MCU’s Biggest Villain Cliffhanger Resolved 6 Years Early: The Troubling Outcome Revealed

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has yet to resolve the cliffhanger presented in Eternals, but interestingly, it was Avengers: Age of Ultron from Phase 2 that hinted at the implications for humanity. Over the years, the MCU’s Earth has faced numerous threats—ranging from Loki’s failed invasion to Thanos’ devastating plan that eliminated half of all life in the universe. The stakes have escalated within the current Multiverse Saga, highlighted in projects such as Loki, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, all putting the fate of Earth-616 at severe risk, often without the awareness of its inhabitants.

Before the emergence of modern superheroes in the 2010s, the Eternals had already influenced humanity’s evolution. They played significant roles in historical moments such as the founding of Babylon and the demise of Tenochtitlan, all while remaining hidden from humankind. Yet, they find themselves powerless in the presence of their creators: the Celestials.

Marvel’s Eternals Left Us With an Engaging Cliffhanger

Arishem Holds Earth’s Destiny Following Eternals’ Conclusion

Arishem taking Sersi, Phastos, and Kingo

In Eternals, the titular heroes managed to defeat the Deviants and thwart Ikaris’s plan, preventing the catastrophic emergence of Tiamut. However, a pivotal moment arose when Arishem, a Celestial, appeared to abduct Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos in order to assess their memories and determine the fate of Earth. Arishem appeared impressed by the Eternals’ deep care for the planet, even delaying his judgment despite the premature demise of Tiamut. Nevertheless, should he declare Earth unworthy, the prospect of its destruction seems inevitable.

Interestingly, it took the MCU several years to fully introduce the Celestials following the brief appearance of Eson the Searcher in The Guardians of the Galaxy. Despite this, the MCU has largely sidestepped the ramifications of Tiamut’s death and Arishem’s judgment. However, with Captain America: Brave New World set to acknowledge Tiamut’s Earthly connection, it appears that Arishem’s influence might not come into play in MCU narratives for some time. If a sequel to Eternals does not materialize, it’s potential that future projects such as Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars—which focus on multiversal stories—may finally bring Arishem come into the spotlight.

Marvel’s Second Phase Judged Humanity—And We Didn’t Fare Well

Ultron Foreshadowed Arishem’s Judgment in Phase 2

Ultron's plan to destroy Earth — Ultron’s catastrophic intent in *Avengers: Age of Ultron*

In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ultron, the film’s antagonist, initiated his crusade against humanity upon comprehending Earth’s historical context. With his calculated reasoning as an AI, Ultron deemed the extermination of humanity as the only viable path for peace. He famously articulated to the Avengers, “I know you’re good people. I know you mean well. But you just didn’t think it through. There is only one path to peace… your extinction.” Thus, from Ultron’s viewpoint, humanity could never coexist without inflicting harm upon itself.

When Wanda and Pietro Maximoff recognized Ultron’s extensive goals, Wanda delved into his consciousness, leading her to witness a grim vision of Earth’s destruction. His plan involved converting Sokovia into a colossal meteor intended to annihilate life akin to the historic disaster that eradicated the dinosaurs. Given Ultron’s singular motivation, the Avengers were left with no choice but to dismantle his forces to prevent the impending threat.

Phase 5’s Perspective on Humanity’s Worthiness Remains Grim

Humanity Faces a Grim Fate if Arishem Reassesses Earth

The cherished memories that Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos share of humanity might sway Arishem to spare Earth. However, he could very well choose destruction, should he find the current state of the world more discouraging than before. Earth’s society has encountered a plethora of new villains and continues to grapple with its internal conflicts. Notable threats include Wilson Fisk’s political ambitions in New York City, rogue Skrulls stirring tension with the U.S. government, a scientist causing chaos globally, and the emergence of a Gamma mutate in the presidency.

The situation escalates when examining how Earth’s Mightiest Heroes have managed to handle multiversal dangers, such as the Scarlet Witch’s ominous presence and the returning villains from Spider-Man’s past. The Avengers have, at times, exacerbated matters themselves; for instance, Peter Parker and Doctor Strange’s mishap almost caused a catastrophic incursion, while Wanda Maximoff’s need to reunite with her children resulted in the massacre of the Illuminati in Earth-838. If Arishem witnesses how events evolve through Eternals and the multiversal conflicts in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, his conclusion may lean toward the annihilation of humanity before the Avengers can intervene.

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