'The Eternals' Taps Chinese director Chloe Zhao

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Marvel Studios planned to make "The Eternals" as the opening chapter of the fourth stage of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and has tapped Chinese female director Chloe Zhao, said the Hollywood Reporter on Friday.

Zhao, also known as Zhao Ting, is a Chinese indie filmmaker who is known for "Songs My Brothers Taught Me" in 2015 and "The Rider" in 2017.

Zhao will be the second female director of the MCU after Anna Boden, the director of "Captain Marvel."

"The Eternals" was created by Jack Kirby during his cosmic hero stage and was influenced by such works as Chariots of the Gods, which explored ancient gods as aliens. Thanos, the supervillain in "Avengers: Infinity War," is a member of the Eternals, and it's evident that the film will have a profound impact on Marvel.

With "Avengers 4" coming out next year, Marvel Studios is looking ahead to what happens next.

"'The Eternals' was one of many things that we are actively beginning to have creative discussions about," Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, said in an interview in April.

"There's a lot of work to be done, but the focus is on 'Captain Marvel' and the 'Avengers 4' now. We have started working on what are the films post-phase 3," Feige added.

As for Chloe Zhao, she seems to be an unexpected choice. Before, the female director only made two full-length films, including "Songs My Brothers Taught Me" and "The Rider."

However, "The Rider," which received the Art Cinema Award of the Director's Fortnight unit in 2017 Cannes International Film Festival and Best Director nomination in 2018 Film Independent Spirit Award, helped her earned recognition in the Western film industry.

It is reported that casting for the film has started, but it's far from being filmed. Kevin Feige will be the film's producer, while Matthew and Ryan Firpo will write the screenplay.

(Cover: Chinese director Chloe Zhao /Mtime.com Photo)