Is Eternals woke?
Movie · 2021
Eternals has a wokeness score of 8/10, which we rate as Strongly Ideological. Woke messaging is very prominent and often feels forced or shoehorned in. Characters and plot are primarily shaped to serve the ideology. Many viewers feel the agenda overshadows the entertainment.
Key points
- Extensive racial, ethnic, and disability representation with deaf Makkari and diverse leads promoted as groundbreaking.
- First MCU openly gay superhero Phastos shown in positive same-sex relationship and family unit with kiss scene.
- Heavy promotion of diversity and empathy themes amid international backlash for LGBTQ content and review bombing accusations.
Wokeness analysis
Eternals features one of the most deliberately diverse ensembles in the MCU, with characters representing multiple races, ethnicities, a deaf actress in a prominent role as Makkari, and an openly gay character Phastos portrayed in a positive family unit with a same-sex partner and adopted child. This casting and representation were heavily promoted by Marvel and Disney, leading to international bans or edits in countries like Saudi Arabia due to the LGBTQ content, while the film refused cuts. Conservative critiques highlight how the diversity serves as an organizing principle rather than organic storytelling, with the plot revolving around immortal beings intervening in human history framed through lenses of empathy, non-intervention debates, and moral relativism that align with progressive social commentary. The inclusion of a same-sex kiss and positive depiction of gay parenting feels shoehorned to advance ideological messaging about acceptance and identity, overshadowing the superhero action. Review bombing and audience backlash centered on the perceived agenda, with the story prioritizing representation and themes of diversity over tight plotting or escapism. While some elements integrate into the narrative of ancient guardians, the overall execution positions the film as heavily ideological, where characters and subplots exist to showcase inclusion rather than drive entertainment value.
Plot
Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, the Eternals—immortal beings sent by the Celestial Arishem—emerge from hiding after thousands of years on Earth. They must reunite to battle the Deviants, ancient monstrous enemies, while grappling with their purpose, non-interference directives, and revelations about their true mission involving the emergence of a new Celestial. The ensemble includes Sersi, Ikaris, Kingo, Sprite, Phastos, Makkari, Druig, Gilgamesh, Thena, and Ajak, navigating millennia of human history and internal conflicts.
Analyzed by AI on June 5, 2026