"'Train to Busan' Sparks Love Calls... K-Ssadaegi Is a Tribute to Ma Dong-seok" (Comprehensive)

Marvel's New Movie 'Eternals'
Directed by Chloe Zhao of 'Nomadland'
Ma Dong-seok Cast as Gilgamesh, Followed by "Manse"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "The palm action was a tribute to Ma Dong-seok." Director Chloe Zhao revealed that she opened a new universe after 'Avengers: Endgame' through the movie 'Eternals.'

Director Chloe Zhao said at the online press conference for the movie 'Eternals' held on the afternoon of the 29th, "It has a cosmic story, but it poses questions about humanity."

Marvel Studios' new release 'Eternals' is a film about immortal heroes who have lived without revealing themselves for thousands of years coming together again to fight against humanity's oldest enemies, the Deviants, after 'Avengers: Endgame' (2019). The cast includes Angelina Jolie, Ma Dong-seok, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, and Lauren Ridloff.

Director Chloe Zhao, who took the helm, said, "There were mainstream heroes and popular hero images and narratives. But the writer presented immortal heroes who have no connection with the mainstream," emphasizing her faithfulness to the original work.

The director stressed, "A comic with ontological questions was born." She continued, "Marvel Studios agreed with this approach. Especially since Thanos disappeared and the universe ended, they saw there was no fixed connectivity. They said it was okay to do something new and hoped for it. A world different from the universe we knew is beginning," she explained.

When asked about the concerns while planning a film with such a vast narrative, she answered that there were many similarities with her directed work 'Nomadland,' which won Best Picture at the 93rd Academy Awards. The director said, "'Nomadland' captures the human journey but also the people and situations around it. 'Eternals' has a cosmic story but poses questions about humanity. It is similar in that it reflects on family and poses questions."

Ma Dong-seok joined the Marvel team as one of the ten Eternals. The character he plays, Gilgamesh, has the ability to amplify his strength by creating an exoskeleton with cosmic energy. The director said, "He is the original strong man seen in human history and culture so far," adding, "He created the myth of a strong male."

The casting was made possible through the movie 'Train to Busan.' The director said, "It was a work that gained tremendous popularity in the West as well. Through it, I confirmed not only Ma Dong-seok's action but also his charisma and humor. I liked it," and explained the reason for casting, "I wanted a strong male character to be multi-layered, and he was exactly that."

Director Chloe Zhao said, "I proposed Ma Dong-seok because I thought he was not just an actor but someone who understands life," adding, "When I pitched to him, he quietly listened without saying anything. After hearing everything, he said he liked it and would do it, so we shouted 'Banzai' (Hooray)," laughing.

After the release, scenes where Ma Dong-seok delivers a nuclear punch and slaps his enemies are expected to receive a hot response. Director Chloe gave special meaning and expressed trust. "Ma Dong-seok once boxed in Ohio. I heard the story and found it interesting. Signature moves like the palm action were included as a tribute to his action," she said.

'Eternals' will be released on the 3rd of next month.

Photo = Walt Disney Company Korea

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.