Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback Rumors — Will Thena Return?

Marvel fans are buzzing once again — and this time, the excitement surrounds the possibility of an Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback. Ever since her portrayal of Thena in Eternals (2021), speculation has lingered about whether Jolie’s character would return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Now, with fresh rumors surfacing, the conversation is heating up.

Could Angelina Jolie really reprise her role as the powerful, conflicted Eternal? Or are these whispers simply wishful thinking from a passionate fanbase? Let’s explore the origins of the rumors, Jolie’s impact on the MCU, and whether a Thena comeback could be on the horizon.

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Angelina Jolie’s Entry into the Marvel Universe

When Marvel Studios announced Eternals in 2019, the film generated massive attention — not just for its ambitious scope but because of its star-studded cast. Among the ensemble, Angelina Jolie’s casting as Thena was a standout.

• A-List Star Power: Jolie was one of the biggest Hollywood names ever recruited for a Marvel role.
• Complex Character: Thena, a warrior Eternal with a fractured psyche, offered Jolie a chance to blend action with emotional depth.
• Red Carpet Buzz: Jolie’s involvement brought prestige and mainstream attention to Eternals ahead of its release.

Her presence elevated the project and drew in audiences who might not have otherwise been Marvel regulars.

Why Thena Stood Out in Eternals

Though Eternals received mixed critical reviews, Jolie’s Thena was often highlighted as a bright spot.

• Performance Depth: Jolie infused vulnerability into Thena’s struggles with “Mahd Wy’ry,” a memory-related illness.
• Fight Sequences: Her combat scenes showcased a fluidity and grace that made Thena a memorable MCU warrior.
• Visual Impact: Jolie’s costume, weapons, and aura gave Thena an ethereal, goddess-like presence.

Even those who criticized the film agreed that Jolie’s Thena was one of the most captivating elements of the story.

The Origins of the Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback Rumors

So where did the speculation about Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback begin? Several factors fuel the conversation:

1. Unresolved Storylines: At the end of Eternals, Thena departs with Makkari and Druig to search for other Eternals. This open ending practically begs for continuation.
2. MCU Expansion: Marvel’s ongoing phases involve cosmic storylines (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Marvels) that could easily tie back to the Eternals.
3. Insider Reports: Leaks from supposed Marvel insiders claim Jolie has been approached about reprising her role.
4. Fan Campaigns: Online fan communities consistently push for Thena’s return, keeping the demand alive.

Together, these elements have created a strong undercurrent of speculation.

Angelina Jolie’s Career and the Marvel Equation

To understand whether Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback is realistic, it’s worth considering her career trajectory.

• Selective Roles: Jolie has been careful in choosing acting projects, often balancing blockbuster appeal with meaningful stories.
• Directorial Work: She’s spent much of the past decade directing and producing films, which sometimes limits her acting availability.
• Global Humanitarian Work: Jolie remains deeply committed to her humanitarian efforts, meaning time is always a factor in her project choices.

However, Marvel’s expansive storytelling could allow her to return in limited but impactful appearances, rather than long-term commitments.

Could Thena Appear in Eternals 2?

The most obvious venue for Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback would be an Eternals sequel.

• Sequel Potential: While Marvel hasn’t officially confirmed Eternals 2, the studio tends to revisit characters with unfinished arcs.
• Director’s Vision: Chloé Zhao, who directed Eternals, has hinted that the story isn’t over.
• Cosmic Storylines: With the MCU leaning heavily into cosmic battles and multiverse sagas, the Eternals are a natural fit.

If an Eternals 2 is greenlit, it’s hard to imagine it without Jolie’s Thena at its core.

Alternate MCU Paths for Thena

But what if Marvel doesn’t pursue Eternals 2? There are still multiple opportunities for Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback:

• Avengers Films: With Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon, the MCU will need powerful cosmic allies.
• Disney+ Series: A limited series exploring Thena’s backstory or her journey with Makkari and Druig could give Jolie flexibility.
• Crossovers: Marvel loves surprising cameos. Thena could appear briefly in another cosmic-centric movie like Guardians of the Galaxy or The Marvels.

The MCU thrives on interconnectedness, making Thena’s return plausible even outside a direct sequel.

