Marvel’s newest film, Eternals, is introducing a whole new cast of characters and opening up an entirely new corner of the Marvel universe. Marvel recently held the virtual press conference for Eternals and The Illuminerdi had the opportunity to attend. Kumail Nanjiani plays Kingo one of the Eternals and is hiding on Earth as a Bollywood star.
During the Eternals press conference Kumail Nanjiani revealed the not only was learning the Bollywood dance the most challenging part for him, but that director Chloe Zhao actually tricked him into it.
“By far the hardest thing was the dancing. I’m gonna put Chloe on the spot. I can’t swear, so put in a swear word here. Chloe lied to me. When we first talked about the movie she was like, “There’s a Bollywood dance sequence.” And I was like, “Chloe I don’t think I can do that.” She’s like, “Ok, we’ll make it a Bollywood action scene.” And then, soon as I got to London she’s like, “It’s a dance sequence.” And I was like, “Get me a dance teacher right now then.” And Nileeka [Bose] who did the choreography was wonderful. Worked with me for months and months to do that because it was so outside my comfort zone.”
Kumail Nanjiani
KUMAIL NANJIANI TALKS ABOUT TRUSTING CHLOE ZHAO WHILE WORKING ON ETERNALS
Kumail also talked about how even though he was out of his comfort zone when it came to the Bollywood dance sequence in Eternals he was able to do it because of his trust in Chloe as a director and Marvel as a whole.
“But really ultimately for me all that came down to trust. It really did. On a macro level, trusting Kevin because he’s made so many MCU movies, and they’re all great! I mean what a run! And then with Chloe from the first time I met, I met her and Nate Moore, one of the producers who’s not here today. And immediately, usually my instinct for an opportunity like this there would be a moment of excitement and then fear. But just in meeting her I was like, “Oh, she’s not going to let me suck at this thing. So, if she wants me to do something I’m going to do it.” Because I completely trusted her.”
Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani also revealed that while filming Eternals Chloe was the one with the full picture of the world of Eternals in her head. This led to Kumail being nervous that how he acted when using his powers would come across as goofy.
“I didn’t always see, she had this whole movie, this whole universe in her head. I didn’t understand it until I watched the movie, but I knew enough to trust her. So, for me I was like, “Yeah, this doesn’t feel like something I would do, but if Chloe thinks I can do it. Let’s do it.” Finger guns! I was like, “How do I shoot?” And she was like you do that” [SHOOTS FINGER GUNS]. I’m like, “Chloe, that’s so goofy.” She was like, “No. It’s gonna look awesome!” It looks awesome!”
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Eternals is introducing a ton of new characters into the MCU and an exciting new mythology to go with it. The fact that a Marvel film features a Bollywood dance sequence is beyond exciting especially with what it means for future projects. Marvel is exploring tons of new possibilities with Phase Four and Eternals is the next step in that exciting exploration. Kumail Nanjiani and the rest of the cast are obviously passionate about Eternals and excited for the world to meet these new MCU superheroes.
Eternals is set to his theaters November 5, 2021. Are you excited to see Eternals? What do you think of Kumail Nanjiani’s “finger guns”? Which character are you most excited to see? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media and check back with The Illuminerdi for more MCU and Eternals.
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