Kumail Nanjiani, known for his role in the 2021 superhero movie Eternals, recently spoke out in defense of the film despite its lackluster performance both critically and at the box office. Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and features Nanjiani as Kingo, one of several ageless beings who have influenced the course of Earth’s history.
During an interview on NPR’s Wild Card podcast, Nanjiani reflected on his involvement in Eternals, noting that the project has profoundly impacted his approach to his career. He expressed deep appreciation for the experience, stating, “I’m very grateful for it.” The actor, previously known for his role in Silicon Valley, has openly discussed how the film’s reception led him to seek therapy and disclosed that he was originally contracted for six movies as Kingo.
“I’m very proud of my performance in it,” Nanjiani shared with host Rachel Martin. “And it’s rare to say, but I actually wouldn’t change anything about how I am in that movie.”
Nanjiani credits Eternals for teaching him an important lesson in distinguishing between “my experience of something versus the result of something.” He elaborated on the importance of focusing on what can be controlled, such as personal growth and joy in work, rather than external outcomes. Below is his full explanation:
“Most times if I’m acting in something, I do not get to decide how good it’s gonna be. I do not get to choose how the audience is going to receive it. I do not get to choose how much money it’s going to make. I do not get to choose what the reviewers are going to think of it. What I do get to choose is whether or not I learned from it, you know? So to me, that’s been a thing that I have to remind myself over and over and over and over – is that a failure is not a failure. It truly is an opportunity to learn… What I can control is learning from every job and taking a joyful approach to every job.”
The release of Eternals came at a pivotal time for the MCU. The effects of the pandemic were still ongoing, and the film debuted shortly after Avengers: Endgame (2019), which wrapped up over a decade of interconnected stories.
The subsequent MCU releases such as Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), Black Widow (2021), and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) varied in their success, attempting to conclude certain narratives while introducing new characters for future phases. Among these, Eternals is often viewed as the most significant disappointment, signaling potential future challenges for the MCU.
With a critical score of only 47% on Rotten Tomatoes and a more favorable audience score of 77% on the Popcornmeter, Eternals struggled at the box office, earning just $402 million globally despite its star-studded cast which includes Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Salma Hayek, Kit Harington, Barry Keoghan, and Brian Tyree Henry.
As the MCU moves into a new phase where its films are no longer as dominant in the cinema landscape as they once were, the performance of Eternals seems less exceptional. Recent films like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) have also underperformed despite some positive reviews. The narrative of Eternals has been largely omitted in broader MCU discussions, and it appears unlikely that Kingo or other characters from the film will be featured prominently in the foreseeable future.
Looking ahead, the focus within the MCU is shifting towards upcoming projects like next year’s Avengers: Doomsday, and Avengers: Secret Wars set for 2027. For Nanjiani, the impact of his role in the MCU remains significant, continuing to influence his perspective and approach to his work.
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.