Fan Reactions to the Rumors

Among fans, the possibility of Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback has sparked enthusiasm:

• Positive Excitement: Many loved her portrayal and feel she deserves more screen time.
• Creative Speculation: Fan art and theories abound on Reddit and Twitter, imagining Thena’s role in future battles.
• Skeptical Voices: Some argue Marvel is already juggling too many characters to properly develop Thena further.

Overall, however, the appetite for Jolie’s return is undeniably strong.

Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback and Representation

It’s also important to consider what Jolie’s involvement means beyond entertainment.

• Star Power Diversity: Jolie’s participation highlighted Marvel’s commitment to big-name talent alongside newer faces.
• Female Warrior Archetypes: Thena stands alongside characters like Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, and Valkyrie as an icon of strength.
• Mental Health Allegory: Thena’s struggles with her memory disorder resonated as a metaphor for mental health challenges, making her more relatable.

Her return could further strengthen Marvel’s reputation for layered, complex heroines.

The Business Side: Why Marvel Would Want Jolie Back

From a studio perspective, there are clear reasons Marvel would court an Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback:

• Box Office Draw: Jolie’s name recognition adds weight, especially for casual moviegoers.
• International Appeal: As a global star, she helps Marvel secure audiences beyond the U.S. market.
• Franchise Longevity: Jolie adds prestige that bolsters Marvel’s reputation for attracting top-tier talent.

Her presence isn’t just creative — it’s strategic.

Potential Challenges to Her Return

Of course, there are obstacles:

• Scheduling Conflicts: Jolie’s commitments to directing and humanitarian work could complicate MCU scheduling.
• Creative Direction: If Marvel pivots away from the Eternals storyline, Thena may not fit easily into the new roadmap.
• Contractual Terms: Marvel’s long-term contracts can be demanding, which may not align with Jolie’s lifestyle and career goals.

Still, even limited appearances could satisfy both Marvel and Jolie’s needs.

Comparing Jolie’s Role to Other A-List Marvel Stars

Marvel has a history of recruiting A-list actors for limited but impactful roles:

• Cate Blanchett as Hela: A one-film villain, yet unforgettable.
• Anthony Hopkins as Odin: Appeared across multiple Thor films with smaller but meaningful roles.
• Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One: Returned in a cameo for Avengers: Endgame after her main role in Doctor Strange.

Jolie could follow a similar pattern — not leading entire franchises but elevating key moments.

What Angelina Jolie Has Said About Marvel

While Jolie hasn’t explicitly confirmed a return, her comments around Eternals were telling:

• She spoke about how the character of Thena resonated with her personally.
• She expressed admiration for Marvel’s inclusivity and ambition.
• She did not shut down the idea of reprising the role, leaving the door open.

Her diplomatic answers leave room for possibility — and Marvel thrives on that mystery.

The Multiverse Factor

Marvel’s current storytelling landscape heavily features the multiverse, which offers even more possibilities for Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback:

• Alternate Versions: A different Thena variant could appear in a crossover event.
• Surprise Cameos: Multiverse films often feature unexpected character returns.
• Flexibility: Jolie wouldn’t need to commit to long arcs — just impactful appearances.

This narrative tool makes her return easier to execute without heavy commitment.

What Thena’s Return Could Mean for the MCU

If Thena does come back, her role could be pivotal:

• Cosmic Knowledge: As an Eternal, she brings deep understanding of the Celestials.
• Combat Power: Her abilities make her a valuable ally in large-scale battles.
• Emotional Resonance: Continuing her story could add depth to the MCU’s exploration of trauma, memory, and resilience.

Her return wouldn’t just be exciting — it could be narratively essential.

Conclusion: Will We See Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback?

While nothing has been officially confirmed, the momentum behind the rumors of Angelina Jolie’s Marvel Comeback suggests it’s more than just idle speculation. The combination of unfinished storylines, Marvel’s need for cosmic players, and Jolie’s star power makes a Thena return feel increasingly likely.

Even if she doesn’t headline an Eternals 2, Marvel’s sprawling universe offers countless opportunities for her to reappear. Whether through sequels, crossovers, or multiverse cameos, Jolie’s Thena remains one of the MCU’s most intriguing possibilities.

Until Marvel or Jolie makes an announcement, fans will keep speculating, theorizing, and hoping. And if the past decade has proven anything, it’s that Marvel loves surprising us.

So will Thena return? For now, the answer remains: stay tuned.

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