Shocking Revelation: Is Rhodey Hiding a Jaw-Dropping Secret in Secret Invasion?

Attention! This article unveils potential spoilers for episode 3 of Marvel's Secret Invasion.

In the latest installment of Marvel's Secret Invasion series, there are intriguing hints suggesting that Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Don Cheadle) may be a Skrull, a shape-shifting alien infiltrator. A Skrull invasion is currently threatening the world in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the consequences could escalate to nuclear warfare and the Skrulls taking over the planet. Consequently, trust is scarce, as the Skrulls have already replaced numerous influential figures and leaders, aiming to claim Earth as their own. Among those potential Skrulls could be Rhodey, who stands as the sole Avenger showcased in the new MCU series thus far.

In Secret Invasion episode 2, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) arranges a meeting with Rhodey following a devastating bombing in Moscow staged by Skrulls impersonating anti-Russia Americans. This attack falsely implicates the United States. After attending an urgent summit on behalf of the White House, Rhodey agrees to meet with Fury. Prior to this, he must address the concerns of various national leaders, some of whom are confirmed to be Skrulls, including the head of NATO and the UK Prime Minister. Nevertheless, a few subtle hints in Rhodey and Fury's conversation potentially hint at Rhodes' true identity as a Skrull himself.

8 Rhodey Calls Nick Fury "Nick" In Secret Invasion (But So Have Others)

An online discussion has brought attention to an interesting detail: During a tense exchange, Rhodey addresses Nick Fury by his first name. This contradicts Fury's previous statement in Captain Marvel where he said that nobody calls him "Nick". This inconsistency raises the possibility that Rhodey may not be who he appears to be, but rather a Skrull spy secretly integrated into the White House.

However, it should be mentioned that there's still a select group of MCU characters who have addressed Fury by his first name, such as Tony Stark and Maria Hill before her demise in Secret Invasion's premiere episode. With that being said, it is unclear whether Rhodey and Fury had a close enough relationship for Rhodey to use "Nick" as a form of address. Additionally, it is important to note that Rhodey was in the process of firing Fury from his position at S.A.B.E.R when he used his first name, so it is possible that Rhodey's use of Fury's first name during their heated interaction was a sign of disrespect (regardless of Rhodey's potential status as a Skrull).

7 Carpet-Bombing Slovakia As War Machine

Rhodey's mention of Slovakia further suggests his potential identity as a Skrull. While attending the summit, the representative from Slovakia displays no interest in acknowledging Col. Rhodes' firm belief that Fury and Maria Hill were merely "allegedly" present in Moscow during the bombing. Instead, he persistently demands additional evidence, even after being presented with photos from the Russian government. This behavior from Slovakia serves as a catalyst for derision and skepticism.

As a result, Rhodey momentarily mutes his microphone and confides in his assistant, expressing his frustration with Slovakia's persistent disdain towards him. In a humorous tone, he contemplates donning his War Machine armor and metaphorically bombarding the country. This remark is clearly laced with witty sarcasm and should not be taken seriously. Nonetheless, it appears more befitting for a character like Tony Stark.

6 Rhodey Already Knew About Secret Invasion's Skrulls

During the conversation between Rhodey and Fury, it is revealed that Rhodey has been aware of the presence of the Skrulls for nearly 15 years. In 2010, Rhodey received an invitation to a Pentagon presentation focused on the shape-shifting aliens. It is worth mentioning that although this event could have been an opportunity for the Skrulls to replace Rhodes, they were actually still allies with Fury at that time. It was only in the recent years that the Skrull named Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir) incited a movement to forcefully take over Earth. This decision was a result of the broken promises made by Fury and Captain Marvel regarding finding the Skrulls a new homeland.

However, the fact that Rhodey has been aware of the presence of the Skrulls on Earth for such an extended period of time might have rendered him a prime target during Gravik's revolution. It is plausible that he could have been replaced shortly after the Blip or even during its occurrence, much like numerous other humans who have gradually been substituted by Skrull operatives within the MCU. Given his role as an envoy for the White House and his access to the current US President Ritson, his position would undeniably make him immensely valuable to the Skrulls.

5 Rhodey's New White House Job Conflict With Infinity War

That being said, the current role Rhodey holds within the White House raises suspicions. It's worth noting that Rhodey regretted his decision to sign the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War, which he rectifies in Avengers: Infinity War by defying US Secretary Ross and standing with his fellow Avengers, despite being wanted fugitives. Therefore, it is peculiar that Rhodey has now directly joined the US government in such a significant position (unless his recent actions were instead those of a Skrull).

4 Rhodey Fires Nick Fury (Which Helps Skrulls)

Because of the conclusion of Fury and Rhodey's conversation, Rhodey dismisses Fury from his position as the head of S.A.B.E.R. Consequently, Fury's lack of support will undeniably aid the Skrulls' mission. Given the high tensions resulting from the deaths of numerous Russian civilians and Maria Hill herself, it is only natural for the White House to desire a separation from Fury. Rhodey himself affirms his voluntary involvement in this decision. However, there exists the possibility that Rhodes, assuming he is a Skrull working for Gravik, might have actively encouraged Fury's dismissal.

3 Rhodey Wants To Call Avengers In Secret Invasion

As Nick Fury reveals the magnitude of the new Skrull threat and its danger to the world, Rhodey suggests reaching out to their friends and rallying the Avengers. However, Fury wisely cautions against hasty action, fearing that the Skrulls might mimic the Avengers and manipulate public opinion to frame them as terrorists, just as they have targeted Fury himself. Nonetheless, the Skrulls may harbor a desire to involve the Avengers in the Secret Invasion, as they could potentially gather DNA samples to further their Super-Skrull program, which Gravik likely considers a backup plan for dealing with metahumans.

2 Rhodey And Nick Fury's Secret Invasion Conversation Features A Green Lily Leaf

1 Armor Wars Plot Could Hint At Rhodey's Skrull Identity

A significant visual clue is revealed during Fury and Rhodey's conversation in Secret Invasion episode 2. Notably, on the table, there stands a solitary green lily leaf in a vase, bearing a striking resemblance to the Skrulls' distinctive green complexion. While it could be seen as a mere coincidence, the prevailing theme of Secret Invasion revolves around paranoia and distrust. In a world where the primary antagonists can effortlessly assume any form, nothing should be accepted at face value. Therefore, it is plausible that this lily leaf holds a connection to the unsettling possibility that Rhodey is, in fact, a Skrull posing as a member of President Ritson's administration.

Furthermore, the storyline of the forthcoming Armor Wars film featuring War Machine aligns with the idea of Rhodey secretly being a Skrull in the upcoming Secret Invasion. Actor Don Cheadle has already confirmed that Secret Invasion will play a crucial role in setting up Rhodey's narrative in Armor Wars. In this storyline, War Machine will strive to safeguard Iron Man's technological legacy from falling into the wrong hands, potentially after it becomes corrupted. Multiple suits and various Stark technologies might be stolen and illegally traded on the black market, all while Rhodey remains unaware due to his incapacitation. Unknown to him, a Skrull has been impersonating him in the White House.