The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) still has some untapped potential concerning several of its newer characters, both heroes and villains alike.
As The Multiverse Saga approaches its conclusion, the franchise has introduced a multitude of characters from the comic books through various films and TV series. While some new characters have found their way into recent narratives, others remain underutilized.
In a recent discussion with MovieWeb, Kit Harington, known for his role in Eternals as Dane Whitman, aka the Black Knight, shared his thoughts on the possibility of his character returning to the MCU. The actor from Game of Thrones expressed, “I would love to return. However, there doesn’t seem to be any plan for that. It’s disappointing because I think he’s a fascinating character. The whole concept of the Ebony Blade, where the more he kills, the more he succumbs to its curse, is a powerful metaphor for addiction. It shows his journey from a noble beginning to a darker path, which I find very compelling. But, as of now, there’s no plan.”
In the post-credits scene of Eternals, audiences last saw Dane Whitman as he was about to be confronted by Blade, voiced off-screen by Mahershala Ali. Despite the excitement in 2019 around Ali’s return to the MCU for a standalone Blade movie, after his appearance in Luke Cage Season 1, the project has since stalled significantly and seems to be shelved, with Ali expressing frustration over the numerous setbacks.
Since its 2021 debut, the Eternals have scarcely been mentioned within the MCU timeline, except for a reference to adamantium from Celestial Island in Captain America: Brave New World. The characters from this film have not been revisited in recent years.
The lukewarm reception and box office performance of Eternals might be influencing the decision not to further explore these characters. With significant changes happening behind the scenes at Marvel Studios, the focus is now on completing the remaining films of Phase 6, including Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
While the future of Harington’s Black Knight in the MCU remains uncertain, especially with the upcoming focus on X-Men in Phase 7, there remains a possibility that new narratives could find a place for his character in the expansive Marvel universe.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
