In the 23rd century, Earth is ruled by Eternals, an advanced and secret sect of beings who reign over a savage group called Brutals. Zed (Sean Connery) is a member of the Exterminators, a band of skilled assassins who exact a reign of terror over the lesser Brutals. The Exterminators answer only to their god, a gigantic stone image known as Zardoz. Haunted by doubt about Zardoz's true divinity, Zed investigates. His disbelief is confirmed when the god proves to be a fraudulent tool created to exploit the masses. Knowing the truth, Zed sets out to reveal the hoax and destroy the Eternals' unjust rule.