Ikaris flying into the sun at the end of “Eternals” aligns with the myth from which he derives his name. In the Greek myth, Icarus creates giant wings but is unable to control them, and as a result, flies too close to the sun, resulting in his death. The same fate seems to befall Marvel’s Ikaris, and it’s a fitting, symbolic end to the character, who feels immense guilt at the end of “Eternals” and seeks penance.
But if Marvel deems it fit for him to return, it’s not exactly unheard of for comic book characters to come back to life. The easiest explanation would be that Ikaris didn’t really die when he flew into the sun. Although he appears to disintegrate, Marvel can always come up with some supernatural or scientific explanation for how he survives. He may return to Earth and help his fellow Eternals with whatever new threat emerges.
Another option is the multiverse. As the franchise barrels toward “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty” and “Avengers: Secret Wars,” more projects are implementing alternate realities. “Eternals 2” could introduce a version of Ikaris from another dimension who somehow slips into the main timeline. Anything’s on the table, and hopefully, if “Eternals 2” does come to fruition — with Ikaris along for the ride or not — it’ll be held in higher critical and audience regard than the first film.
