Warning: This article contains spoilers for Secret Invasion. Martin Freeman's recent comments on the major reveal in Secret Invasion's first episode have sparked speculation about the future of the MCU. The premiere, which aired on Disney+ on June 21, 2023, has already presented significant plot twists, character deaths, and surprising revelations, including beloved heroes being exposed as Skrull imposters. While Secret Invasion's overarching theme of paranoia will undoubtedly influence upcoming MCU projects, certain reveals have left audiences confused about how long the Skrulls have been infiltrating the MCU's roster of heroes.
The initial episode of Secret Invasion, titled "Resurrection," reintroduced Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross, a former CIA Agent who became a fugitive after the events depicted in 2022's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Ross appeared to learn about the Skrull invasion from CIA Agent Prescod, only to discover that Prescod himself was a Skrull. This shocking revelation at the start of Secret Invasion, which also foreshadowed Rhodey's later reveal as a Skrull in episode 4, has sparked speculation about how long Ross has been operating as a Skrull. Martin Freeman's recent statements on the matter have heightened suspense and put MCU characters at risk.
Martin Freeman's Everett Ross Skrull Interview Makes The Character's Story More Mysterious
During a recent interview with Collider, Freeman was asked about the duration of Everett Ross's Skrull identity. He firmly denied portraying Ross as a Skrull in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, emphasizing his portrayal of Ross as a human rather than a Skrull. Although Freeman's conviction is persuasive, it may present a significant challenge for other MCU actors and their characters in future projects.
Why Actors Not Knowing They're Skrulls Could Pay Off For The MCU
The potential involvement of Martin Freeman as a Skrull in Secret Invasion, despite not portraying Ross as one, hints at the possibility of any MCU actor unwittingly embodying a Skrull. With a revelation that a million Skrulls reside on Earth in Secret Invasion, future MCU projects could expose anyone as a Skrull. This vast pool of potential infiltrators, including the actor themselves, has the ability to drastically reshape the MCU in Phase 5, making it an integral component of the franchise.
The Secret Invasion storyline effectively immerses the audience in Nick Fury's perspective by capitalizing on an atmosphere of paranoia. Dealing with a faction of shape-shifting alien beings on Earth is no easy feat, as each twist and turn in the Secret Invasion narrative demonstrates. Surprisingly, both Everett Ross and James "Rhodey" Rhodes have been revealed as Skrulls, despite their previous portrayals by Martin Freeman and Don Cheadle in past Marvel Cinematic Universe projects. The concept of distrust among the characters brilliantly amplifies the overarching Secret Invasion plotline, adding an extra layer of mystery to the future of the MCU.
New episodes of Secret Invasion are released on Disney+ every Wednesday.