Warning: The following contains Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Black Widow did. However, Shang-Chi has cleared the path for The Eternals to find great success in its own theatrical release.
Shang-Chi and The Eternals were both announced by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige at the 2019 SDCC. Both movies introduce brand new Avengers into MCU's Phase 4, providing the origin stories for the latest generation of Avenger recruits. Shang-Chi came first in the line-up as the sixth installment and second film of Phase 4, introducing the titular hero and his companions as they fight to save the mystical realm of Ta Lo, Shang-Chi's homeland. The long-awaited Eternals brings a race of immortal protectors into the MCU. After the events of Avengers: Endgame, the Eternals are called to emerge from hiding after thousands of years to defend Earth from the Deviants, a race of mutated humanoids.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on box office numbers as theaters across the country closed, and many production companies were forced to move to day-and-date releases. While this move has caused some controversy — particularly with the Scarlett Johansson Black Widow lawsuit — it allowed audiences to safely enjoy new movie releases while recuperating at least a portion of film costs. With the effect COVID-19 has had on the box office, the decision to move back to a theatrical-only release is one that could cost production companies millions. However, Shang-Chi's ability to amass over $90 million during a traditionally slow box office weekend proves that audiences are ready to return to theaters.
Shang-Chi's success also proves that audiences are eager for more racially diverse casts. Shang-Chi was a massive milestone for Asian representation in media. Similar to the impact Black Panther had upon its release in 2018, Marvel's first Asian superhero film was a major step forward for Asian representation in Hollywood. Asian actors and their stories have long suffered at the hands of Hollywood, awash with harmful stereotypes and yellowface; with a predominately East Asian cast, a plethora of Chinese lore, and Asian-American culture, Shang-Chi answered the demand for Asian representation in Hollywood. The film's success proves that audiences are ready for — and desperate for — more diverse stories. With a diverse cast, The Eternals is likely to draw in a wide variety of audiences.
Looking at Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' success, it is no surprise that Disney has made the decision to give The Eternals (and the rest of its Marvel films) an exclusive theatric release. While some may be disappointed that the film won't be available to stream right away, the move back to theatrical releases is a strong sign that box offices are returning to normal. With a November 5 release date and a 45-day run, it's likely The Eternals won't hit Disney+ until January 2022.
