Invasion Unveiled: Unveiling the Uncertain Future of Skrulls in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Episode Three of Marvel's Secret Invasion proves to be the most impactful installment yet. Despite some lingering plot issues from the previous episodes, this midpoint of the series delves deeper into the nefarious mindset of the Skrull faction. Not only does this episode center heavily on the interpersonal conflicts, reminiscent of a compelling spy thriller, but it also allows the standout characters to engage in meaningful interactions for an extended period. As the show reaches its halfway point, it becomes clear that Secret Invasion may not be able to overcome its narrative flaws that have plagued it since the beginning. However, what distinguishes it from recent projects in the MCU is its apt portrayal of Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir) and his Skrull faction as a truly alarming menace.

How has Secret Invasion changed the MCU so far?

Captain Marvel (2019) cleverly defied expectations by altering the portrayal of the Skrull people. Traditionally seen as dangerous due to their shape-shifting abilities and desire to conquer Earth, the movie surprised viewers by revealing them as refugees escaping the aggressive Kree forces. Over three decades later, the Skrulls now appear as a marginalized group, divided between those seeking survival on Earth and those who no longer want to hide, aiming to claim the planet by eliminating the human population.

Gravik, the current leader of the renegade Skrull faction, is an original villain created for this series, embodying key characteristics of prominent Skrull characters from the comics - notably the Skrull princess Veranke and the Super Skrull Kl'rt. Disillusioned with Nick Fury and his unfulfilled promise to find the Skrulls a new home, Gravik is relentless in his pursuit to make Earth their sanctuary.

How impactful was the Secret Invasion run in Marvel Comics?

Once Talos unveiled the staggering fact that a multitude of Skrulls infiltrated Earth following the Blip, the extent of Gravik's control and the number of these shape-shifting aliens fighting for his cause became impossible to determine. Secret Invasion unveiled the startling truth that numerous influential figures in politics and media were covertly Skrull operatives. Moreover, the recent events in Episode Three, which offered subtle confirmation that Rhodey may also be a Skrull, have left MCU fans questioning how this perilous threat can ever be eradicated completely. Given the prevailing theme of the show, "Who can you trust?", it seems like a futile endeavor to conclude a threat that has been building up over the span of more than thirty years in a mere six-episode limited series.

Although the Secret Invasion Disney+ series strays from its source material in significant ways, it is apparent that the show strives to be just as transformative as the original Secret Invasion comic event.

Originally published in 2008 as an eight-issue limited run, Secret Invasion injected gripping tension and chaos into Marvel Comics. Brian Michael Bendis penned the gripping storyline while Leinil Francis Yu provided the captivating illustrations. The plot centers around a covert Skrull invasion of Earth, with these shape-shifting aliens seamlessly blending into human society. Unbeknownst to the world, the infiltration has been ongoing for years, with Skrulls adopting the identities of influential individuals, from superheroes to political figures. As the narrative unfolds, the Skrulls' relentless pursuit of dominance spurs a profound sense of paranoia and distrust among the readers and characters themselves, causing widespread global unrest.

This storyline proved to be a game-changer in the Marvel Universe, precipitating significant alterations in the status quo and profound character developments. Exploring themes of identity, trust, and the essence of heroism, Secret Invasion's consequences reverberated throughout multiple Marvel titles. Renowned for its shocking plot twists and jaw-dropping reveals, beloved characters are unmasked as Skrull impostors, leaving readers stunned. Furthermore, the series delves into the intricate moral quandaries faced by the characters, forcing them to grapple with the realization that their trusted allies may harbor hidden agendas.

What comes next after Secret Invasion's end?

Samuel L. Jackson has mentioned in interviews that in order to fully grasp the context of the upcoming film The Marvels, fans must familiarize themselves with Secret Invasion, as well as Ms. Marvel and WandaVision. This suggests that Secret Invasion serves as a kind of precursor to The Marvels. However, the death of Maria Hill in the first episode of Secret Invasion has created a contradiction, as Cobie Smulders is confirmed to appear alongside Jackson in The Marvels.

Director Ali Selim recently expressed his lack of concern for the overall continuity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, viewing it as beyond his responsibility. He aimed for Secret Invasion to be a self-contained story within the vast MCU landscape, making it difficult to predict where the narrative will lead. Viewers can only watch as the remaining three episodes unfold, hoping that the significance of this story is treated with the necessary respect.