The MCU’s First Deaf Hero to Be In ‘The Eternals’

Marvel fans everywhere are gearing up, not only to watch their favorite immortal superheroes crush evil on the big screen but to watch the MCU’s newest and most diverse film crush the box office. Among the cast of The Eternals is deaf actress Lauren Ridloff as Makkari.

The Eternals are an immortal group of heroes that live quietly on Earth until the time comes for them to unite and fight evil forces at work. Jack Kirby brought the superheroes to life with his comic, “The Eternals,” in 1976. Marvel fans have been anticipating this film since it was rumored to be in the works, and now even more so since the world has learned of its brilliant cast that is brimming with talent and inclusivity.

The Walking Dead’s Lauren Ridloff has garnered some well-deserved attention as she steps into the incredibly awesome role of Makkari. Makkari will be the MCU’s first deaf superhero, and Lauren Ridloff is sure to bring authenticity to the role as an incredibly awesome deaf actress herself. Makkari is the fastest woman on earth, running at super speeds that break the barrier of sound. Her inability to hear allows her to be immune to the sonic boom that comes with super speed. This makes deafness not only a part of who she is but a crucial part of her heroism.

Before the film has even been released, fans have already fallen in love with Ridloff’s role.

her suit lighting up I’m obsessed #Makkari #Eternals pic.twitter.com/57tUNAZzRp

— joe (@mcumagik) October 16, 2021

She’s already everyone’s fave 🥺🥺 #Makkari pic.twitter.com/ROxkmdy4MI

— joe (@mcumagik) October 12, 2021

There has been widespread support for the film’s diversity. Another cast member is Brian Tyree Henry, who will be portraying Phastos as the MCU’s first openly gay superhero.

I’m extremely excited to see two black characters in the #Eternals #Makkari being the first deaf character in the MCU#phastos being the first LGBT character in the MCU pic.twitter.com/GlemJ1rcbd

— EternalsTalks (@EternalsTalkss) October 15, 2021

Big reveal from #TheEternals premiere — Harry Styles has joined the MCU as Eros, brother of Thanos.

— Matt Donnelly (@MattDonnelly) October 19, 2021

Chloé Zhao directed the film. The Chinese director has also directed Nomadland and is sure to hold the authenticity of her work to a high standard for inclusivity. Marvel’s Vice President of Production, Nate Moore, expressed his excitement for the film, bringing attention to the box office successes of Black Panther, Shang-Chi, and Captain Marvel as films that made progress in representation.

When it comes to multiformity, veracity, and action, The Eternals is sure to be a step in the right direction. November 5 will certainly pack a punch for theatergoers everywhere.