Ever since I first walked out of the theater after seeing Marvel’s *Eternals*, my mind has been swirling with questions, much like I’m sure yours has been. That ending was quite a cliffhanger, wasn’t it? My buddy, who I dragged to see it with me, kept bugging me for weeks, “So, what happened to *them*? Are they all gone? Is anyone left?” It’s a fair question. The film left us with a lot to ponder, particularly about the fate of these ancient, powerful beings who suddenly found their entire purpose upended. If you’ve been wondering, much like my friend, **which Eternals are still alive** and navigating the vastness of the cosmos (or perhaps facing judgment), you’re definitely not alone. It’s a complex answer, given their unique physiology and the intervention of celestial powers, but fear not, we’re going to break it all down.
To give you the quick and precise answer right off the bat, as of the conclusion of Marvel’s *Eternals* movie and its post-credit scenes, the following Eternals are confirmed to be alive:
- Sersi (currently held by Arishem the Judge)
- Kingo (currently held by Arishem the Judge)
- Phastos (currently held by Arishem the Judge)
- Thena (traveling the cosmos on the Domo)
- Makkari (traveling the cosmos on the Domo)
- Druig (traveling the cosmos on the Domo)
- Sprite (transformed into a human child, alive but no longer an Eternal)
- Eros (Starfox) (newly introduced, traveling the cosmos)
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of why they’re alive, where they are, and what their complex state of existence truly means.
Understanding the Eternals: Their Purpose and Predicament
The Eternals, for those who might need a refresher, are synthetic beings, biomechanical constructs created by the all-powerful Celestials. Their primary mission, unbeknownst to them for millennia, was to protect intelligent life on planets until a sufficient population density was reached. This density, it turned out, was necessary to fuel the birth of a new Celestial, which would emerge from the planet’s core, inevitably destroying all life on its surface. They were essentially living incubation units, unwitting participants in a cosmic cycle of creation and destruction. Each Eternal was crafted with unique powers, a specific personality, and a memory wipe after each planetary cycle, ensuring their loyalty and compliance. This fundamental understanding is crucial to grasping their individual choices and ultimate fates. Their ‘lives’ are not like ours; they are re-created, re-programmed, and their existence is intrinsically tied to the Celestials’ grand design. When they chose to defy Arishem, they defied their very purpose, making their continued ‘life’ a fraught and uncertain prospect.
The Core Group: Who Made It Through the Emergence?
The main narrative of *Eternals* centers around a specific group assigned to Earth. Their internal conflict, their discovery of their true purpose, and their decision to save humanity defined their individual fates.
Sersi: The Empathetic Leader Under Celestial Scrutiny
Sersi, portrayed by Gemma Chan, is undoubtedly alive, though her current status is perhaps the most precarious. She was always the Eternal with the deepest connection to humanity, possessing the power of matter transmutation. Her empathy and love for Earth led her to defy Arishem, ultimately using her amplified powers (with the help of the Uni-Mind) to prevent the Emergence of the Celestial Tiamut. This act was monumental, altering the very fabric of their purpose.
After successfully stopping the Emergence, Sersi, along with Kingo and Phastos, remained on Earth. Her relationship with Dane Whitman (Kit Harington) was deepening, offering a glimpse of a potential future for her living among humans. However, this peace was short-lived. Arishem the Judge, the Celestial who created the Eternals, returned to Earth. He didn’t come to destroy humanity for stopping Tiamut, but to judge the Eternals for their rebellion. Arishem took Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos from Earth, stating that he would scrutinize their memories to determine if humanity was truly worth saving. So, Sersi is physically alive, but she is currently a captive, undergoing an intense celestial trial that will determine not only her fate but potentially the fate of all humanity. Her survival hangs in the balance, a poignant symbol of her defiant choice.
Thena: The Warrior Grappling with the Past
Thena, played by Angelina Jolie, is definitely alive and, unlike Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos, she remains free. Thena’s unique struggle throughout the film involved “Mahd Wy’ry,” a condition causing her to lose control and attack her fellow Eternals due to an overload of past memories from countless planetary cycles. Her powers, the ability to conjure any weapon from cosmic energy, made her a formidable warrior, but also a danger to her companions when afflicted.
