Kit Harington joins Marvel in 'Eternals,' Tom Holland thanks Spider-Man fans at D23

ANAHEIM, California – Kit Harington is heading to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, joining the cast of immortal beings in "The Eternals."

Marvel president Kevin Feige announced the news from the D23 fan convention stage Saturday, with little fanfare over the heavily rumored and hotly anticipated news over the "Game of Thrones" star's next major project.

Feige said Harington would play non-Eternal Dane Whitman (aka "The Black Knight") making for a reunion with "Game of Thrones" alum Richard Madden (who portrays the all-powerful Ikaris).

"Crazy Rich Asians" star Gemma Chan is also joining the cast (as humankind-loving Sersi) and Barry Keoghan (aloof loner Druig), said Feige.

While many of the "Eternals" stars — including Madden, Angelina Jolie (fierce warrior Thena), Kumail Nanjiani (cosmic-powered Kingo) and Salma Hayek (spiritual leader Ajak)— took the convention stage for the presentation, Harington was not present. His photo was flashed on the convention hall screen.

The secretive film has not begun production and is expected out out November 2020.

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In other Marvel D23 news, Spider-Man Tom Holland made his first very public appearance since news of his superhero character's apparent divorce from the Marvel Universe due to a contractual spat between Sony Studios and Walt Disney Studios, Marvel's parent company.

Sony owns the rights to Spider-Man, but had a previous Disney deal to allow the iconic superhero to appear in Marvel films, including a pivotal role in "Avengers: Endgame." This agreement has now lapsed, and discussions have stopped for more opportunities to appear in Marvel films, much to the consternation of comic book fans.

At D23, one fan made a mock Tom Holland flower memorial to mourn a future without Spider-Man in Marvel movies.

Holland appeared onstage Saturday with "Guardians of the Galaxy" star Chris Pratt for a non-superhero project — the two voice elf brothers in the Pixar animated film "Onward."

Holland did not directly address the disagreement from the stage, but he did send a message to fans at the end of the "Onward" presentation.

"Hey you guys, it’s been a crazy week," Holland said, before borrowing a line from his Marvel mentor Iron Man. "But I just want to tell you from the bottom of my heart that I love you 3000.”

Holland was more forthcoming backstage at the D23 event. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly the 23-year-old British actor said he was looking forward to appearing in Spider-Man movies separate from the Marvel Universe.

“Basically, we’ve made five great movies,” Holland told EW. “It’s been five amazing years. I’ve had the time of my life. Who knows what the future holds? But all I know is that I’m going to continue playing Spider-Man and having the time of my life. It’s going to be so fun, however we choose to do it. The future for Spider-Man will be different, but it will be equally as awesome and amazing, and we’ll find new ways to make it even cooler.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: D23: 'Game of Thrones' star Kit Harington joins Marvel's 'Eternals'