Secret Invasion: A Dark Take on the MCU?

According to Secret Invasion star Ben Mendelsohn, viewers who have grown tired of the lighthearted tone and constant humor found in many MCU projects will be pleasantly surprised by the cinematic universe's upcoming series. Based on the comic book storyline with the same title, Secret Invasion follows an alien invasion on Earth where shape-shifting Skrulls infiltrate positions of power around the world. Like the other Disney Plus series, Secret Invasion will feature several side characters who have appeared in previous MCU films. This time, Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury will have his moment to shine.

One of the most highly anticipated shows, Secret Invasion, has been shrouded in mystery. However, according to one of the show's leads, the series promises to have a mature and thought-provoking tone. Ben Mendelsohn, who plays the friendly intergalactic Skrull Talos, revealed in a recent interview with USA TODAY, "This is one the grownups can dig. It's mental. I hope it ends up being one of the coolest things that they've done." Cobie Smulders, who reprises her role as Maria Hill, also shared her thoughts on Secret Invasion's unique tone, stating, "It's really unsettling" and has "a really fascinating concept," in an interview last December.

Mendelsohn's remarks may not come as a surprise, given the darker espionage tone of the first Secret Invasion trailer, and glimpses of Jackson's Fury sporting a rugged appearance with a large beard and a torn beanie, suggesting that he has undergone significant physical and emotional challenges. Following the success of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which deviates from its predecessors by featuring some of the most poignant and somber scenes in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Secret Invasion's mature storyline may be precisely what the MCU requires more of and what fans are yearning for. However, regardless of the tone, the caliber of the storytelling will determine the ongoing universe's success.

Secret Invasion, created by Mr. Robot's Kyle Bradstreet, features a star-studded cast, including Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross, Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine, Kingsley Ben-Adir as Gravik, Emilia Clarke as G'iah, and Olivia Coleman as Sonya Falsworth. Although Killian Scott, Christopher McDonald, Carmen Ejogo, Charlayne Woodard, Samuel Adewunmi, and Katie Finneran have been cast in undisclosed roles, the quality of the storytelling will be the deciding factor in the series' success.

Secret Invasion is set to premiere on Disney Plus on June 21, 2023.

Source: USA TODAY