At the end of the film, Thena chose to leave Earth on the Domo, the Eternals’ starship, alongside Makkari and Druig. Their mission is to find other Eternals scattered across the galaxy and warn them of their true purpose and the Celestials’ cruel plan. This proactive stance forges a new path for Thena, one of self-determination and redemption. Her survival is a testament to her companions’ unwavering support and her own strength in overcoming her mental affliction. She’s not just alive; she’s charting a new course for her kind.
Kingo: The Star with a Conscience
Kingo, portrayed by Kumail Nanjiani, is very much alive, though like Sersi and Phastos, he is currently under Arishem’s judgment. Kingo’s power allows him to project cosmic energy blasts from his hands. His chosen facade on Earth was that of a Bollywood movie star, a flamboyant and entertaining persona that offered him a comfortable life.
Throughout the film, Kingo struggled with the moral implications of defying Arishem. He was initially hesitant to join Sersi’s rebellion, torn between his loyalty to the Celestials (his creators) and his growing affection for humanity. He refused to fight against Ikaris but also wouldn’t stand by and watch his friends be destroyed. This internal conflict is a significant part of his character arc. His decision to ultimately join Sersi and Phastos on Earth, even without fighting, showed his solidarity. Consequently, when Arishem arrived, Kingo was taken along with Sersi and Phastos, sharing their uncertain fate. He is alive, but his freedom and future are now in the hands of his creator, a dramatic shift from his life of celebrity.
Makkari: The Fastest Eternal Seeking Truth
Makkari, played by Lauren Ridloff, is unequivocally alive and free. Her power of super-speed makes her incredibly agile and a vital asset in any conflict. As the first deaf superhero in the MCU, her character brought a refreshing and powerful representation to the screen.
Makkari was one of the Eternals who had become disillusioned with humanity, living a solitary existence in the Domo, eagerly awaiting the Emergence. However, upon learning the truth, her loyalty shifted, and she became a fierce advocate for protecting Earth. Her strong bond with Druig was evident, and their combined efforts were crucial in the final battle. At the film’s conclusion, Makkari joined Thena and Druig on the Domo, embarking on a quest to find other Eternals. Her unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth and warning her kind showcases her resolve. She is alive, free, and actively working to reshape the future of the Eternals.
Druig: The Mind Controller with a Heart of Gold
Druig, portrayed by Barry Keoghan, is also very much alive and, like Makkari and Thena, is traveling the cosmos. His power of mind control allowed him to influence human thoughts, and he had used this ability for centuries to create a secluded, peaceful community in the Amazon, shielded from humanity’s destructive tendencies.
Druig had always been the most cynical about humanity, often questioning the Eternals’ non-interference policy. He struggled with their directive to stand by while humans waged wars. This deep-seated moral conflict made him one of the first to truly rebel against the Celestials’ design. His love for Makkari and his desire for genuine peace ultimately fueled his decision to fight for Earth. After the Emergence was averted, Druig joined Thena and Makkari on the Domo, dedicating himself to their new mission. His survival signifies a rebellion against his programming and a hopeful future where his powers might be used for true universal good.
Phastos: The Inventor Burdened by Humanity’s Flaws
Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry, is certainly alive, though he shares the same fate as Sersi and Kingo, held captive by Arishem. Phastos is the technological genius of the group, capable of inventing and building incredible devices from cosmic energy. He is also the MCU’s first openly gay superhero, a significant and welcome step in representation.
Phastos had withdrawn from the other Eternals for centuries after witnessing the destructive potential of human technology, particularly after the bombing of Hiroshima. He believed his inventions had inadvertently contributed to humanity’s capacity for self-destruction. This guilt led him to embrace a quiet life with his husband and son, trying to live as a normal human. However, when Sersi appealed to him, reminding him of humanity’s capacity for love and good, Phastos re-engaged. He became instrumental in amplifying Sersi’s powers to stop the Emergence. His deep connection to his family anchored his decision to fight for Earth. His act of defiance meant he was taken by Arishem, and his “life” now involves a cosmic judgment, a heavy price for choosing love over programming.
