Attention! This post contains SPOILERS for episode 3 of Secret Invasion by Marvel.
In Marvel's Secret Invasion, significant evidence suggests that Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Don Cheadle) may be concealing his true identity as a Skrull, but a crucial twist could completely alter the situation. After watching episode 3 of Secret Invasion, fans are quite certain that Rhodey is a Skrull infiltrating the White House, right under the vigilant watch of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). However, the reality might be far more intricate than a mere case of the Avengers being replaced by shape-shifting extraterrestrials, who aspire to conquer Earth.
Secret Invasion Really Wants You To Think Rhodey Is A Skrull
Rhodey's true identity is further explored in Secret Invasion episode 3, building on the tantalizing hint from the previous episode. Additionally, new clues emerge that suggest the possibility of Rhodey being replaced by a Skrull, likely after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Exploiting his role as an envoy with the White House, this infiltration could have significant repercussions. However, the complexity of Rhodey's character in Secret Invasion extends beyond him merely being a Skrull agent under Gravik, the Skrulls' new general. The storyline offers multiple narrative options, expanding the Avenger/Skrull twist beyond its initial premise.
Certainly, Secret Invasion aims to convince the audience that Rhodey has been replaced by a Skrull. Consequently, an explicit revelation may be forthcoming in the upcoming episodes of Secret Invasion. When Rhodey contacted Fury's Skrull wife Priscilla instead of Gravik, it strongly suggests their involvement in the Skrull uprising to conquer Earth. Additionally, Rhodey's decision to dismiss Fury as the director of S.A.B.E.R in Secret Invasion episode 2 undermines Fury's ability to combat the Skrulls, thereby reducing his resources and support.
However, during Rhodey and Nick Fury's tense conversation at the restaurant, Rhodey went against Fury's claim in Captain Marvel that he is not called "Nick" by calling him by his first name. This raises suspicions that Rhodey may not be who he appears to be, but rather a Skrull spy covertly operating within the US government. Considering this, it can be inferred that Gravik has already replaced Rhodey, taking advantage of his status as an Avenger and his connections in the White House. This aligns with Gravik's plan to incite a nuclear war between the US and Russia.
Further evidence pointing towards Rhodey's potential Skrull identity is his admission that he has been aware of the Skrulls' presence on Earth for 15 years, thanks to his ties with the Pentagon. It is plausible that this knowledge made him a prime target for Gravik's revolution, particularly after acquiring a position at the White House.
Additionally, the fact that Rhodey has taken a position in the White House raises suspicions, especially considering his opposition to Secretary Ross in Avengers: Infinity War. After regretting his decision to side with the government in Captain America: Civil War, Rhodey attempts to make amends by aligning himself with Captain America and the other fugitive Avengers in preparation for Thanos' imminent arrival on Earth. Given this, it is now peculiar that Rhodey has directly joined the US government in such a prominent role (unless, of course, he is actually a Skrull).
Every Hint Nick Fury Already Knows Rhodey Is A Skrull
In Secret Invasion episode 3, it becomes evident that Fury is well aware of Rhodey's potential Skrull nature. Fury, while dealing with a Skrull impersonating Bob Fairbanks from the Royal Navy, acknowledges that nobody calls him by his first name, Nick, which was precisely what the villain attempted to do in order to set a trap. Consequently, this suggests that Fury should have harbored suspicions about Rhodey, who also referred to him as Nick in Secret Invasion episode 2.
However, it is possible that Fury is intentionally keeping this crucial information hidden, not wanting to alert the Skrulls until it is more advantageous for him. He did inform Talos about having a lead on a Skrull infiltrating the US government before receiving the intel about the potential NATO strike from Gi'ah. However, the episode focused on the new mission, and the identity of the Skrull within the government was not revealed. It is logical to speculate that Fury was referring to Rhodey, as he must have deduced that he had been replaced by a Skrull.
Furthermore, there was an extended scene where Fury examined his wife's phone, the same phone she answered at the end of Secret Invasion episode 3, with Rhodey on the other line when she wanted to speak to Gravik. It is possible that Fury indeed checked his wife's phone discreetly, giving him another opportunity to uncover the truth about Rhodey. This could explain his "lead" in the subsequent scene when he meets Talos to request his assistance. However, there is also another potential explanation beyond Rhodey being a Skrull and Fury already being aware of it.
What If Rhodey Is Working For Fury All Along?
Priscilla/Varra may have been intercepted by Rhodes, who possibly intended to use her as a double agent against the Skrull General. It is also plausible that Fury's firing from S.A.B.E.R and Rhodey referring to him as Nick were strategies to deceive any potential Skrull surveillance. The restaurant scene in Secret Invasion episode 2 may have been a ruse to mislead Skrulls within Rhodey's security team.
Although it is likely that Rhodey was replaced by a Skrull after Avengers: Endgame, another intriguing possibility is that Rhodey and Fury are secretly collaborating. If Rhodey is indeed a Skrull working for Gravik, it remains to be seen if Nick Fury was aware of this or if it will come as a surprise. The consistent use of the wrong first name strongly suggests the latter scenario. Marvel's Secret Invasion on Disney+ is expected to provide official confirmation soon, so MCU fans won't have to wait long.