Marvel's 'The Eternals' Takes Shape, Kumail Nanjiani in Talks for Starring Role

Source: Marvel Comics

Marvel readies an Avengers follow-through.

With The Avengers finally winding down, Marvel's next phase is already taking shape.

READ: Marvel Sends Props from Canceled Netflix Shows to Auction

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the comic giant is prepping an adaptation of Jack Kirby's The Eternals for the big screen. Chloé Zhao (The Rider) is slated to direct and Angelina Jolie has already been confirmed to star. THR adds that Kumail Nanjiani has entered talks to star alongside Jolie as Ikaris, leader of The Eternals. 

WATCH: An All-Powerful Thanos Reappears in New Avengers: Endgame Trailer

The film will effectively serve as an origin story for all superpowered beings in the MCU. Kirby's 1976 series is about a group of cosmically-altered and effectively immortal heroes that were planted on Earth by The Celestials, developing alongside the human race over millions of years as the subjects of early civilization's myths. The Eternals is also rumored to feature the MCU's first openly gay character, Hercules.

Production on the film is slated to begin this year along with a standalone Black Widow feature. Stay tuned for updates in the months ahead.