Sprite: The Eternal Who Became Human
Sprite, portrayed by Lia McHugh, presents a unique case. She is alive, but no longer an Eternal in the traditional sense. Sprite’s power is to project lifelike illusions, a talent she often used to tell stories. Her eternal childlike appearance was a constant source of anguish for her, preventing her from experiencing a normal human life, including growing up, having relationships, and simply being seen as an adult.
This deep-seated unhappiness fueled her loyalty to Ikaris, who promised her a solution. When Ikaris turned against the group, Sprite sided with him, believing it was the only way to gain the human life she so desperately craved. However, after Ikaris’s defeat, Sersi, with the amplified power of the Uni-Mind, granted Sprite her greatest wish: to become human. Sprite is now a mortal human child, capable of aging, feeling, and living a “normal” life. While she is no longer an Eternal, she is undeniably alive and free, a testament to Sersi’s compassion. Her story is a poignant one of sacrifice and transformation, making her survival a truly unique outcome.
The Fallen: Eternals Who Met Their End
To properly appreciate who is still alive, it’s also important to briefly acknowledge those who did not make it. Their sacrifices and choices paved the way for the others’ survival.
- Ajak: The spiritual leader of the Eternals, played by Salma Hayek. Ajak was the only Eternal who could communicate directly with Celestials. She discovered the true purpose of the Emergence and chose to defy it, attempting to guide Sersi to take her place. She was tragically killed by Ikaris, who remained loyal to Arishem.
- Ikaris: The most powerful warrior, played by Richard Madden. Ikaris possessed flight, super strength, and cosmic eye beams. He was Ajak’s loyal second-in-command and secretly her killer, unable to reconcile his love for Sersi and his devotion to the Celestials. Unable to live with his betrayal or his choices, he flew into the sun, seemingly incinerating himself, a self-imposed end for a broken hero.
- Gilgamesh: The kind-hearted strongman, played by Don Lee. Gilgamesh possessed incredible super strength and protected Thena during her Mahd Wy’ry episodes. He was tragically killed by the Deviant leader Kro while defending Thena, making a heroic sacrifice that allowed the others to continue their fight.
- Kro: While not an Eternal, Kro was the leader of the Deviants, who evolved beyond their primal state by absorbing the powers of Eternals. He was eventually defeated and killed by Thena, avenging Gilgamesh and removing a major threat.
New Arrivals and Lingering Questions: Post-Credit Surprises
The MCU loves its post-credit scenes, and *Eternals* delivered two major bombshells that expanded the roster of “alive” Eternals and introduced significant new characters.
Eros (Starfox) & Pip the Troll: The Royal Intervention
In the first post-credit scene, we see Thena, Makkari, and Druig on the Domo, trying to figure out their next move and concerned about the lack of communication from the Eternals left on Earth. Suddenly, they are interrupted by the arrival of Pip the Troll (voiced by Patton Oswalt), a comical, teleporting alien. Pip introduces his companion: Eros, also known as Starfox, the brother of Thanos, played by none other than Harry Styles.
Eros is an Eternal, and he is very much alive and well. His powers include enhanced strength, durability, and most notably, the ability to stimulate the pleasure centers of people’s brains, charming them to his will. He appears to be a galactic adventurer, a charming rogue who offers to help Thena, Makkari, and Druig find the other Eternals, hinting that he knows where they are. His arrival not only adds another powerful Eternal to the ‘alive’ list but also provides a crucial new avenue for the storyline, potentially setting up a wider cosmic search for their captured comrades. His existence suggests that not all Eternals were confined to a single planet’s cycle and that there’s a vast network of them across the cosmos.
Dane Whitman’s Arc and the Blade Connection
The second post-credit scene focuses on Dane Whitman (Kit Harington), Sersi’s human boyfriend. He is seen grappling with a mysterious, ancient sword, the Ebony Blade, which whispers to him as he prepares to wield it. Just as he’s about to touch the blade, a voice from off-screen asks, “Sure you’re ready for that, Mr. Whitman?” This voice is confirmed to be Mahershala Ali’s Blade, the vampire hunter.
