made waves upon its release in 2021, thanks in no small part to its star-studded ensemble cast. Among the standout performances was that of Angelina Jolie, who portrayed the character Thena, a warrior with formidable powers. Jolie’s involvement in Eternals brought not only her acting talents but also a sense of depth and gravitas to the film, elevating the material in ways only a seasoned actress like her could. Let’s take a deeper look at her role in Eternals, the significance of her character, and how she contributed to the broader narrative of the MCU.
Who Is Thena in Eternals?
Thena is one of the Eternals, a race of ancient, god-like beings created by the Celestials to protect humanity. Each Eternal has unique powers and abilities, and Thena’s skill set makes her a particularly formidable warrior. She has superhuman strength, speed, and agility, along with the ability to conjure weapons from cosmic energy. Thena’s weapons include blades, spears, and even shields that she forms from this mystical energy, adding to her distinct combat style.
In the film, Thena is shown as a fierce protector, constantly battling against enemies to defend Earth. However, she also carries a significant emotional burden—Thena suffers from “Mahd Wy’ry,” a condition that makes her memories and emotions unstable, leading her to occasionally experience bouts of rage and confusion. This condition makes her vulnerable and adds a layer of complexity to her character, highlighting her internal struggles in the midst of external battles.
Angelina Jolie’s Casting in Eternals
When Angelina Jolie was announced as part of the Eternals cast, fans and critics alike were thrilled. Jolie is widely known for her diverse acting career, which spans dramas, action films, and thrillers. She has won several awards, including an Academy Award for her role in Girl, Interrupted, and has been recognized for her humanitarian work as well. Known for her roles in action films like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Jolie seemed a perfect fit for the role of Thena, a warrior with both emotional depth and physical prowess.
In interviews, Jolie revealed that she was drawn to Eternals not only because of the opportunity to be part of the Marvel universe but also because of the richness of the character she was asked to portray.
Thena, as written in the script, was a complex individual struggling with her own inner demons. Jolie was excited to explore that complexity, and she believed it would offer a new challenge in her acting career.
The role also gave Jolie the chance to collaborate with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including director Chloé Zhao, who won an Academy Award for her work on Nomadland. Zhao’s vision for Eternals was unique—she wanted the film to feel like an epic and intimate experience, blending cosmic battles with human moments. Jolie’s deep emotional range was ideal for the type of performance Zhao envisioned.
Thena’s Role in the Story
In Eternals, Thena is one of the central figures in the narrative. The story revolves around a group of Eternals who have lived on Earth for thousands of years, watching humanity evolve and intervening in crucial moments of history. Despite their many efforts to protect the human race, the Eternals are eventually forced to confront the truth about their origins and the real purpose of their mission. Thena, along with the rest of the Eternals, must grapple with their loyalty to their creators, the Celestials, and their own feelings about their role on Earth.
Thena’s internal struggle with Mahd Wy’ry serves as a significant part of the plot. Her condition affects her ability to fully trust those around her, especially her fellow Eternals. As a result, she sometimes struggles to connect with her teammates, including her close friend and ally, Gilgamesh (played by Don Lee). Gilgamesh is a central figure in Thena’s story, and their bond plays a crucial role in her character development. The dynamic between the two adds an emotional depth to Thena’s arc, showing her vulnerability, strength, and capacity for love and loss.
While much of the movie focuses on the Eternals’ quest to stop a looming catastrophe that could destroy Earth, Thena’s journey is also about personal growth. Her healing and ability to manage her mental health are significant aspects of her narrative, and Jolie’s portrayal of this delicate balance is nothing short of remarkable.
The Physicality of Thena: A Warrior at Heart
In addition to her emotional depth, Thena is a physically demanding role, requiring Jolie to perform many of her own stunts. Thena is a fierce fighter, and her combat scenes in Eternals are some of the most visually impressive moments of the film. Using her powers to manifest weapons and engage in battles against the Deviants (the film’s antagonistic creatures), Thena displays extraordinary agility and strength.
Jolie’s experience in action films made her well-suited for these scenes. She trained extensively for her role, working with choreographers and stunt coordinators to ensure that the fight sequences were as authentic as possible. The physical nature of the role pushed her boundaries, and Jolie embraced the challenge, bringing a level of intensity to Thena’s action scenes that makes her one of the most memorable characters in Eternals.
In the film’s climactic battle, Thena showcases her powers to their fullest, using her cosmic weapons with grace and precision. The choreography of these sequences is enhanced by Jolie’s dedication to her craft, and her performance adds weight to the action, making it feel both epic and personal at the same time.
Thena’s Emotional Journey: A Character With Depth
While Thena’s combat skills and powers are integral to her character, it is her emotional journey that sets her apart in Eternals. Thena is not just a warrior; she is a person struggling with her own identity and purpose. As the film progresses, we see Thena wrestle with feelings of guilt and confusion, stemming from her condition. The burden of being an Eternal—someone who has lived for millennia, witnessing countless deaths and battles—takes a toll on her. Thena’s internal conflict is not simply about defeating enemies but about coming to terms with who she is and what she has become.
Angelina Jolie’s ability to convey these complex emotions is one of the reasons why her portrayal of Thena is so effective. Through subtle gestures, facial expressions, and her vocal delivery, Jolie brings an incredible depth to a character that could have easily been reduced to a mere action figure. Her performance makes Thena one of the more complex and nuanced characters in the MCU.
Jolie’s ability to balance action and emotion is a testament to her range as an actress. In Eternals, she doesn’t just play a warrior; she plays a character haunted by her past and struggling to find peace in a world that constantly demands more from her. This emotional journey is one of the key themes in the film and is embodied by Jolie’s standout performance.
Thena’s Significance to the MCU
While Eternals is a standalone film, it also ties into the larger MCU, introducing new characters and concepts that could shape future storylines. Thena’s role in the film establishes her as an important figure in the cosmic side of the MCU, and it is likely that we will see more of her in upcoming films and shows. Her character offers the potential for further exploration of the Eternals’ mythology, and her presence in the MCU hints at more cosmic adventures to come.
Thena’s emotional arc also opens up possibilities for future development. The question of whether she can fully overcome Mahd Wy’ry and what that journey might look like could play a significant role in her future appearances. The connections she shares with other Eternals, particularly her bond with Gilgamesh, may also lead to further exploration of their relationships in future films.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Thena in Eternals was a pivotal part of the film’s success. With her acting prowess, Jolie brought complexity, depth, and emotion to a character that might otherwise have been defined solely by her superhuman abilities. Thena’s journey—her battles with both external enemies and her internal struggles—was brought to life through Jolie’s skilled performance. The combination of action, emotion, and character development makes Thena one of the standout characters in the MCU, and Jolie’s portrayal is a key reason why Eternals resonated with audiences.
As the MCU continues to evolve, it’s clear that Jolie’s Thena has the potential to play a significant role in future cosmic adventures. For now, her performance in Eternals stands as a testament to her enduring talent and her ability to bring depth to even the most fantastical of characters.
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