Salma Hayek may join the Marvel Universe. The actress is in early talks to join Marvel’s The Eternals, which Chloe Zhao is set to direct later this year.
Richard Madden and Kumail Nanjiani are also on board the superhero adventure project, which is based on the 1976 comic book series created by Jack Kirby. Angelina Jolie remains in talks to also star, with no deal set. The comic features superpowered and near-immortal beings known as Eternals and a more monstrous offshoot known as the Deviants that were created by cosmic beings known as Celestials.
While Madden is understood to be playing the lkaris, the leader of the group, character details for Hayek’s potential role have not been revealed. Hayek recently wrapped the upcoming action-comedy The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard with Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson, and she’s currently filming the indie comedy Bliss with Owen Wilson. Hayek will soon be seen in Sally Potter‘s drama Molly, which boasts a great cast including Laura Linney, Elle Fanning, Javier Bardem and Chris Rock, as well as in the Paramount comedy Limited Partners starring Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne.
Hayek, whose production company Ventanarosa has a first-look deal at Lionsgate, is represented by CAA and Management 360. TheWrap broke the news of Hayek’s casting, which has not yet been confirmed by Marvel, as negotiations are said to be at an early stage.