While Dane Whitman is not an Eternal, his presence is vital to the future of the characters and provides a grounded human connection. He is clearly alive, and his journey into becoming the Black Knight, a character from Marvel Comics lore, is now firmly in motion. This scene underscores the interconnectedness of the MCU and establishes a new potential hero whose path will undoubtedly cross with the Eternals again, especially if they return to Earth.
The Celestial Judgment: Arishem’s Intervention and the Future
The most significant and unresolved element concerning the surviving Eternals is Arishem’s judgment. When Arishem took Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos, it wasn’t an act of destruction, but a declaration of his intent to review their memories and decide humanity’s fate. This raises profound questions about their state of “aliveness.”
Physically, they are alive. Their bodies are intact, and their consciousnesses are active. However, they are not free. They are essentially prisoners in a cosmic courtroom, their very existence under review. This is a form of existential limbo, a forced pause in their long lives. Arishem’s judgment is absolute, and its outcome could range from complete exoneration and a new purpose, to reprogramming, or even utter annihilation. The fact that Arishem chose to judge rather than immediately destroy them speaks volumes. It suggests that the Eternals’ unprecedented act of defiance, and the potential for a new path for Celestial creation, has intrigued even the mighty Arishem. This particular aspect of their survival is fraught with tension and uncertainty, a ticking time bomb waiting to explode in a future MCU installment.
What’s Next for the Surviving Eternals? Implications and Hopes
The surviving Eternals are now split into two distinct groups, each facing an uncertain but pivotal future:
1. **The Captives (Sersi, Kingo, Phastos):** Their fate hinges entirely on Arishem’s judgment. Their survival, while technically confirmed, is under a Celestial’s thumb. This storyline promises high stakes, potentially exploring themes of free will versus predestination on a cosmic scale. Will Arishem deem humanity worthy? Will the Eternals be punished, re-programmed, or given a new, unforeseen purpose?
2. **The Seekers (Thena, Makkari, Druig, Eros, Pip):** This group is actively trying to locate their captured comrades and warn other Eternals across the universe. Their journey is one of discovery and rebellion. It opens up the possibility of exploring more of the vast MCU cosmos, introducing new Eternal factions, and perhaps even revealing more about the Celestials’ intricate workings. Eros’s involvement adds an intriguing layer, given his familial connection to Thanos and his charismatic personality. He could be a powerful ally or a charming wildcard.
Sprite’s new human life offers a poignant contrast, a small, quiet miracle amidst the cosmic drama. Her story can serve as a grounded counterpoint to the grand, universe-spanning adventures of her former kin.
Ultimately, the Eternals who are still alive are in a state of flux. Their choices have irrevocably altered their programming, their purpose, and their relationship with their creators. They are no longer merely tools but individuals grappling with free will and the monumental consequences of their actions. Their continued existence promises a rich, complex, and deeply philosophical thread in the ongoing tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Eternals’ Survival
Are all Eternals immortal?
That’s a fantastic question, and one the movie actually clarifies in a pretty profound way. While Eternals appear immortal to humans due to their extremely long lifespans and advanced healing, they are not truly immortal in the sense of being indestructible. They are biomechanical constructs, meaning they can be damaged and even destroyed.
We see this explicitly in the movie: Ajak is killed by Ikaris, Gilgamesh is killed by Kro, and Ikaris himself chooses to end his own existence. Their bodies can be broken, and their core programming can be terminated. So, while they don’t age and can heal from most injuries, they are certainly not impervious to death, especially when facing other powerful beings, or when their own kind turns on them, or when they defy their very creators. Their “immortality” is more a feature of their design for their specific purpose rather than an absolute state of being.
What happened to Sprite? Is she truly alive as a human?
Yes, Sprite is definitively alive, but her existence has been fundamentally altered. Throughout the film, Sprite harbored a deep longing to grow up, to experience love, and to live a “normal” human life, free from her eternal child-like appearance. At the movie’s climax, after the Emergence was averted and Ikaris had departed, Sersi, using the combined power of the Uni-Mind, granted Sprite’s greatest wish.
