Shocking Marvel Revelation: Is This the End for 2 Beloved MCU Heroes?

Warning: This article contains spoilers for episode 5 of Secret Invasion, titled "Harvest."

In Phase 5's Secret Invasion, Marvel Studios has hinted at the danger faced by two significant characters in the MCU. Samuel L. Jackson returns as Nick Fury in Secret Invasion, marking his first individual project in the MCU since his initial appearance in the franchise. Secret Invasion has been full of twists that have had a profound impact on the MCU, including the revelation of Fury's marriage to a Skrull, unexpected and tragic deaths, and the exposure of characters disguised as Skrulls. Although episode 5 of Secret Invasion was relatively more subdued, it may spell trouble for two major MCU characters.

Secret Invasion Hints Rhodey & Agent Ross Are In Serious Danger

: The premiere episode of Secret Invasion set the tone for the entire series, starting with a mysterious scene that brought back Martin Freeman as former CIA Agent Everett K. Ross. Last seen in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Secret Invasion unveiled Ross as a Skrull, although it remains unclear when he was replaced. Following a similar storyline, episode 4 of Secret Invasion revealed another significant hero, Don Cheadle's James "Rhodey" Rhodes, a.k.a. War Machine, as a Skrull. The revelation that a million shape-shifting Skrulls are living among humanity poses a problem not only for the general public but also for those who have unknowingly been replaced.

Throughout Secret Invasion, the Skrull rebellion's leader, Gravik, portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir, is experiencing a rapid descent into chaos. As the series progresses, his grand scheme for world domination becomes increasingly nonsensical. Gravik's plan revolves around leveraging the Skrulls' remarkable shape-shifting ability to incite World War III and ultimately eradicate humanity, leaving Earth ripe for the Skrulls to claim as their new homeland. This plan thrives on the Skrulls' unique resilience to dangerous levels of radiation, making it an ideal strategy. To establish their base of operations, the Skrulls have taken refuge in an abandoned nuclear facility located in Russia, aptly named New Skrullos. Alas, this new development poses a significant predicament for numerous characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Presumably, both Everett Ross and Rhodey's bodies are being held within New Skrullos, an area known for its high levels of radiation. This information was confirmed in Secret Invasion episode 5, as Gravik instructed Nick Fury to meet him in New Skrullos, emphasizing the need for iodide pills to counteract the harmful effects of radiation. The fate of the Skrulls' human captives remains uncertain; it is unclear if they are also receiving iodide to protect themselves from the radiation. In the absence of such protection, the numerous human bodies inside New Skrullos could be exposed to dangerously high levels of radiation, posing a potentially lethal threat. This implies that Ross and Rhodey may still be in danger, even if Fury is successful in rescuing them from Gravik's clutches.

Will Rhodey's Skrull Replacement Actually Be Explained?

Prior to the premiere of Secret Invasion, there were speculations about Rhodey being exposed as a Skrull. These speculations were confirmed in episode 4, "Beloved," which also provided a glimpse of the Skrull impersonating Rhodey. Portrayed by Nisha Aaliya, the Skrull named Raava had been assuming Rhodey's identity for a considerable period of time. The exact duration remains unknown. As Secret Invasion nears its finale, there is anticipation for further revelations about Skrull Rhodey, including her true identity and how long she has been masquerading as the Avenger. As Don Cheadle is set to appear in Armor Wars after Secret Invasion, it becomes imperative to address these lingering questions.

New episodes of Secret Invasion release every Wednesday on Disney+.