Marvel's Ultimate Surprise: Meet the Unbeatable Nick Fury Successor!

Summary

Emerging as a formidable contender to assume Nick Fury's position in the MCU, Olivia Colman's Sonya Falsworth showcases comparable qualities and holds influential associations within esteemed security organizations.

Although Secret Invasion season 2 is uncertain, there is a possibility for Sonya Falsworth's narrative to carry on in other MCU endeavors like The Marvels or Armor Wars. This is predominantly due to her association with Nick Fury and potential association with the Thunderbolts.

Disclaimer: Spoilers for Secret Invasion ahead.

Phase 5's Secret Invasion potentially unveiled the ideal successor to Nick Fury in the MCU. Samuel L. Jackson reprised his role as Nick Fury in 2023's Secret Invasion, where he returned to Earth to address the emerging threat posed by a faction of shape-shifting Skrulls. Following the traumatic events of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, Fury struggled to maintain the authoritative persona he had previously showcased in the MCU. While it was anticipated that Secret Invasion would witness his resurgence, the series may have instead introduced a perfect replacement for the battle-weary hero.

Jackson first appeared as Nick Fury in the post-credits scene of the MCU's inaugural project, Iron Man, back in 2008. This cameo hinted at the formation of the superhero group known as the Avengers, which would materialize only four years later. Since then, Jackson has made appearances in twelve additional Marvel Studios projects and is slated to return once again in The Marvels, set to be released on November 10, 2023. Initially portrayed as the all-knowing Director of SHIELD, Fury's resolve began to crumble following the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. His disillusionment deepened after the Blip, leading him to abandon Earth entirely. Secret Invasion did not witness Fury fully reclaiming his former glory, but another character from the series might seize the opportunity to take his place.

Nick Fury Never Returned To Form In Secret Invasion

Nick Fury embarked on the Secret Invasion adventure with a sense of detachment, still grappling with the repercussions of the Avengers' failure in Infinity War and the loss of numerous Earth's Mightiest Heroes in Endgame. Opting to leave behind his wife and the planet, he dedicated himself to the SABER Space Station. However, in the face of the Skrull threat, Fury returned to Earth to lend a hand. Anticipated as a return to his former glory, Secret Invasion did not provide the breakthrough moment for Fury that was expected. Instead, the unexpected deaths of Maria Hill and Talos deeply impacted him. Despite donning his trademark jacket and eye-patch, Fury remained adrift throughout the events of Secret Invasion.

To viewers' disappointment, Fury played no role in the final confrontation against Gravik, the leader of the Skrull rebellion, in Secret Invasion's climactic showdown. Instead, he dispatched G'iah, portrayed by Emilia Clarke, in his stead. In the series finale, Fury's defining moment came when he shot Raava, the Skrull disguised as Rhodey (played by Don Cheadle). Following this incident, he simply chose to once again depart from Earth and return to the SABER Space Station, this time accompanied by his wife Varra. This decision of abandonment reaffirmed that Fury had not fully reestablished himself as the savior that Secret Invasion initially promised. As a result, it becomes evident that Earth will require a successor to fill his shoes.

Sonya Falsworth Is A Better Nick Fury Than Nick Fury

Olivia Colman's character, Sonya Falsworth, could be the perfect replacement for Nick Fury in the MCU. Introduced in Secret Invasion, Falsworth is believed to be the granddaughter of James Montgomery Falsworth, a member of Captain America's Howling Commandos. Falsworth and Fury have a long-standing relationship and have both worked in high-profile security organizations. With similar qualities to Fury, Falsworth may be the ideal candidate to carry on his legacy in the future of the MCU.

Falsworth has proven herself to be charismatic, confident, effective, and capable throughout Secret Invasion. What sets her apart is her chilling demeanor, as she has shown no hesitation in torturing and even killing Skrulls. With her connections in MI6 and the espionage and political community, Falsworth is a valuable addition to the MCU. The ending of Secret Invasion solidified her reputation even more, as she recruited the surviving Super Skrull to establish her own team, similar to how Fury formed the Avengers in Phase 1 of the MCU, to protect the interests of the United Kingdom.

MCU Projects Sonya Falsworth Can Appear In Next

Secret Invasion, despite having some strong moments for the MCU, has received low ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and has poor viewership figures. As a result, the likelihood of a second season for Secret Invasion is low. However, the storyline can continue in other MCU projects, which opens up the opportunity for Olivia Colman to reprise her role as Sonya Falsworth. One potential project where she could make an appearance is 2023's The Marvels, due to her connection with Nick Fury that has become stronger after the events of Secret Invasion. Another possibility is in Armor Wars, the upcoming solo film featuring Don Cheadle as War Machine.

During Secret Invasion, it was revealed that James "Rhodey" Rhodes, also known as War Machine, was actually a Skrull in disguise. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige hinted that Rhodey had been a Skrull for a significant period of time. This suggests that when Armor Wars is released, Rhodey may want to reach out to those who were aware of his replacement, including Sonya Falsworth. Another potential project for Colman's return to the MCU could be Phase 5's Thunderbolts. As an antihero team that may be government-funded, there is a possibility of MI6 involvement, and even a hint at the Super Skrull G'iah having a role either on the team or in the movie, following her introduction in Secret Invasion.