Sersi, with her ability to transmute matter and her amplified power, was able to effectively “de-Eternalize” Sprite, transforming her into a mortal human child. This means Sprite can now age, experience the full spectrum of human emotions, and live a life without the burden of eternal youth and cosmic duty. While she has lost her powers and her Eternal nature, she gained what she yearned for most: a chance at a mortal life. She is very much alive, just in a completely new, human form. It’s a bittersweet outcome, a trade-off of power for personhood.
Will Arishem punish the Eternals?
The question of whether Arishem will punish the Eternals is the central looming threat for Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos. Arishem didn’t immediately destroy Earth, nor did he annihilate the defiant Eternals on the spot. Instead, he took them away for judgment, stating his intention to “evaluate their memories” to determine if humanity is worth saving. This suggests a trial, a cosmic deliberation rather than immediate retribution.
The nature of this “punishment” could take many forms. It might involve reprogramming them, wiping their memories again, stripping them of their free will, or perhaps even dismantling them entirely. However, the very act of judgment implies a possibility of a different outcome. Arishem might be genuinely curious about why these specific Eternals chose to defy their sacred purpose, and what makes humanity so unique that they would risk everything for it. The possibility of punishment is high, but the *form* it takes, and whether it’s absolute, remains a suspenseful unknown, setting the stage for future narratives.
Where are Makkari, Druig, and Thena going?
Makkari, Druig, and Thena, along with the newly introduced Eros and Pip the Troll, are embarking on a mission to find other Eternals across the vastness of the cosmos. Their primary goal, as stated by Thena, is to warn their scattered brethren about the true, horrifying purpose of the Emergence and the Celestials’ deceptive nature. They want to prevent other Eternals from unknowingly participating in the destruction of intelligent life on other planets.
Their journey is one of discovery and recruitment, aiming to build a coalition of defiant Eternals who can stand against the Celestials. This endeavor takes them far beyond Earth, into uncharted galactic territories. With Eros now seemingly guiding them, they have a potentially powerful and knowledgeable ally to help navigate the cosmic landscape and locate other Eternals, though his motives are still largely mysterious. Their path is one of active rebellion, seeking to change the very cosmic order their creators established.
Who is Eros, and why is he with Pip the Troll?
Eros, famously known as Starfox, is a significant character in Marvel Comics, and his introduction in the *Eternals* post-credit scene, played by Harry Styles, was a major surprise. He is an Eternal, like the others, but with a unique lineage: he is the younger brother of Thanos. Yes, the Mad Titan! While Thanos focused on death and destruction, Eros is often depicted as a charming, pleasure-seeking adventurer.
His powers include enhanced strength, durability, flight, and most notably, the ability to control and manipulate emotions, particularly stimulating pleasure and attraction in others. He’s often depicted as a rogue with a heart of gold, traveling the galaxy and enjoying life. Pip the Troll is his loyal companion and herald, a small, teleporting alien who often announces Eros’s arrival with flair. Pip himself is quite a character, known for his unique abilities and often providing comic relief. Their presence together suggests a pre-established partnership, and Eros’s offer to help find the missing Eternals implies he has vast knowledge of the cosmos and the locations of other Eternals, making him a crucial new player in the overarching narrative.
Will Ikaris ever return?
Ikaris’s fate is left ambiguous enough to fuel fan speculation, but as of the film’s conclusion, he is presumed dead. After being defeated by Sersi and acknowledging his inability to live with the consequences of his actions and his betrayal of his family, Ikaris flew directly into the sun. This act mirrored the myth of Icarus from which he gets his name, implying a tragic, self-imposed end.
Given his immense power and the extreme heat of the sun, it’s highly likely that he was completely incinerated, effectively ending his existence as an Eternal. Unlike other Eternals who might be “rebooted” by Celestials, Ikaris actively chose his demise, driven by guilt and a broken spirit. While in comic books, death is rarely permanent, for the purposes of the MCU film’s narrative, his sacrifice felt definitive. Any potential return would require a significant narrative explanation, possibly involving Celestial intervention or a complex form of regeneration, but for now, his story is concluded.
The intricate web of the Eternals’ survival leaves us with a rich tapestry of possibilities for future MCU installments. From cosmic trials to galactic searches, the fate of these ancient protectors is anything but settled.