Harington Unsure of MCU Return as Black Knight, Cites No Current Plans
Kit Harington says he has not been invited back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dane Whitman, the character known as Black Knight. He expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting its addiction-themed narrative, but admitted there is no active project involving him. The character last appeared in 2021's Eternals, which has not received a sequel.
Harington's comments arrive amid a period of significant transition for Marvel Studios, which has mapped out releases through 2028 including Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, followed by X-Men, Ghost Rider, and Black Panther 3. The actor's Black Knight character was introduced in Eternals, a film that underperformed critically and commercially, with Marvel chief Kevin Feige confirming as early as 2022 that no sequel was in development. Fans have speculated the character could surface in a Midnight Sons ensemble project, which would also potentially accommodate Ryan Gosling's Ghost Rider and Mahershala Ali's Blade. Meanwhile, Harington has moved on to other high-profile work, recently confirmed to play Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO's Harry Potter series after declining a Jon Snow spinoff.
This update may disappoint Marvel fans who invested in the Eternals' interconnected storytelling, particularly those hoping for a Midnight Sons lineup. However, it reflects a broader industry reality where underperforming films can strand characters regardless of audience attachment. For Harington, the news could redirect attention to his upcoming Harry Potter role, potentially broadening his mainstream appeal beyond the Game of Thrones and Marvel fanbases. The situation may also signal to audiences that Marvel's increasingly crowded slate prioritizes established franchises over experimental ensemble films.