Eternals is a fresh start for the Marvel Cinematic Universe in several ways. On top of being the most expansive story yet for the MCU, it also introduces a host of new characters from a genuinely global perspective. This newfound diversity is a major step forward for the superhero genre as a whole, which meant a great deal to the cast that brought the story to life.
During a press conference attended by CBR and other press outlets, Brian Tyree Henry spoke about how meaningful Eternals proved to be for him as a Black actor and delved into his belief that the film modernizes the idea of family in a simple but beautiful way.
Brian Tyree Henry plays Phastos in Eternals. While some of his compatriots are more combat-based in their abilities, Phastos is an inventor. He crafts numerous tools for humanity, hoping to help push them further. His attempts do work but sometimes backfire in terrifying ways. It almost breaks the character's spirit, but he finds humanity again in small ways -- especially when given the chance to reunite with his fellow Eternals to save the world.
Initially, Henry was concerned he would have to lose weight to have a prominent role in the MCU film. As he explained it, director Chloé Zhao said that they wanted Henry as he was, and that was why they cast him in the first place. This sentiment meant a lot to Henry, who explained, "To be a Black man, to have someone look at you and say, 'We want you exactly the way you are,' is unlike anything that I've ever felt. It triggered me to be an 11-year-old kid who's watching these superhero movies and not ever seeing anyone like me reflected."
"Like how I would take these posters and put them in my locker and hope that one day there would be somebody representing me the way that I am," Henry continued. "I truly believe that that moment started when I sat down with Chloé. It's unlike any feeling I've ever experienced to work with this beautiful palette of people and make a family because this is what families look like. This is what they are. And if not, this is what they should be."
Reflecting on the family feeling further, Henry added, "I think that's what Eternals really brings to the surface is that this is a family. This is who we are... I think that that is the one thing that I hope everyone takes away from this movie, is that the heart of humanity is still worth saving. We can still bind and mend and do everything we need to through love. That's what Chloé showed."
To see Phastos' arc for yourself, check out Eternals -- now playing in theaters