Summary
The reception of the Secret Invasion show was a blend of positive and negative feedback. Some critics voiced their concerns about the insufficient character growth of Nick Fury and the relatively lesser number of Skrull unveils when compared to the original comic series.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed Secret Invasion in 2020. The highly anticipated show premiered on Disney+ in June 2023 as part of Phase 5. Starring a star-studded cast, including Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Emilia Clarke as G'iah - the daughter of Talos, and Don Cheadle, who will be introduced in his first solo film, Armor Wars. Marvel Studios creatively adapted the comic storyline to fit the show's narrative.
The release of the MCU Secret Invasion show generated mixed reactions among Marvel fans and left them with numerous questions. As a continuation of Phase 5 of the MCU, the Disney+ series follows the story of Nick Fury and the Skrull Talos, who were previously seen together in Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home. As the shapeshifting Skrulls infiltrate powerful positions worldwide, both Fury and Talos find themselves uncertain about whom to trust.
In 2008, Marvel Comics published the Secret Invasion comic, an eight-issue crossover series that focuses on the Skrulls' invasion of Earth and their ability to assume the identities of various superheroes. This comic delves into the conflict between Captain Marvel's Kree and the Skrulls, a race of shape-shifting aliens frequently posing as Marvel characters. The storyline reveals a war between these two races, which almost leads to a catastrophe on Earth. The MCU partially adapts this narrative, with Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of Nick Fury taking the lead and honoring hints cleverly inserted throughout the MCU timeline.
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Secret Invasion: Latest News
Upon its release, Secret Invasion received underwhelming reviews due to the inadequate development of Fury's character in what was advertised as his first standalone series. Additionally, critics pointed out the limited number of established MCU characters who were revealed as Skrull imposters, while the comic series had numerous significant revelations in this regard. The conclusion of Secret Invasion faced significant criticism as well, as Nick Fury was conspicuously absent during the final battle, leaving many viewers unsatisfied. However, it is worth noting that this ending may have a direct connection to The Marvels, potentially altering the perception of the finale.
Secret Invasion Was Confirmed In 2020
Secret Invasion, which was first confirmed by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige (via TV Line) in December 2020, marked a significant announcement during Disney's Investor Day special. Feige revealed the project alongside other exciting MCU ventures like Ironheart and Armor Wars.
Secret Invasion: Release Date
Premiered on Disney+ on June 21, 2023, as part of the MCU's Phase 5, Secret Invasion aired weekly episodes until July 26. Despite initial reports stating a 2022 release, filming for Secret Invasion didn't commence until the fall of 2021 and wrapped up in April the following year. While some Phase 5 projects experienced significant delays, the new mid-2023 release date for Secret Invasion ensured a relatively short wait for patient Marvel Studios audiences. The series premiered in close proximity to the theatrical release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Secret Invasion: Cast
Samuel L. Jackson stars as Nick Fury, the former Director of SHIELD in the series Secret Invasion. Fury first encountered the Skrulls in the 1990s during Captain Marvel. Mendelsohn reprises his role as Skrull leader Talos, who previously went undercover as Fury's superior in Captain Marvel and masqueraded as Fury in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Cobie Smulders also returns as Maria Hill, Fury's trusted confidant since her debut in The Avengers in 2012.
British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir joins the show as Gravik, the primary antagonist and leader of the Skrull resistance. Academy Award winner Olivia Colman is introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sonya Falsworth, a British MI6 agent with a significant role in Secret Invasion. Martin Freeman reprizes his role as Everett Ross from Captain America: Civil War and the Black Panther films, and Dermot Mulroney portrays Ritson, the current President of the United States.
Don Cheadle, known for his role in the MCU, will appear in Secret Invasion, laying the groundwork for his first standalone film in the MCU, Armor Wars. Emilia Clarke will play a crucial role as G'iah, the daughter of Talos, in Secret Invasion. Additionally, Charlayne Woodard, Killian Scott, Christopher McDonald, Carmen Ejogo, Samuel Adewunmi, and Katie Finneran have also been cast in Secret Invasion.
Emilia Clarke Is Playing Talos' Daughter, G'iah
Following Emilia Clarke's casting in Secret Invasion, there was speculation of her possible role as SWORD agent and mutant Abigail Brand. However, it was later confirmed that Clarke will be portraying G'iah in Secret Invasion. G'iah is Talos' daughter, briefly seen in Captain Marvel when Talos and his family reunited aboard Mar-Vell's laboratory. In the upcoming series, G'iah initially aligns herself with Gravik and the Skrull resistance, distancing herself from her own father. Years of broken promises from Nick Fury have toughened the young Skrull and forced her to mature amidst perpetual warfare.
Secret Invasion: Story Details
Since the events of Captain Marvel, Nick Fury has enlisted Skrull operatives disguised as humans to assist him. They have been living peacefully among humanity with the understanding that Fury will help them find a new home. However, in Secret Invasion, some of these operatives rebel when Fury's relocation plan fails. Gravik, one of the Skrulls, tries to wipe out humanity by initiating a nuclear apocalypse since Skrulls are immune to radiation damage.
Captain Marvel introduced a different portrayal of Skrulls from Marvel Comics, depicting them as a peaceful race fleeing from the Kree Empire. Secret Invasion, on the other hand, reveals a more divided faction among the Skrulls. This creates a tricky situation for Fury as he must keep their presence hidden from the public while also preventing those who seek to start a nuclear war.
Secret Invasion's MCU Connections
Don Cheadle has expressed that Secret Invasion will play a pivotal role in establishing Armor Wars. This correlation stems from Rhodey's personal narrative within the series, subsequently influencing his future trajectory within the franchise. Furthermore, Secret Invasion's emphasis on Nick Fury serves as a foundation for the forthcoming Captain Marvel sequel, The Marvels, as the conclusion of the show directly links to the commencement of the movie.
How The Secret Invasion Show Adapts The Comics
In the MCU, Marvel Studios takes a significant departure from the comic-accurate Secret Invasion storyline. Unlike in the comics, the Secret Invasion event does not involve the Illuminati, which doesn't officially exist on Earth-616 yet (although a version is introduced in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness from a different universe). As a result, the narrative of the Disney+ Secret Invasion had to be adjusted. In the comics, rogue Skrulls invade Earth after capturing members of the Illuminati, but this is not the case in the Disney+ series. These changes, which involve a slower spy series, contributed to the negative reviews for the show.