Disney/Marvel partners with Gallaudet University for private advance showing of Eternals

The Angelika Pop-Up Theatre at Union Market has not seen the last of deaf talent on the silver screen.

In August, the Angelika was the chosen theatre for the local Apple TV+ premiere of CODA, featuring veteran actors Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur, and Spring Awakening Broadway star Daniel Durant.

And with the coming November 5 release of Eternals, Disney/Marvel and Gallaudet University will be hosting an invitation-only premiere screening at the Angelika on November 2, three days prior to the worldwide opening of the movie. 

Eternals star Lauren Ridloff, a deaf actress and Model Secondary School for the Deaf alumna, plays the superhero Makkari in the film. Ridloff is well-known for her time on the television series The Walking Dead and her stint on Broadway in the 2018 theatrical revival of Children of a Lesser God alongside veteran actor Joshua Jackson. In Eternals, Makkari is a superhero with superhuman speed, allowing her to spin cyclones, run on water, and defy gravity. Makkari is also Deaf — a key characteristic that distinguishes her from her fellow Eternals.

One week ago, Gallaudet student and TikTok influencer Anjel Piñero had the chance to sit down and interview Ridloff. She asked the star: What was an endearing moment on set? Any advice for BIPOC deaf youth looking to break into Hollywood? Why is it important to have authentic representation in the role of Makkari? and more. The eight-and-one-half minute interview will be shared on Gallaudet’s social media accounts after the Eternals’ worldwide premiere on November 5.

At the student’s request, her stage name, Anjel Piñero, has been used in all captions and copy. The ASL translation was recorded before this request was received.