Kumail Nanjiani Stands by His Eternals Role Despite MCU Flop
The comedian-turned-superhero actor defends his Marvel debut and reveals how the film's poor reception led him to therapy but ultimately changed his perspective on success.
Comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani remains steadfast in his defense of his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, stating he feels "very proud" of his work in Eternals and "wouldn't change anything" about the entire experience. This comes despite the 2021 superhero film becoming one of Marvel's most significant commercial and critical disappointments in recent memory.
The Aftermath of a Marvel Misfire
The Phase Four entry proved to be a major stumble for the typically successful Marvel machine, failing to connect with audiences and critics alike. Box office numbers reflected this disconnect, with the film underperforming expectations significantly. For Nanjiani, who underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role, the negative response took a personal toll that required professional help to process.
The Silicon Valley star revealed that he sought therapy following the film's release, acknowledging the mental health impact of being associated with such a high-profile disappointment. However, rather than viewing this as a negative outcome, he frames it as part of a valuable learning experience that reshaped his entire approach to his career.
A New Perspective on Success
According to Nanjiani, the Eternals experience fundamentally altered his understanding of what constitutes professional success. The actor explained that the ordeal taught him the importance of maintaining "a joyful approach to every job," regardless of external reception or commercial performance.
This philosophical shift appears to have liberated him from the pressure of guaranteed success, allowing him to focus more on the creative process itself rather than worrying about outcomes beyond his control. The experience, while initially challenging, ultimately provided him with a more sustainable and fulfilling way to approach his acting career moving forward.