Kit Harington’s Marvel journey: A tale of missed opportunities and new beginnings

The Marvel debut that didn’t quite take off

Kit Harington, known for his iconic role as Jon Snow in “Game of Thrones,” ventured into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in 2021 with Eternals. Portraying Dane Whitman, Harington’s character was set up for a significant future within the franchise, especially with the post-credits scene hinting at his transformation into Black Knight in an upcoming Blade movie. However, the journey hasn’t been as smooth as fans might have hoped.

Eternals Eternals, directed by Chloe Zhao, ended on a note suggesting a sequel, but the film’s box office performance was underwhelming, grossing $402 million worldwide. This figure fell short of Marvel’s high standards, leading to reports that a sequel is not in development. Meanwhile, the Blade movie, starring Mahershala Ali, has faced numerous setbacks, leaving Harington’s future in the MCU uncertain.

The uncertain future of Blade

Marvel’s Blade reboot has been in the works for several years, with Ali announced as the lead in July 2019. Despite the excitement, the project has encountered multiple hurdles. The first director, Bassam Tariq, exited in September 2022, just two months before filming was set to begin. The script has also seen several writers, including Stacy Osei-Kuffour and Michael Starrbury. Recently, director Yann Demange left the project, with Eric Pearson, known for his work on The Fantastic Four and Black Widow, stepping in as the new screenwriter.

Harington’s reflections on his Marvel role

In a recent interview, Harington shared his thoughts on his brief stint in the MCU. He candidly admitted, “I’m not gonna pretend I took that [role] because it was different and interesting. If Marvel calls, you gotta do it.” This statement reflects the allure and pressure of joining such a massive franchise, even if the role doesn’t fully align with an actor’s personal aspirations.

The Jon Snow spinoff that never was

While Harington’s Marvel future remains in limbo, he has also distanced himself from another major franchise. After the conclusion of Game of Thrones, there were discussions about a Jon Snow spinoff series. Harington revealed that HBO approached him with the idea, but he ultimately decided against it.

“My first reaction was no,” Harington said. “And then I thought there could be an interesting and important story about the soldier after the war. I felt that there might be something left to say and a story left to tell in a pretty limited way. We spent a couple of years back and forth developing it. And it just didn’t… nothing got us excited enough.”

Harington emphasized the importance of not pushing a project that doesn’t feel right, stating, “I think if we push this any further and keep developing it we could end up with something that’s not good. And that’s the last thing we all want.”

The weight of Jon Snow

Returning to the world of Jon Snow carries significant emotional and professional baggage for Harington. “In some ways, you need to divorce completely from this previous thing, and we’re only a few years after it,” he explained. The role of Jon Snow has been a defining part of his life, bringing him fame, lifelong friends, and even his wife. However, it also poses a challenge as he tries to establish himself in new roles.

“It was also working against what I’m trying to do, which is separate myself from [the show]. By still being with it, it [would be] very hard to ask people to see you as something else,” Harington added.

Moving forward

As Harington navigates his career post-Game of Thrones and amidst the uncertainties of the MCU, he remains a figure of interest for fans and industry insiders alike. His willingness to step back from projects that don’t feel right, despite their potential for success, speaks to his commitment to authenticity in his work.

For those eager to see more of Harington, keep an eye on his future projects and enjoy revisiting his past roles. Whether he returns to the MCU or finds new avenues to explore, his journey is far from over.

For more insights and updates on Kit Harington’s career, visit GQ’s website.

Keywords: Kit Harington, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Eternals, Blade, Jon Snow, Game of Thrones, MCU, Mahershala Ali, Chloe Zhao, Bassam Tariq, Yann Demange, Eric Pearson, HBO, GQ.