Mind-Blowing References and Surprises in Secret Invasion Episode 1

Disney Plus brings the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of Secret Invasion to their streaming platform, and the series is packed with Easter eggs for Marvel fans in its first episode. Secret Invasion, originally a 2008 comic book event series by Marvel Comics, was written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Leinil Francis Yu. It spanned eight issues in a miniseries format, but also had tie-ins with other comic book titles at the time. The story revolved around superheroes and supervillains discovering that the Skrulls, an alien race, had been posing as important figures on Earth in an attempt to take control of the planet.

The MCU series follows a similar narrative. It focuses on Skrulls who have been displaced from their homeworld by the Kree for many years and are seeking help from Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) to find a new home. After decades of waiting, they finally stage a rebellion with the intention of claiming Earth as their own. While the series draws inspiration from the comics, it also introduces new characters unique to the MCU. Additionally, it includes Easter eggs that reference both Marvel Comics and previous MCU stories.

Secret Invasion’s Location Cards

In Secret Invasion's first episode, the use of bold black and white title cards stands out as a unique storytelling technique. Unlike other MCU stories that subtly display locations and times on the screen, these title cards prominently inform the audience of the story's setting in Moscow. This technique, along with the same transitional effect, was first introduced in Captain America: Civil War. In this film, the Avengers were divided due to differing opinions on government oversight, leading to internal conflicts. Similarly, Secret Invasion showcases a similar divide among the Skrulls, with some peacefully coexisting while others rebel against the established order.

A 30-Year-Old Skrull Conspiracy Theory

Secret Invasion begins with a self-proclaimed conspiracy theorist who exposes the involvement of Skrulls in various global attacks. He claims that the Skrulls have been executing a 30-year plan to conquer the planet. However, his theory is quickly dismissed as the Skrulls are actually allies, thanks to the efforts of Nick Fury three decades ago. Throughout the series, the significance of these past 30 years is repeatedly emphasized, as it has been approximately three decades since Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) returned to Earth and assumed the role of Captain Marvel during the 1990s. It was during this time that Fury first encountered Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) and other Skrulls, forming a partnership to assist them in finding a new home.

Everett Ross Is A Skrull

Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), who first appeared in the MCU in Captain America: Civil War, has primarily been associated with the Black Panther films. However, in this instance, he becomes the first prominent MCU character to be revealed as a Skrull as part of the Secret Invasion. Despite speculation amongst fans that Ross has been a Skrull since the beginning, this may not necessarily be the case.

When Ross was last seen by the audience in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, he was being reprimanded for defying direct orders and assisting Shuri (Leticia Wright). Therefore, the fact that he starts the series as an active CIA operative is the first indication that this version of Ross is not the genuine one. In the MCU timeline, he would not still be functioning as an active agent at this particular point.

Nick Fury Is On SABER

During the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home, it was revealed that Nick Fury was not on Earth but in outer space. Instead, Talos and his wife, disguised as Fury and Maria Hill, were handling affairs on Earth. While some fans speculated that Fury was involved with the Skrulls, the truth was that he was actually working on SABER, a space station designed to safeguard Earth from external threats.

Most recently, SABER has made an appearance in the trailer for The Marvels, where it is depicted as the same station that Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) is situated outside of when she switches places with Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani). This indicates that, despite Fury's return to Earth in Secret Invasion, SABER will continue to have a role in the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

President Ritson

In the first episode of Secret Invasion, Dermot Mulroney portrays President Ritson, while Don Cheadle takes on the role of James Rhodes, who serves as an advisor to the President. It is worth noting that Ritson's time in the MCU is expected to be short-lived, as indicated by recent casting announcements. Harrison Ford has been confirmed to replace Mulroney as Thaddeus Ross in the MCU. However, when Ross makes an appearance in Captain America: New World Order, he will be the President.

Sonya Falsworth

Olivia Colman may not have had the opportunity to play a superhero like Captain America in her foray into the MCU, but her portrayal of Sonya Falsworth is a significant addition to the Marvel universe. While Sonya is an original creation for the MCU, it is highly likely that she is connected to an established Marvel character from the comics who made an appearance in Captain America: The First Avenger.

In the film, James Montgomery Falsworth (played by JJ Feild) was introduced as one of the Howling Commandos. In the comic books, his character eventually assumes the identity of the costumed hero Union Jack, and his descendants carry on the legacy. Although Sonya may not be directly linked to Union Jack, her role as an MI6 agent signifies her involvement in the family tradition of espionage and government service.

New Skrullos

G'iah, although not a character from Marvel comic books, has made an appearance in the MCU as a child. She accompanied Talos to Earth in the 1990s and is now a member of the rebellion. In a significant development, she became the first Skrull in the series to adopt the name New Skrullos, which she used when welcoming a fellow Skrull to an abandoned reactor site in Russia.

The Skrull homeworld, known as Skrullos, was taken over by the Kree in the MCU, causing the Skrull to become displaced. During the 1990s, they were depicted as refugees in search of a new place to call home.

The Snap

Since the moment Thanos snapped his fingers in Avengers: Infinity War, the repercussions of the Snap and the subsequent period known as the Blip have reverberated throughout the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this particular instance, the audience is reminded that both Maria Hill and Nick Fury were among those who fell victim to the Snap. The series even takes us back to that haunting moment in the Infinity War post-credit scene, where Fury himself disintegrates into dust.

Memory Probes And Fracking Pods

Fracking pods, now known as memory probes, serve as a crucial tool for Skrulls to absorb human memories and seamlessly blend in. This technology has been previously introduced in the MCU through its appearance in Captain Marvel. Notably, it bears resemblance to the Skrull technology depicted in the comics, wherein memories can also be implanted in Skrulls.

New episodes of Secret Invasion are available Wednesdays on Disney Plus.