Secret Invasion begins with a twist that raises doubts about Everett Ross' history in the MCU. The storyline's main appeal lies in the Skrulls' ability to shape-shift, which creates a sense of distrust. In the comics, the Skrulls infiltrate Earth and replace various well-known superheroes, causing chaos and extending their influence. Marvel Studios has adapted Secret Invasion into a Disney+ series, but there are limitations in terms of time and space to fully incorporate it into the larger MCU. However, it is expected that the series will feature Skrulls impersonating known Marvel characters, leading to surprises before Nick Fury and his allies intervene. Episode 1 of Secret Invasion has already introduced this element with the twist involving Everett Ross and the Skrull impersonation.
Agent Ross Is A Skrull In Secret Invasion Episode 1
Secret Invasion episode 1 unveils a shocking twist: Agent Everett Ross, who tragically plunges to his death while being pursued, is revealed to be an imposter Skrull. His motive for assuming this disguise was to prevent Agent Prescod's invasion theory from becoming public knowledge. Unlike Talos, who we previously encountered in Captain Marvel, the majority of Skrulls view humans as mere pawns in their quest to conquer Earth. Deception serves as a powerful tool for this species, as their unique ability to shape-shift allows them to seamlessly blend in. Secret Invasion further complicates the identification of Skrulls within the MCU, as they possess the capability to steal identities by replicating memories. However, certain clues surrounding Everett Ross suggest that his replacement occurred fairly recently.
Agent Ross Probably Hasn't Been A Skrull For Long In The MCU
The Skrull imitating Everett Ross initially meets with Agent Prescod in present-day Moscow. However, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine apprehends Agent Ross in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, charging him with treason against the United States. Okoye intervenes before he can stand trial and rescues him from the FBI's custody. Although the Wakandans manage to extricate Agent Ross from immediate trouble with the US government, he will likely need to avoid American soil while he works to prove his innocence. Consequently, the genuine Agent Ross is probably residing in Wakanda, providing the Skrulls an opportunity to assume his identity during his absence.
Furthermore, the notion that Everett Ross could be a Skrull from the very beginning is highly unlikely, considering the sheer incompetence displayed by the imposter. Prior to overseeing the Sokovia Accords, Ross had a well-established background with the CIA and had gained the trust of the Wakandan royal family. It seems peculiar that a character who has accomplished so much would meet his demise during a simple foot chase. Moreover, the primary objective of the rogue Skrulls is to create chaos and instability in the world, whereas Ross has always been dedicated to maintaining peace, even risking his own life on multiple occasions where a Skrull could have easily exploited his position.
Additionally, it would be implausible for a Skrull to successfully conceal their true identity while surrounded by individuals such as Baron Zemo, Shuri, and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. It is worth noting that the latter was married to Agent Ross long before the Skrulls initiated their villainous Secret Invasion plan. Therefore, although the revelation that Martin Freeman's Everett Ross was secretly a Skrull since his introduction in Captain America: Civil War would have been shocking, it is more logical to assume that the real Ross is still out there somewhere. In fact, Okoye's intervention at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever may have unknowingly saved Ross on two separate occasions.