Harry Styles Underutilized in Marvel Films: Two Appearances in Three Years

Harry Styles has made a notable return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with his second cameo in just three years. Despite his established acting credentials, including leading roles in Don’t Worry Darling and Dunkirk, fans are left pondering the effective utilization of his character. Styles first graced the MCU in 2021 during the mid-credits scene of Eternals, where he appeared as the Eternal Eros, known as Starfox and the brother of Thanos.

Initially, there was considerable excitement surrounding Styles’ involvement, as it offered a potential avenue to deepen the narrative surrounding Thanos, even after his saga came to a close. Furthermore, it presented Styles an opportunity to flex his dramatic acting skills. Regrettably, the anticipated follow-up has been absent since his introduction. Styles did make a brief appearance in Kraven the Hunter, but disappointingly, he did not physically appear in the film itself—making it another missed opportunity within a span of three years.

Eternals Cameo: A Wasted Opportunity for Harry Styles in 2024

Eros: A Character Left in the Shadows Since 2021

Pip the Troll and Harry Styles' Eros from the Eternals post-credits scene

Three years have passed since Styles’ initial appearance in the MCU, and the lack of a follow-up is surprising given his immense popularity. The mid-credits scene of Eternals was clearly designed to set up future storylines, yet no concrete plans have surfaced regarding future involvement, leading to increasing skepticism among fans.

One significant factor behind Styles’ absence likely stems from the mixed reception Eternals received. The film diverged from the traditional superhero formula, introducing fresh characters and themes that didn’t resonate with many viewers. Consequently, Marvel may hesitate to invest in a sequel. This brings a sense of disappointment, especially for fans eager to see characters like Eros developed further.

Kraven the Hunter: A Different Approach to Harry Styles’ Involvement

A Voice Cameo: Styles’ Subtle Yet Impactful Role

Styles can claim involvement in another Marvel film through Kraven the Hunter, the latest entry in Sony’s Spider-Man universe, which, despite its less-than-stellar box office performance and reviews, creatively incorporated his talent. The film features Dmitri Kravinoff performing Styles’ hit song “Sign of the Times,” showcasing the singer’s vocal abilities in a unique way, as actor Fred Hechinger lip-synced to the track.

Watch the performance here

Sharp-eared fans recognized the audio used was from Styles’ 2017 performance on The Graham Norton Show. While this clever approach served to illustrate Chameleon’s mimicry, it also highlighted a missed chance. Ideally, securing Styles for an original recording would have further enriched the character experience; however, such arrangements may not have been feasible given the logistical constraints.

Can the MCU Redeem Harry Styles’ Wasted Cameo?

Hope for an Eternals Sequel

Eternals searching for Druig in a mystical forest

While it’s not unusual for MCU characters to remain absent for extended periods, the continued silence regarding an Eternals sequel is disheartening. Following the first film’s release, Marvel Studios has provided little insight into its future—raising concerns about whether fans will ever see a continuation of Eros’ journey. Recent announcements about project cutbacks further add to this uncertainty.

However, 2024 has seen Marvel rebound significantly with successful releases. This newfound stability offers hope that a sequel to Eternals could still materialize. Given the film’s unresolved storylines and the potential for character development, including Styles’ Eros, it would be a missed opportunity to abandon these narratives. Fans are certainly eager for Marvel to leverage Styles’ talents meaningfully, and an Eternals sequel could fulfill that promise.

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