Kumail Nanjiani Defends His Marvel Role, Credits Eternals for Career Growth

Kumail Nanjiani is speaking out about his role in Marvel’s 2021 film, Eternals. The actor discussed the experience on a recent episode of NPR’s Wild Card with Rachel Martin. He remains proud of his performance despite the movie’s mixed reception.The film faced critical and commercial challenges. For Nanjiani, however, the project was a pivotal learning moment. It fundamentally changed how he views success in Hollywood.

A Performance Without Regret

Nanjiani played the cosmic-powered Kingo in the blockbuster. He shared his thoughts on the podcast with clear conviction. “I’m very proud of my performance in it,” he stated firmly.He went further, saying he wouldn’t change anything about his work in the movie. The role placed him alongside stars like Angelina Jolie and Richard Madden. It was a major career milestone for the actor.Yet, Eternals struggled at the global box office. It also received lukewarm reviews from many critics. According to Reuters, the film was a rare stumble for the Marvel franchise.

Finding Control in the Chaos

The experience taught Nanjiani a crucial lesson about control. He explained that actors cannot decide how a film will be received. They cannot choose its box office fate or critical opinion.”What I do get to choose is whether or not I learned from it,” he told the host. This mindset shift has become central to his approach. He now sees every project as a chance for personal growth.He emphasizes taking a “joyful approach” to his work. This perspective helped him return to stand-up comedy after a decade. His recent Hulu special, Night Thoughts, marks this new chapter.

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The story of Kumail Nanjiani and Eternals is ultimately about resilience. The actor stands by his work and the lessons it provided. He remains grateful for the experience, proving that professional value isn’t defined by box office numbers alone.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Kumail Nanjiani say about his Eternals performance?

He said he is “very proud” of his performance as Kingo. Nanjiani added he would not change anything about how he acted in the film.

How did Eternals perform at the box office?

The film underperformed compared to other Marvel releases. It received mixed reviews from critics and had a weaker commercial showing.

What was the main lesson Nanjiani learned?

He learned to separate his own growth from a project’s public reception. He now focuses on what he can control, which is the experience and lessons from the work itself.

What has Nanjiani done since Eternals?

He returned to stand-up comedy with a Hulu special called *Night Thoughts*. This was his first major stand-up project in over ten years.

Who else starred in Eternals?

The film featured a large ensemble cast. It included Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, and Kit Harington alongside Nanjiani.