The Shocking Exit: A Major MCU Phase 5 Twist That Could Forever Change the Avengers Roster

Summary

News of Nick Fury's Harvest, a secretive project that surreptitiously gathered DNA samples from the Avengers without their consent, has the potential to cause significant divides within the superhero group and even lead them to their ultimate demise.

James "Rhodey" Rhodes (War Machine) would vehemently object to Fury's actions, particularly because he had previously been replaced by a Skrull and had missed crucial events. This could potentially create a rift between him and Fury in upcoming endeavors.

Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier) would feel alarmed about his own DNA being utilized, along with the DNA of his closest companion, Steve Rogers. Their shared experiences and special bond would lead Bucky to clash with Fury if he discovers the Harvest.

If Nick Fury's Harvest, as revealed in Secret Invasion, ever becomes public, several members of the Avengers may choose to leave the team. Secret Invasion delved into Nick Fury's activities outside of his known appearances in the MCU, with Samuel L. Jackson returning for his first standalone adventure in the Marvel Studios franchise. Secret Invasion unveiled a previously hidden detail from the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame, where Nick Fury recruited shape-shifting Skrull operatives to gather DNA samples from prominent Avengers. This revelation has the potential to create significant divisions within the MCU's future and could potentially lead to the downfall of the Avengers.

The Harvest, which was first introduced in Secret Invasion episode 5, consisted of DNA samples obtained after the Battle of Earth in Avengers: Endgame. Nick Fury explains that nearly all the Avengers shed blood during the battle against Thanos, and Skrulls were dispatched to collect these samples for an undisclosed future purpose. The Harvest includes DNA samples from individuals such as Steve Rogers, Mantis, Drax the Destroyer, and even Thanos himself. In Secret Invasion's finale, the Harvest enabled Gravik and G'iah to transform into immensely powerful Super Skrulls. However, if any of the Avengers were to discover that their DNA was taken without their consent, there is a possibility that these seven heroes may choose to abandon their responsibilities.

7 James "Rhodey" Rhodes, A.K.A. War Machine

James "Rhodey" Rhodes' DNA was not included in the Harvest's list of samples. However, Don Cheadle's unwavering character would undoubtedly have strong objections to Nick Fury secretly collecting heroes' DNA. This revelation comes at a time when War Machine has been replaced by a Skrull in the MCU. It is possible that the current version of Rhodey in the franchise missed out on everything that transpired after Captain America: Civil War. With recent encounters with the Skrulls, overwhelming influx of distressing information (including Tony Stark's demise), and a lack of certainty about who can be trusted, Rhodey would unquestionably clash with Fury upon learning about the Harvest.

Don Cheadle is set to reprise his role in Marvel Studios' upcoming Armor Wars, which takes place after the events of Secret Invasion and may find Rhodey in an exceptionally bleak state. If the rumors about Rhodey's replacement after Civil War are true, it means that he would have missed the confrontation with Thanos, the Blip lasting five years, the deaths of his friends Stark and Natasha Romanoff, as well as the events of Phase 5's Secret Invasion. It is possible that he would feel utterly isolated, so discovering that Nick Fury collected his friends' DNA without their knowledge, potentially allowing it to be exploited by the Skrulls, would undeniably trigger a strong sense of indignation and betrayal within him.

6 James "Bucky" Barnes, A.K.A. The Winter Soldier

Rhodey's DNA wasn't included in the Harvest during Secret Invasion, unlike James "Bucky" Barnes. It's understandable that anyone with the MCU's super-soldier serum wouldn't want their DNA collected and used, but Bucky has even more reason to be concerned. The experimental serum flowing through his veins, created by HYDRA, remains a mystery in terms of its composition. Bucky has endured HYDRA's control for decades, only recently beginning to discover his true identity in Phase 4's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Naturally, he wouldn't wish this fate upon anyone else.

Bucky's disdain for Fury using his DNA wouldn't be solely aimed at him, though. The DNA of Bucky's childhood friend, Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America, was also utilized in the Harvest. Bucky and Rogers share a unique bond and have a plethora of shared experiences, setting them apart from other characters in the MCU. The fact that his best friend's DNA was exploited to produce super-powered Super Skrulls would undoubtedly create a rift between Bucky and Nick Fury. While Bucky is expected to appear in Thunderbolts, his future involvement with the Avengers may be uncertain. Nonetheless, if knowledge of the Harvest were to become widespread, these relationships would undoubtedly be irreparably damaged.

5 Sam Wilson, A.K.A. Captain America

Anthony Mackie's character, Sam Wilson, fully embraced his new role as Captain America in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He received the shield and mantle from Steve Rogers in Avengers: Endgame. This means that by the time of Secret Invasion, Wilson has been Captain America for a significant period of time. However, the mention of "Captain America" in the Harvest list raises questions. It is unclear whether the reference is to Steve Rogers or Sam Wilson. Either way, the new Captain America would not be happy about their DNA being used without consent.

