Marvel Cinematic Universe on October 28th. Kingo Sunen is amongst its but will be portrayed in an extremely different way from what fans are familiar with in the comics, based on his origins, combat skills, and overall identity.
Kingo has a far stronger relationship with humanity than the rest of the group, but the team is about to impact Earth in a huge way in the MCU even potentially involving themselves with the Avengers. After having observed society for years, Kingo and the Eternals will be involving themselves in a conflict with the Deviants throughout Phase 4. The debut of these Deities will also mark the return of the Celestials and other cosmic beings, far more dangerous than Kingo.
Origins
Much like some of the Eternals, Kingo was actually born in Japan. He observed humanity from a settlement in the mountains, with his love for human culture and customs coming from watching over Hokkaido. This origin is crucial for the character, but the MCU is taking a different path.
The MCU version of the character doesn't appear to have been born on Earth at all. Importantly though, he still understands, sympathizes with, and wants to emulate the traditions of human society as will be further explored. This connection to Terra is what drives Kingo's ambitions and should influence the character's actions on screen.
Live-Action Changes
As fans might have learned from the trailers of the cinematic adaptation the version of Kingo that is being put to screen isn't actually like the version of the character described above. Indeed, his background on Earth seemingly begins in Pakistan. Kingo, therefore, doesn't have the same background or connection to Japan as he does in the comics.
Portrayed by Kumail Nanjiani, the character looks for fame in Bollywood, where he becomes a beloved movie star. Comic book fans are aware though that there are actually some strange ties in this origin to the source material and Kingo's role in the modern world.
Samurai Background
Throughout the 16th Century, Kingo continued to study Japanese tradition and learned the ways of the Samurai. It's a crucial part of his identity, but one the MCU won't be reflecting considering his alternative origins. Samurai life is reflected in every aspect of the character, though.
His loyalty, nobility, and honorable actions are all drawn from Samurai culture. The MCU would be wise to bring these characteristics to their iteration of Kingo, even if they are from different sources. What's more, Kingo's costume is that of Samurai armor rather than the classic Eternal garb, something that has once again been shifted in the MCU to create a 'team look.'
Power Set
The comic book Eternals all share very similar powers including flight, invulnerability, strength, immortality, energy projection, and the manipulation of particles. All of these powers are coming into play on-screen and Kingo's own gifts have been given an interesting visual portrayal.
While there are some extremely powerful of the Eternals on the page, Kingo isn't among them, relying on his Samurai skills rather than his cosmic abilities. The MCU looks to depart from this considering this Japanese background is not a part of the Eternal's identity. The character may still be reluctant to use his God-like gifts though if he is so enamored with Bollywood stardom.
Film Star
The modern era didn't quite respect Samurai culture in the same way as the 16th Century, but Kingo found a new way to express his ions. Kingo became a stunt-performer in the comics as time went on, regularly starring as Samurai warriors in cinematic releases.
Kingo's stardom has been taken to new heights in The Eternals though, as he moves from a fighter to a dancer and singer, capturing the essence of the Bollywood style. It's likely that the MCU has taken inspiration from Kingo's comic book film career for their own creation.
Facing The Mongols
Both the MCU and the comic book versions of the Eternals are not allowed to interfere with human conflicts. Kingo nearly broke this code though when the son of Ghenghis Khan, Ögedei, took the Mongol Army and was ready to invade Europe; potentially at the manipulation of the Eternal Druig.
Kingo's morality is put to the test when he goes to kill the Mongol General, only to hold back on his decision and allow events to eventually peacefully play out. The MCU is certainly going to look at whether the Eternals stayed true to their word to stay away from Earth's history, but Kingo may once again struggle with this concept more than most. Especially if one of their own, Druig, could be involved.
Staying On Earth
The Eternals are intrigued by their cosmic origins and their links to the Celestials. The trailers for the film showcase the group finding their old ship, essentially trying to reconnect to their roots. The comics saw the Eternals do something very similar but Kingo made a bold choice.
While many of the Eternals chose to travel into space, leaving Earth behind, Kingo couldn't bear to be away from his home. He stayed on Earth with other of the group like Ikarus. This might be a decision the Bollywood star makes in the film as well, as the rest of Eternals look for the other cosmic Gods the MCU is continuing to introduce.
Avengers Team-Up
As Phase 4 continues to expand it seems fairly natural that the Avengers and the Eternals will cross paths and potentially even team up. In the comics, Kingo was a part of the group that partnered with the West Coast Avengers, to take on the looming threat of the Celestials.
With the Priest-Lord Ghaur trying to use the powers of the godly beasts, this legendary duo of Earth's mightiest and these Celestial creations pushed back his plan, succeeding in their mission to protect Earth. Fans know that the Eternals of the comics will continue to side with the Avengers whenever a cosmic threat (like the Deviants of the MCU) surfaces.
Defeating Thanos
Thanos has been the most lethal threat of the MCU thus far, but Kingo was among a group of Eternals who defeated him in the comics. The trailers see the Eternals mention the Mad Titan and the conflict on Earth might have played out quite differently if they were involved, demonstrating the danger of their limits.
Thanos attacks the homeland known as Polaria, a location vitally important to the team and one that might be introduced into the MCU. After his initial defeat, Thanos does return once more, killing Ikarus in the process. However, Kingo's initial warrior spirit makes this a must-read for comic book fans of the Eternals.
Looking To The Deviants
The Eternals actually have a machine that aids in the resurrection of one of their fallen friends. It's a machine Kingo himself could use and might explain the group's never-ending lifespans within the confines of the Marvel Studios universe. But the machine wasn't quite as it appeared to the group.
It turned out that every time an Eternal is resurrected, human lives are sacrificed in their place. Kingo was amongst those that argued about destroying this machine and indeed was one of the Eternals who ultimately turned to their arch enemies the Deviants for assistance in the matter of immortality. The Deviants of the MCU appear to be far different from the comics, though, and cannot be bargained with in the same way.
