Mind-Blowing Skrull Theory Shakes Up MCU Phase 4 Character Transformation
Unveiling the Secret Skrull Theory: Resolving Controversial MCU Phase 4 Character Change with Sharon Carter as a Skrull Discover the surprising connection between Sharon's transformation in Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the Power Broker's role in the Skrull Rebellion's grand scheme
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Secret Invasion episode 4, "Beloved."
A prevalent theory surrounding the MCU's Sharon Carter gains more credibility in light of Phase 5's Secret Invasion. In 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Emily VanCamp made her debut as Sharon Carter, an Agent of SHIELD. She continued to make brief appearances throughout the MCU alongside Chris Evans' Steve Rogers. Captain America: Civil War disclosed that Sharon Carter is, in fact, the secret great-niece of Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter. The film also hinted at a potential romantic connection between Rogers and Carter, although this relationship did not come to fruition. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier on Disney+ further developed Sharon Carter's character but introduced a controversial twist.
Phase 4's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier saw Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan return as Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, respectively, in the aftermath of Steve Rogers' retirement at the end of Avengers: Endgame. Teaming up with Daniel Brühl's Helmut Zemo, Wilson and Barnes reunited with Sharon Carter in Madripoor, only to discover that she had transformed into the villainous Power Broker after receiving her pardon from the United States' government. This abrupt change in Carter's character came as a surprise, considering her previous portrayal as a loyal and heroic former SHIELD Agent. However, one theory surrounding the Secret Invasion could potentially shed light on this perplexing transformation in Phase 4 of the MCU.
Sharon Carter Being A Skrull Explains Her Phase 4 Character Change
After being labeled a fugitive in Civil War and feeling abandoned by the Avengers and her friends, Sharon Carter justified her transformation into the Power Broker, the ruler of Madripoor's criminal underworld, as a necessary path. However, due to the significant nature of this change, suspicions arose suggesting that there may be more to her story. Following the revelation in Secret Invasion episode 4, "Beloved," where Don Cheadle's James "Rhodey" Rhodes, a.k.a. War Machine, was revealed to be a Skrull in disguise, there is speculation that Sharon Carter could also be a Skrull. This possibility would certainly provide an explanation for some of her unusual behavior in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Why Sharon Carter's Falcon And The Winter Soldier Change Was Controversial
In her previous appearances in the MCU in "The Winter Soldier" and "Civil War," Sharon Carter was portrayed as a heroic addition to Steve Rogers' life and an intriguing new love interest. With her background as a former Agent of SHIELD, resources from the CIA, and connections to the Avengers, Carter had the potential to become a permanent ally to the heroes in various projects. Therefore, it came as a shock when she was revealed to be the Power Broker in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," as her descent into villainy seemed sudden and required explanation.
Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes first encountered the Power Broker as they arrived in Madripoor with Zemo. Despite reuniting with Sharon Carter, who posed as a high-end art dealer in the city, they never suspected that their former ally would be the notorious crime boss. Carter felt abandoned by the US government, betrayed by the Avengers, and believed to be dead after Thanos' snap in "Avengers: Infinity War." These circumstances provided her with the opportunity to accumulate wealth and power while maintaining her anonymity. Although this storyline has some logic behind it, Carter's decision to continue her Power Broker schemes even after receiving a pardon suggests that her motivations extend beyond mere survival.
Sharon Carter's Role As The Power Broker Fits The Skrull Rebellion's Plans
The theory that Sharon Carter might be a Skrull in the MCU explains the significant character change in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Previously, Carter showed no signs of being a villain and even risked her life in The Winter Soldier, so it seems unlikely that she would become the malicious Power Broker. However, during the five-year time-jump in Avengers: Endgame, Carter gained power in Madripoor and her actions align with the plans of the Skrull rebellion in Secret Invasion, which is to destabilize nations and bring about humanity's downfall. Now that she has regained access to the US government, Carter is well-positioned to aid this cause.
In Phase 5's Secret Invasion, it has been revealed that Martin Freeman's CIA Agent Everett K. Ross and Rhodey are Skrulls working in high-level positions on Earth. Rhodey even has a personal relationship with the US President. Carter's new goal of infiltrating the government, stealing advanced technology, and uncovering secrets aligns perfectly with their approach. Thus, it wouldn't be surprising if Secret Invasion exposed Carter as a Skrull. This revelation would likely alleviate concerns that Carter has turned into a villain in the MCU, as it would have been satisfying to see her continue her heroic journey.
New episodes of Secret Invasion release every Wednesday on Disney+.
