Summary
Secret Invasion ruins one of Avengers: Endgame's deepest improvised moments, as Rhodey's heartfelt line to Nebula loses its impact due to his Skrull reveal in the Disney+ show.
Avengers: Endgame incorporated several spontaneous moments, such as Doctor Strange subtly raising his finger and Tony Stark's heartfelt line "I love you 3000," which contributed to the film's unforgettable scenes.
Rhodey and Nebula's partnership in Endgame played a crucial role in showcasing their shared characteristics and fostering empathy. Nevertheless, the revelation of the Skrull in Secret Invasion diminishes the significance of this connection.
Secret Invasion's undermining of Avengers: Endgame's profound improvised scene is Marvel Studios' most significant plot twist involving the Skrulls. The epic conclusion of the Infinity Saga in 2019 was a critical moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The immense pressure to deliver a satisfying ending and shape the legacy of the MCU's first decade was palpable. Despite this, the Russo Brothers allowed room for creative freedom, resulting in several unscripted moments making their way into the final film.
Since its debut in 2019, more revelations surrounding Avengers: Endgame have emerged. Due to the actors' inability to discuss the film prior to its release, numerous captivating anecdotes and additional context for iconic scenes have surfaced over time. Surprisingly, some of the most memorable moments in Avengers: Endgame were the product of improvisation. Examples include Doctor Strange's subtle gesture before Iron Man's retrieval of the Infinity Gauntlet from Thanos, as well as Tony Stark's poignant "I love you 3000" line. However, four years later, Secret Invasion disrupts one of the film's most profound unscripted instances.
Secret Invasion Completely Changed Rhodey's Improv'd Endgame Line
Rhodey's secret identity as a Skrull was unveiled in Secret Invasion. The Disney+ series did not delve into the details of his replacement or the timing, but strongly suggested that it occurred shortly after Captain America: Civil War. This alters the significance of every War Machine scene in Avengers: Infinity War and its sequel. The impact of this revelation on Iron Man's death in Avengers: Endgame has already been debated, but it also has an effect on a poignant interaction between Rhodey and Nebula in the film.
In Avengers: Endgame, Rhodey and Nebula were unexpectedly teamed up to retrieve the Power Stone during their time travel mission. In one of the film's quieter moments, the pair bonded over their physical impairments—Nebula due to body parts being replaced by Thanos, and Rhodey relying on a walking support device after his accident in Captain America: Civil War. According to Cheadle's revelation on the Post Cred Pod, Rhodey's line, "me either. But we work with what we got, right," in response to Nebula expressing her regret about her appearance, was improvised and not part of the script.
Why Rhodey's Connection To Nebula Was So Important
The pairing of Rhodey and Nebula in Avengers: Endgame came as a pleasant surprise. With no prior interactions, they were brought together due to the tragic events of Thanos' snap. Although their interactions were limited, their collaboration during the time heist emphasized their similarities. This was seen as the film's inclusion efforts, particularly when Rhodey offered empathy to Nebula, who felt restricted by her limitations. However, the Skrull reveal in Secret Invasion undermines the significance of their interaction.
