The Shocking Twist that Seals Avengers' Fate Before Kang Dynasty Unveiled
Marvel's Secret Invasion sidelines the mighty Avengers, leaving fans devastated Nick Fury's shocking revelation shatters hope for their return, raising questions about their reliability The insult runs deep as the epic Kang Dynasty looms
During Phase 5's Secret Invasion, the MCU's Avengers have not made a return, suggesting that audiences will have to wait until Avengers: The Kang Dynasty in 2026 to see Earth's Mightiest Heroes again. Samuel L. Jackson reprises his role as Nick Fury, the former Director of SHIELD, in Secret Invasion. Fury returns to Earth to confront a faction of shape-shifting Skrulls, led by Gravik portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir, who have plans to claim Earth as their own. The Skrull rebellion's intentions pose a significant threat to the world, as they aim to provoke World War III and exterminate humanity. This absence of the Avengers presents a problem for the future of the MCU given the gravity of the situation.
In Marvel Comics' Secret Invasion event, Earth's heroes united to combat a full-scale invasion by villainous Skrulls. However, the live-action MCU adaptation has significantly altered the storyline to prioritize themes of paranoia, espionage, and thrills. The absence of the Avengers, though peculiar, allows the Secret Invasion narrative to avoid being overshadowed by the flash and action commonly seen in Marvel Studios' Avengers films. Despite this departure, it remains strange that the Avengers are not involved, especially considering the Skrulls' substantial progress in their efforts to eliminate humanity and devastate the Earth - an Avengers-level threat by definition. Surprisingly, even Nick Fury does not advocate for the Avengers' participation in Secret Invasion.
Nick Fury Confirms The Avengers Can't Be Relied On
After the events of Avengers: Endgame in 2019, the current status of the Avengers in the MCU remains uncertain. The conclusion of the Infinity Saga marked the tragic losses of Iron Man and Black Widow, along with Captain America's retirement. Since then, the rest of the team has gone their separate ways. Despite the potential opportunity presented by Secret Invasion, there has been no indication of the Avengers reassembling in Phase 5 of the MCU. Even Nick Fury has refrained from seeking assistance from his super-powered acquaintances.
Since his return to Earth in the premiere episode of Secret Invasion, Fury has consistently refused to involve the Avengers in the battle against Gravik and the Skrull rebellion. Initially, this was attributed to his concern about the Avengers being replaced and having their powers incorporated into the Super Skrull machine. However, episode 4 of Secret Invasion revealed that this had already occurred with War Machine being exposed as the Skrull Raava. As a result, it is possible that Fury no longer trusts the Avengers at this time, which explains his determination to keep them out of Secret Invasion.
Secret Invasion Insults The Avengers Multiple Ways
Although the Avengers have been excluded from Secret Invasion, they continue to play a significant role in the Phase 5 series due to their connection to Nick Fury in the MCU. Throughout the series, Fury mentions the team multiple times, yet Secret Invasion manages to undermine their importance. This trend begins early on in the premiere when Fury jokingly attributes his formation of the original Avengers team in 2012 to a midlife crisis. It is further solidified in episode 5, "Harvest," where Nick Fury and Sonya Falsworth, portrayed by Olivia Colman, journey to Finland to obtain the Avengers' DNA.
During their mission, Falsworth questions Fury about why he hasn't enlisted the help of his "special friends," prompting him to assert that humanity should not rely on superheroes and that their experiences pale in comparison to his own. While this declaration holds emotional weight and delivers an impactful message, Fury's belief that the Avengers lack the necessary resilience to confront Gravik and the Skrull rebellion is questionable. The Avengers possess extensive experience combating formidable foes with global or even universal implications, making them potentially more qualified than Fury himself to tackle Gravik.
The Secret Invasion storyline effectively portrays the Earth's Mightiest Heroes as lacking competence. President Ritson of the United States narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, they discovered one of their own posing as a Skrull, the world is on the verge of World War III, and Nick Fury's televised murder of Maria Hill in Secret Invasion episode 1 raises concerns. Surprisingly, the Avengers are absent in the face of these events. If these circumstances have not compelled their reunion, it is unlikely they will assemble prior to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. However, the catalyst that will eventually unite the new Avengers remains unknown.