It is more probable that the Captain America mentioned in the Harvest is Steve Rogers. He possesses actual superhuman abilities due to the original super-soldier serum by Abraham Erskine. On the other hand, Sam Wilson does not have any superpowers. Therefore, it wouldn't make much sense for him to be included in the Harvest. Nonetheless, Wilson would not want the Captain America title to be associated with the creation of the villainous Super Skrull Gravik in Secret Invasion's finale. Interestingly, this storyline might be continued in Phase 5's Captain America: Brave New World, which will present a more grounded narrative for Wilson in the MCU.

4 Peter Parker, A.K.A. Spider-Man

Peter Parker's DNA was not included in the Harvest, despite him enduring injuries in the final battle of Avengers: Endgame. However, if the existence of the Harvest becomes more widely known, it would be challenging for Spider-Man to ignore Fury's exploitation of his former teammates. Spider-Man had close connections with multiple individuals included in the Harvest, including Mantis and Drax from the Guardians of the Galaxy. They would need someone to advocate for them, and Peter Parker could fulfill that role.

Following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home in Phase 4, Peter Parker's identity has been forgotten by everyone on Earth, although Spider-Man remains a known superhero. Introducing the Harvest into the MCU could provide an opportunity to reintegrate Peter Parker, although it is probable that he would not want to collaborate with Fury's Avengers in future endeavors after learning about their controversial actions. Since his debut in Civil War, Tom Holland's Peter Parker has grown in confidence and self-assuredness, making it unquestionable that he would bravely defend his friends against Nick Fury.

3 Bruce Banner, A.K.A. The Hulk

Bruce Banner's utmost concern for protecting his DNA from falling into the wrong hands surpasses that of any other hero in the MCU. Hence, if the Hulk's DNA were to be discovered on Secret Invasion's Harvest, it would undoubtedly come as a devastating shock to the green Avenger. Since as early as 2008's The Incredible Hulk, various individuals, such as Tim Blake Nelson's Samuel Sterns in Phase 1, have relentlessly pursued acquiring Banner's genetic material. This revelation will undoubtedly have repercussions in Marvel Studios' upcoming Captain America: Brave New World, as Nelson is slated to reprise his role as the mutated Leader, resulting from exposure to Banner's blood.

Additionally, the effect of Banner's blood on his cousin, Jennifer Walters, causing her transformation into She-Hulk in Phase 4's She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, further emphasizes his reluctance to allow his DNA to be exploited. Considering this recent development, it is evident that Banner would vehemently oppose the utilization of his genetic material on any other individual. The revelation of the Harvest could potentially serve as a means to reintroduce the eagerly anticipated enraged Hulk that audiences were initially introduced to. Furthermore, Fury's meddling with Banner's DNA could smoothly pave the way for the rumored World War Hulk project in the future of the MCU. Given that his DNA has consistently been exploited to create exceptionally formidable villains, it is certain that Banner would be motivated to put an end to this practice.

2 Thor Odinson

Thor's unique Asgardian physiology sets him apart from the other characters in Secret Invasion's Harvest. This grants the Super Skrull G'iah an extended lifespan and the power to control lightning. However, Thor is not the only Asgardian involved in the Harvest. Valkyrie, portrayed by Tessa Thompson, also plays a role. This gives Thor even more reason to potentially turn against Fury and abandon the Avengers. The value of Asgardian DNA is undeniable, with regular humans eager to obtain it and Asgardians cautious about it falling into the wrong hands. Therefore, Fury's collection of Asgardian DNA after Endgame is sure to cause controversy.

Throughout the MCU, Thor's experiences with the Avengers have transformed him from an egotistical Prince of Asgard to a well-rounded, complex hero in Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love & Thunder. Despite this growth, Thor would understandably be unhappy about his DNA being used in the Harvest. The final battle in Avengers: Endgame was intense for all the heroes, but Thor's journey during the five-year Blip was especially significant. It is highly unlikely that he would want his legacy to be his DNA contributing to the creation of potential supervillains among the Skrulls.

1 Carol Danvers, A.K.A. Captain Marvel

The Harvest in Secret Invasion prominently showcased Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel, whose DNA stood out due to her extraordinary cosmic energy abilities. These abilities played a crucial role in the final battle between Gravik and G'iah. Unlike an average human's DNA, Captain Marvel's has been enhanced by a combination of Kree blood, allowing her to recover from near-death situations, and the potent energy of the Tesseract, also known as the Space Stone. The unique makeup of Danvers' DNA not only grants her immense power but also presents a significant risk if it were to fall into the wrong hands.

What worsens Danvers' involvement in the Harvest is the fact that her close friend and confidant, Nick Fury, made the decision to collect, store, and potentially distribute her superpowered DNA. Fury and Danvers formed a strong bond in the film Captain Marvel (2019), which is expected to be further explored in The Marvels (2023). However, if Fury's creation of the Harvest is exposed, their friendship may be strained. While acquiring any hero's DNA without consent raises ethical concerns, Fury's collection of Captain Marvel's DNA before the events of Secret Invasion could prove to be the breaking point in their collaboration.