Warning: The following contains spoilers for Secret Invasion.
With the revelation of a Skrull impersonating a major character in Secret Invasion, it appears that the shape-shifting aliens have bigger plans for the MCU's heroes, especially Marvel Studios' new Captain America. In Avengers: Endgame (2019), Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, previously known as the Falcon, was entrusted with the Captain America shield and title after Steve Rogers' retirement. However, it wasn't until Phase 4's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier that he fully embraced his new role. In the series, Don Cheadle reprised his role as James "Rhodey" Rhodes, also known as War Machine, offering support to his fellow Avenger. In light of the events in Secret Invasion, this dynamic has gained further significance.
Secret Invasion episode 4, "Beloved," shook things up with several surprising turns, but none quite as impactful as the revelation that Rhodey is actually a Skrull in disguise. The depiction of his female Skrull form, expertly portrayed by Nisha Aaliya, added an intriguing layer to Rhodey's enigmatic storyline in Secret Invasion. Previously, he appeared to have abandoned his life as a superhero in favor of a career in politics, a choice that left fans puzzled. Additionally, the shocking moment in Secret Invasion episode 2, where Rhodey fired Nick Fury, now takes on an even greater significance. With this revelation, Rhodey's peculiar behavior in Secret Invasion can be attributed to his Skrull identity. However, the key question that lingers is how long he has been posing as a Skrull, as this detail could hold significant implications for the meaningful moments featured in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Theory: Rhodey Was A Skrull in Falcon & The Winter Soldier
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige and Don Cheadle shed light on the major revelation in episode 4 of Secret Invasion in an interview with Marvel.com. They hinted at the possibility of Rhodey being a Skrull for an extended period in the MCU. Cheadle, who had prior knowledge of the reveal, and Feige both expressed their excitement about fans revisiting previous appearances of Rhodey and realizing that it was not actually him. This indicates that Rhodey's Skrull status may have been a recurring theme in past MCU projects, including his appearance in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier prior to Secret Invasion.
The implications of Rhodey potentially being a Skrull in previous MCU projects, such as Infinity War and Endgame, are significant. However, his appearance in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier offers some insight into the larger plans of the Skrulls. In episode 1, "New World Order," Rhodey supports Sam Wilson's decision to give up Captain America's shield, despite his apparent disagreement. This moment holds emotional weight, as Rhodey shows understanding as a friend rather than just as an Avenger, recognizing the responsibility that comes with assuming the role of Captain America, particularly for a Black man.
Though Rhodey accepts Wilson's choice in this instance, it is clear that he holds a differing opinion and may recognize the significance and power of a Black man taking on the mantle of Captain America. When considering the possibility that Rhodey could have been a Skrull in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, this scene takes on a different tone. It raises the question of whether Rhodey was subtly encouraging Sam Wilson to embrace the shield and become Captain America, hinting at a larger and potentially catastrophic scheme for the Skrull rebellion's plans for world domination in Secret Invasion.
The Skrulls Wanting Sam To Be Captain America Creates An Issue
The possibility of Rhodey subtly suggesting Sam Wilson becoming the MCU's new Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier creates confusion for the storyline of Secret Invasion. The Skrull rebellion's plan in Phase 5 of the MCU involves destabilizing governments and weakening humanity, facilitating the Skrulls' rise and control of Earth. As demonstrated in Secret Invasion episode 2, "Promises," Rhodey's dismissal of Nick Fury threatens the Skrull rebellion by removing one of their strongest adversaries with significant connections. If Rhodey were involved in Sam Wilson's journey to become Captain America, it would contradict the Skrull resistance's objectives. Having a new hero assume the Captain America mantle and wield the vibranium shield would only strengthen the Skrulls' enemies. Therefore, it is illogical for the Skrulls to support Sam Wilson's transformation into Captain America if they anticipate a confrontation with Earth's Mightiest Heroes. However, a potential explanation for this plot development in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier may be hinted at through one of the Skrull rebellion's advancements in Secret Invasion.
Theory: The Skrulls Wanted Sam As The Avengers Leader - To Steal Their Powers
Secret Invasion episode 2, titled "Promises," unveiled the Skrulls' strategic move to bolster their forces by augmenting themselves with super-powered DNA samples. Gravik, portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir, introduced the concept of "Super Skrulls" in Secret Invasion episode 3. Throughout subsequent episodes, Gravik demonstrated his newfound abilities by employing Extremis to regenerate his injured hand, utilizing the same method to heal from a bullet wound in episode 4, and engaging in combat against President Ritson's security team using powers derived from Guardians of the Galaxy member Groot. Additionally, powers hailing from Thor: The Dark World's Frost Beast and Black Order member Cull Obsidian were incorporated, potentially shedding light on Skrull Rhodey's desire to witness Sam Wilson ascend as Captain America.
It is plausible that Rhodey may have exerted influence on Sam Wilson's transformation into Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, with the intention of having him lead the forthcoming Avengers team. This arrangement would facilitate the Skrulls in infiltrating the Avengers by way of Rhodey's connection and conceivably allow them to harness their collective abilities for their Super Skrull program. Gravik has already foreseen that the Skrulls' actions in Secret Invasion will capture the attention of the Avengers and other Earthly heroes. This prospect served as justification for the Skrulls' pursuit of enhancement, since their innate form would prove inadequate against the super-powered Avengers.
The Skrull rebellion may intend to capture the attention of the Avengers by using Rhodey as a recognizable figure. This strategy aims to draw the Avengers closer, only to have them replicated and their powers stolen. If the Skrulls can successfully imitate the Avengers, duplicating their abilities flawlessly, it would effectively bring down global society since no one would suspect the universe-saving superhero team of causing harm. This potential scenario may have already been hinted at in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, presenting a significant challenge for the Avengers in Secret Invasion and beyond.
Catch new episodes of Secret Invasion every Wednesday on Disney+.