Salma Hayek revealed that she was overcome with emotion when filming wrapped on Marvel’s Eternals. Originally scheduled for a 2020 release, the Phase 4 film is slated to premiere in theatres this November.

Taking place after the events of Avengers: Endgame, Eternals follows a species of immortal aliens who are forced to reunite to protect mankind from a humanoid race called the Deviants. Chloé Zhao (Nomadland), who recently became the second woman in history to receive an Academy Award for best director, helmed the ambitious film. The loaded cast includes Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani, as well as Game of Thrones stars Richard Madden and Kit Harington.

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During a recent interview with USA Today, Hayek said she teared up when filming concluded because of what her Eternals character Ajak means for many across the globe. “It was because it means so much to so many people that, to think that for a Mexican girl – a Mexican woman in her 50s – was able to be a superhero,” stated Hayek, while adding, “I felt a lot of pride to have my superhero outfit on. It meant something.” The actress added that initially nervous about the project because she agreed to play the character without reading the script, which is common in the MCU due to the secrecy surrounding their films. “It was really stressful. It’s like marrying a guy you've never met.”

Hayek's Ajak first appeared in 1976’s The Eternals #2 and was initially created as a male character by Jack Kirby. Ajak is the spiritual leader of the Eternals and can manipulate cosmic energy and directly communicate with the Celestials. In the comics, Ajak killed innocent children after Dr. Daniel Damian transformed him into a monster. The character also appeared in the comic book crossover storyline Secret Invasion, which is currently being adapted into a series for Disney Plus

While details on the film’s plot have yet to be released, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige noted if there had to be one lead character, it would Gemma Chan's Sersi. In the comics, Sersi can manipulate matter and works as a museum curator on Earth. Eternals has garnered buzz because it was filmed in practical locations and avoided CG backgrounds, which is uncommon for a Marvel Studios film. The upcoming blockbuster also features the first deaf and openly gay superheroes in MCU history.

Hayek can be currently seen in Patrick Hughes' The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard. The sequel to 2017's The Hitman’s Bodyguard sees bodyguard Michael Bryce (Reynolds) attempt to save con artist Sonia Kincaid (Hayek) and her husband Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson) once more. Hayek’s Sonia has a larger role in the film after just appearing on-screen for only about two minutes in the original.

Eternals is set to premiere in theatres on November 5, 2021.

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Source: USA Today