Who Is Eros? Thanos’ Brother Explained (Powers, Origin & MCU Future)

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Eternals

After making his debut in an Eternals end credits scene, audiences are wondering exactly who is Starfox. The character, also known as Eros, has a long and storied history in the Marvel comics, although this is the first time that he has made a big-screen, live-action appearance. However, despite his absence from the MCU until this point, his arrival could have profound implications for the future of the franchise.

Despite being one of the major talking points of the movie, Starfox does not arrive until the very end of Eternals. In a post-credits scene, Starfox introduces himself to the Eternals Thena (played by Angelina Jolie), Makkari and Druig, who had intended to leave Earth on a mission to find more members of their race. Starfox, who is portrayed by singer-songwriter Harry Styles, informs the trio that fellow Eternals Sersi, Kingo and Sprite are in grave danger and that he knows exactly where to find them. He is also revealed to be in possession of a mystical sphere that allows him to communicate with the Celestials and is accompanied by a companion referred to as Pip.

Given that he seemingly arrives almost out of nowhere while wielding powers similar to the Eternal Ajak (played by The Hitman’s Bodyguard star Salma Hayek), Starfox’s inclusion in the movie raises some serious questions. Considering the character’s backstory and onscreen introduction as the “brother of Thanos“, audiences could be forgiven for questioning exactly what impact Starfox might have on the MCU moving forwards and whether or not he will actually be a force for good. So, who is Starfox? Here’s everything MCU devotees need to know.

Starfox’s Origin In Marvel Comics Explained

In Marvel comics lore, Starfox is another member of the Eternals – a genetically altered branch of humanity that left earth and settled on the Saturnian moon, Titan. Despite being raised alongside his brother, Thanos, Starfox developed a very different personality from the genocidal Mad-Titan. Instead of yearning for the Infinity Stones and pursuing a mission to exterminate half of all life, Starfox became a carefree adventurer – much more interested in seducing various characters across the Marvel universe and adventuring across the galaxy. In fact, this independent, daring streak is one of the character’s hallmarks, explaining why – despite his regular liaisons with key members of The Avengers – he rarely remains in one place for long.

Throughout the comics, Starfox’s conflict with Thanos is an ongoing narrative thread. At one point, Thanos even alleges that Starfox is responsible for inciting his obsession with death – leading to the trail of destruction that Thanos leaves across the galaxy. It was only after Thanos’ first attack on Titan that Starfox began to take his powers and abilities slightly more seriously, using them to thwart his dangerous brother on several subsequent occasions. This complex relationship is especially intriguing, given that Starfox was absent from the MCU Infinity War conflict with Thanos – raising several questions around how he will feature in future MCU installments.

Starfox’s Powers In Marvel Comics Explained

Like all Eternals, Starfox is gifted with extraordinary superhuman abilities, including durability, strength, longevity, immunity to disease, and even flight. However, his most noteworthy power is undoubtedly his ability to exert psychic control over the emotions of other, less powerful beings. This makes him capable of exercising a form of rudimentary mind control, making him an extremely potent and potentially dangerous force in the MCU.

However, despite being related to Thanos and a member of the Eternals, Starfox is in many respects less hardy than his contemporaries. For instance, on several occasions, he is revealed to be vulnerable to conventional weapons such as guns and knives that would pose little threat to other members of the Eternals. Therefore, while his mind-control abilities make him a potentially serious threat, he is nowhere near as physically imposing as his brother.

Why Thanos’ Brother Looks Human & Isn’t Purple

The reason why Thanos and Starfox look so different lies with their genealogy. Unlike Starfox, Thanos is afflicted by the Deviant Syndrome, giving him certain Deviant characteristics. This explains both his purple coloration, the deep lines on his chin, and his sizeable physique. Starfox, by contrast, retains the rest of the Eternals’ more stereotypically human characteristics.

However, despite his connection with the Eternals’ mortal enemies, Marvel has subsequently confirmed that Thanos himself is indeed a true Eternal. In Eternals #6 it is revealed that, though he is different from both the Eternals and other inhabitants of Titan, he still shares a strong connection with other members of the Eternals team, including his brother Starfox. Therefore, despite the clear differences between Josh Brolin’s brooding, muscular onscreen portrayal of the Mad Titan and Harry Styles’ more mischievous, youthful appearance, there are understandable reasons behind the contrasts.

Harry Styles Plays Starfox/Eros In Marvel’s Eternals Movie

After months of speculation over whether Harry Styles would be making his MCU debut in Eternals, his appearance as Starfox/Eros seems like a natural fit. Given the character’s historical reputation as a carefree charmer, an actor with such an iconic pop-culture status as Styles is in many ways the perfect choice. Additionally, Styles himself is successfully building a serious reputation as an actor. His 2017 cinematic debut in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk was widely praised and he is soon to appear alongside Florence Pugh in Olivia Wilde’s drama Don’t Worry Darling. Given this CV, it seems that he certainly has the ability to succeed in the role of Starfox.

Will Harry Styles’ Starfox Be An Avenger? MCU Future Theory Explained

While his appearance in Eternals is limited to a brief cameo, Harry Styles’ Starfox may well be set for more substantial involvement in the wider MCU. Historically, Starfox has been a key member of the Avengers, especially in the team’s numerous encounters with Thanos. In particular, Starfox played a central role in the original Infinity Conflict against the Mad Titan, and was subsequently admitted into the Avengers training program. However, given Thanos’ defeat and destruction at the end of Avengers: Endgame, it seems as though his onscreen appearances may have to go in a different direction.

One possible explanation is an association with the Guardians of the Galaxy. In the comic book source material, Starfox forms the so-called Dark Guardians to go on a quest to find Gamora, as she is believed to be a host body for Thanos’ consciousness post-Infinity Conflict. Considering that Gamora is also mysteriously absent after Endgame, Starfox’s onscreen involvement in a mission to find her would make perfect sense. However, since Starfox’s appearance in Eternals is riddled with ambiguity and seems mostly concerned with the Eternals themselves, it may well be that he will only feature in future Eternals-centric storylines. Either way, Starfox’s MCU future has the potential to go in several exciting directions.

About The Author

Thomas Lethbridge
(133 Articles Published)

After an eclectic career incorporating scuba diving, cheffing and teaching, Tommy eventually found his calling as a writer. With an early focus on food, he now specialises in all aspects of entertainment. Despite being a Lord of the Rings and Alien obsessive, his real passion is for truly terrible movies. He loves anything with a 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating and rarely passes up an opportunity to watch The Room. Tommy is based in London and joined the Screen Rant team in 2021.

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