All About The Eternaut + Must-Watch Series for Netflix Fans!

Title: The Eternaut

Genre: Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic Thriller

Netflix Release: April 30, 2025

Creator/Director: Based on the classic Argentine comic by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López, directed by Bruno Stagnaro (known for "Okupas")

Main Cast: Ricardo Darín, Carla Peterson, César Troncoso, Andrea Pietra, Ariel Staltari, Marcelo Subiotto, Claudio Martínez Bel

Netflix is breaking new ground by adding one of the most anticipated projects in recent years to its catalog: an adaptation of the iconic Argentine graphic novel The Eternaut. Created by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López in the late 1950s, this story transcended comics to become a symbol of political and cultural resistance in Argentina and across Latin America. Its influence runs so deep that Juan Salvo himself became a symbol of resistance against oppression and authoritarian regimes.

With a sweeping production, Netflix brings this post-apocalyptic classic to a global audience, blending science fiction, survival drama, and deep political allegory. The casting of Ricardo Darín as the protagonist reinforces the prestige of what is already being called Argentina’s most significant television production in years. This adaptation expands the audience for the original comic, but its full impact is best understood by exploring the roots of this groundbreaking work.

Synopsis

In a Buenos Aires devastated by a deadly rain and, later, a mysterious toxic snowfall, Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín) tries to protect his family and a small group of friends from the horrors engulfing the city. As lethal snow blankets the Argentine capital, the group faces threats from alien invaders (known as "The Hands" or "Los Manos" and their minions, including the "Gelmans" in the comic) and from desperate fellow human survivors.

The story centers on collective survival, subverting the usual lone-hero archetype by highlighting the power of unity and community. Moral dilemmas, painful choices, and the emotional struggle to resist barbarism make this tale unforgettable—reasons why the comic has resonated as a cultural phenomenon for decades.

Official Trailer

The Story Behind The Eternaut (Comics)

The Eternaut was originally published from 1957 to 1959 and quickly became one of the most influential comics of the twentieth century. Oesterheld wrote the script as an allegory for authoritarianism, focusing on the power of collective action in the face of oppression. Alongside Francisco Solano López’s outstanding illustrations, the story set a new standard for Latin American science fiction and inspired generations.

During Argentina’s military dictatorship, Oesterheld and his four daughters were kidnapped and disappeared due to his political activism and his bold critique of the regime—cementing The Eternaut as a symbol in the fight for human rights in Argentina.

The Netflix adaptation brought the character back into the spotlight, prioritizing real Buenos Aires locations, innovating with its apocalyptic snowfall visuals, and remaining faithful to the 1950s setting. After the series’ debut, new Eternaut graffiti appeared on city walls, affirming the work’s continued relevance.

Critical Reception

- Clarín praised the adaptation, highlighting its many layers of resistance and calling it “a historic event for Argentine TV.”

- Rolling Stone Argentina noted the powerful symbolism and visuals, stating the series “does justice to the comic’s classic social mirror and political legacy.”

- Variety applauded the balance of suspense and social critique, commending the courage to tackle Argentina’s sensitive history—though it noted the pacing might feel slow for viewers unfamiliar with the comic’s universe.

- The series has been acclaimed by critics, with a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its strong reception from audiences and reviewers alike.

If The Eternaut made you think about solidarity, survival, and society, we’ve assembled a special list of titles that share its depth and tension. Dive into more post-apocalyptic worlds with these recommendations:

The Last of Us (HBO Max)

Based on the acclaimed video game, this series follows Joel and Ellie as they journey through a world ravaged by a fungal pandemic. Together, they face monsters, armed groups, and moral dilemmas as hope fades.

Similarities: Like The Eternaut, The Last of Us explores intense human bonds during an apocalypse, with strong protagonists, life-or-death situations, and constant tension between survival and ethics.

Fallout (Prime Video)

Set in a post-nuclear wasteland, survivors take shelter underground and confront radioactive threats and new social rules above. Political intrigue, mutants, and dark humor define this adaptation of the beloved video game series.

Explore the Fallout TV show’s Easter eggs [here](https://maratonapop.com/en-us/articles/fallout-20-easter-eggs-in-the-series-that-reference-the-games)!

Similarities: Like The Eternaut, Fallout delves into isolation, authority, survival, and society’s ironies.

The Last Ship (HBO Max)

Following a global pandemic, the crew of a US Navy ship searches for a cure and leads humanity’s reconstruction.

Similarities: The sense of isolation, global threats, and the need for collective action strongly resemble the spirit of The Eternaut.

The Leftovers (HBO Max)

Three years after 2% of the world’s population vanishes, the remaining people try to rebuild and face the inexplicable.

Similarities: Existential emptiness, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit make The Leftovers as powerful and thought-provoking as The Eternaut.

Sweet Tooth (Netflix)

After a virus, several children are born as human-animal hybrids. Gus, one of these hybrids, seeks to uncover his origins in a dangerous world.

Similarities: Blends adventure, hope, and despair, emphasizing the strength of relationships in times of chaos.

Silo (Apple TV+)

In a toxic world, humanity’s last survivors hide in an underground silo, surrounded by secrets and conspiracies.

Similarities: Claustrophobic settings and a sense of conspiracy unite Silo and The Eternaut.

The Rain (Netflix)

In post-apocalyptic Scandinavia, siblings and other survivors flee a deadly rain, journeying through deserted cities and confronting enemies.

Similarities: Themes of mistrust, difficult choices, and the need to build alliances in hostile environments, with a strong focus on survival.

Foundation (Apple TV+)

Based on Isaac Asimov’s masterpiece, the series follows the struggle to preserve human knowledge during the collapse of a galactic empire.

Similarities: Explores resistance, leadership in crisis, and collective identity when civilization is at risk.

The 100 (Netflix)

A century after a nuclear apocalypse, young survivors return to Earth to test if life can begin anew. Moral struggles, leadership under extreme conditions, and constant dangers drive every episode.

Similarities: Themes of ethics, leadership under pressure, and the challenge of rebuilding society—all central to The Eternaut.

Mad Max (Franchise)

In this legendary Australian franchise, ex-cop Max roams a barren, chaotic world after civilization’s collapse. Poisoned cars, brutal tribes, and explosive battles illustrate the desperation of survival in a dystopian wasteland.

Similarities: Both franchises explore hostile landscapes and how people adapt—or unravel—when disaster strikes. The urgent tone, search for community, and relentless threats make Mad Max unmissable for The Eternaut fans.

The Eternaut isn’t just a series—it’s a cultural milestone that invites us to reflect, feel, and seek out more stories with similar emotional power.

If you finished the series and want to maintain that sense of suspense, social critique, survival, and ethical debate, these ten titles will keep you immersed and help extend The Eternaut’s impact.

So, have you watched or read The Eternaut? Are you interested in checking out any of these recommendations? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!