Caution: This article contains spoilers regarding Secret Invasion episode 4, "Beloved."
A hidden detail in Secret Invasion episode 4 may suggest that the mutants and X-Men in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are more recognized than Marvel Studios has indicated. "Beloved," the fourth episode of Secret Invasion, premiered on July 12, 2023, on Disney+. It unveils more about Nick Fury's mysterious wife, Priscilla, played by Charlayne Woodard. In addition to the shocking revelation that Priscilla had been in league with Gravik and the rebel Skrulls who plotted to kill Nick Fury, episode 4 delves into Priscilla's ordinary human life while her husband was involved with forming the Avengers, combating HYDRA soldiers, or working in outer space.
Secret Invasion episode 4 disclosed additional details regarding the individual whose life Priscilla had assumed. This person was a young woman named Dr. Priscilla Davis, who had been battling a congenital heart defect. Interestingly, Dr. Davis had willingly agreed for the Skrull Varra to assume her identity after her demise. Not only did Varra promise to be a devoted daughter to Davis' parents, but she also seemed to have taken on Davis' previous profession. It was revealed in episode 4 that Priscilla is a respected author in academia, with one of her book covers proudly displayed on the wall of the Furys' home. This particular discovery might potentially mark a significant milestone in the introduction of mutants and the X-Men into the MCU.
Secret Invasion Confirms The Superhero Gene Theory
In Secret Invasion, eagle-eyed viewers would have noticed a book cover on the wall after Fury and Priscilla's weapon showdown. The cover unveils Priscilla's intriguing book titled "Decoding the "Superhuman" Gene." It's an interesting title for a book written within the MCU world. Most of Marvel Studios' prominent heroes don't owe their abilities to specific genes. Heroes like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor derive their powers differently. However, there exists a group of heroes who do possess this genetic trait.
Is The Superhero Gene The MCU's Answer To The X-Men's X-Gene?
Mutants in Marvel Comics typically develop their abilities during puberty when the dormant "X-Gene" activates under stressful or emotionally charged circumstances. Marvel Studios has gradually incorporated mutants into the MCU, notably with Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel and Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, although the X-Gene has not been specifically referenced yet. However, the recent mention of the "Superhuman Gene" in episode 4 of Secret Invasion could be interpreted as a nod to the X-Gene, indicating that mutants and the existence of the X-Gene are already widely known in the MCU. This significant development profoundly alters Marvel Studios' introduction of mutantkind.
With the inclusion of the X-Gene in the MCU, mutants and the X-Men now have a clear opportunity to make a grand debut. This is particularly true if the X-Gene, or a similar concept, is already well-established within academic circles in the MCU. Although it remains uncertain what Priscilla Davis, before her passing, specialized in as a doctor, it is plausible that she had conducted research on mutations. This background knowledge may have allowed Varra to continue her work and potentially publish a groundbreaking book. While this revelation in Phase 5's Secret Invasion is an exciting addition and provides a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the MCU, it is worth noting that mutant genes have already been alluded to in previous MCU references.
She-Hulk & Scarlet Witch Revealed The Mutant Gene Theory
The concept of a "Superhuman Gene" has been a recurring theme in the MCU over the years. However, it has gained more prominence in recent times, particularly during the MCU's Multiverse Saga as Marvel Studios builds up to the introduction of mutants and the X-Men. In "The Wakanda Files," a book compiled by Shuri that delves into various heroes, it is suggested that Wanda and Pietro Maximoff's powers could be genetic in nature, although their exposure to the Mind Stone also played a role in enhancing their abilities. This notion is further explored in Phase 4's "WandaVision," which hints that Wanda may have possessed some latent skills since childhood. This could indicate that both Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are mutants within the MCU.
In addition, "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" also drops potential hints about Bruce Banner and his cousin Jennifer Walters being mutants. As Banner trains Walters on how to embrace her Hulk transformation, he discloses that they share a genetic trait that enables them to synthesize gamma radiation and become Hulks. This suggests the possibility that they both carry the "Superhuman Gene," potentially the X-Gene itself. It is established that mutants in the MCU possess the X-Gene, as seen in "Ms. Marvel" where Kamala Khan is informed of her genetic mutation. This implies that "Secret Invasion" may unveil the existence of mutants within the MCU, indicating that they are already commonplace and will soon make themselves known to audiences.
New episodes of Secret Invasion release every Wednesday on Disney+.