It has been a good week to beKumail Nanjiani. Not only was his newTwilight Zoneepisode released on CBS All Access, but he was also cast in the Legendary movieAny Person, Living or Dead, and his upcoming filmsStuberandThe Lovebirdswere well-received at CinemaCon. And if that wasn’t enough, here’s the cherry on top – theSilicon Valleystar is in talks to joinAngelina Joliein Marvel’sThe Eternals, Collider has confirmed.
Marvel had no comment.
I’ve predicted big things for Nanjiani ever since he proved himself as a leading man inThe Big Sick, which he also co-wrote with his wife,Emily Gordon. DirectorChloe Zhao(The Rider) wants a diverse cast forThe Eternals, which is expected to feature Marvel’s first gay superhero. For all we know, that could be the character the actor is playing, though I’d heard the studio had hoped to cast an openly gay actor in the role. According tothe Hollywood Reporter, which broke the news, Nanjiani’s role is being kept under wraps.
Matthew FirpoandRyan Firpowrote the script, and Marvel honchoKevin Feigeis producingThe Eternals, which is based on the 1976 comic book series created byJack Kirby. The comic follows super-powered and near-immortal beings known as Eternals and a rival group known as the Deviants that were created by cosmic beings called Celestials. Jolie is likely playing an Eternal named Sersi, though that remains unconfirmed at this time.
The Eternalsis one of two Marvel movies that will go before cameras this year along withBlack Widow,which is now slated to starScarlett Johansson,Florence Pugh,David Harbourand Oscar winnerRachel Weisz.
Nanjiani will soon be seen in in Sony’sMen in Black: International, which opens June 14 – one month before the action-comedyStuberhits theaters. He’s represented by UTA and Mosaic.
