The writers of Marvel Studio’s Eternals reveal that in a previous draft script, Gilgamesh was meant to be Kingo’s valet, not fan favorite Karun.
Warning! This article contains spoilers for Eternals
Screenwriters Kaz and Ryan Firpo have revealed that the Gilgamesh (Don Lee) was originally intended to be Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani) ‘s valet at Marvel Studios. Eternals, not the very popular new character Karun (Harish Patel). Eternals recently released in theaters, being the 26th entry into the massive Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie is actually the lowest-rated MCU movie to date, but its lowest critical score doesn’t match its high enough audience rating. It opened to $ 162 million globally in its opening weekend, helping Marvel Studios consolidate itself as one of the top performing studios during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
During the opening weekend of Eternals, Karun’s popularity has apparently exploded. In the film, he is the valet for Kingo, who has become a Bollywood star. As the Eternals reunite throughout the film, Karun follows suit, recording as much as he can for Kingo, who wants to make a documentary about the Immortal Space Team. On the other hand, Gilgamesh is the heavyweight of the team and takes care of protecting Thena (Angelina Jolie) from her memory loss disease these days.
Now writers Kaz and Ryan Firpo have talked about the process of writing Eternals and the character of Kingo’s valet. In an interview with THR, the Firpos revealed that they have very different plans for Gilgamesh and Karun. These original ideas could have altered some of the characters’ stories and their roles in the plot. Check out their full comments below:
Kaz Firpo: We have to give Patrick Burleigh huge credit [the screenwriter who came in after the Firpos] for that. We had a version of it, and Patrick became a gangbuster with it. It’s another human surrogate you need for the trip. This [character] was someone we played with as the director of all of his films. Once upon a time there was Gilgamesh [Don Lee] hung out with Kingo. They were working together. So there was a similar dynamic.
Ryan Firpo: When we had 12 characters, Gilgamash was not associated with Thena. He was Kingo’s valet, so he was basically that character, but as Gilgamesh.
Having Gilgamesh as a valet would have harmed Thena’s disease plot. His memory loss is such an important aspect of his character, and Gilgamesh was by his side all the time from the start until his death. He has many important moments with her throughout her time onscreen, such as taking her out when the Eternals go their separate ways to take care of her. Plus, he knows he would be the only one who can stop her when she lashes out. While Gilgamesh certainly could have had some great character moments as Kingo’s valet, he had a lot to do emotionally for the film by being Thena’s guardian.
Karun’s role in the plot is also important for Eternals. While it doesn’t have a direct impact on team goals, it does bring a level of humanity. Kit Harington’s Dane Whitman gives a hint of this as well, showing just how important human characters are to the history of the Eternals. The film heavily explores the idea of gods living among humans, and Karun’s role greatly serves that purpose.
Source: THR
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