The Ultimate Countdown: How MCU Phase 5 Initiates the Avengers' Epic Comeback Before the Arrival of Kang Dynasty
MCU Phase 5 hints at the Avengers' comeback in Secret Invasion, leaving fans eager to unravel the enthralling connection between the two Will the iconic superheroes make their long-awaited appearance?
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Episode 3, "Betrayed," of Secret Invasion.
The upcoming Phase 5 of Secret Invasion could potentially bring back the Avengers in the MCU even before the release of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty in theaters. Ever since Avengers: Endgame in 2019, the official Avengers team has been absent in the MCU as each member has pursued their own paths. Phase 4 marked the first era without an Avengers crossover film, and it seems that Phase 5 will continue this trend until The Kang Dynasty arrives in 2026. However, in Secret Invasion episode 3, "Betrayed," there are hints that the Avengers may make an appearance in the Disney+ series as Gravik's Super Skrull plan unfolds.
The Avengers play a pivotal role in Marvel Comics' Secret Invasion event, which was released in 2008. During the invasion of Earth, numerous prominent heroes find themselves replaced by Skrulls. However, the live-action MCU's Phase 5 adaptation of Secret Invasion takes a different approach. It focuses more on the Skrull resistance infiltrating human society covertly, rather than launching a full-scale invasion. Although it was not expected for the Avengers to appear in the series, a line in episode 3 of Secret Invasion hints at their importance in Gravik's plan. This suggests that the MCU's New Avengers team might make an appearance.
Secret Invasion Teased The Avengers' Appearance In Episode 3
In the opening scene of Secret Invasion episode 3, "Betrayed," Gravik, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir, shares his plan with the Skrull council. He unveils his innovative machine and suggests that the Skrulls need to evolve in order to ensure the success of their plan. This revelation confirms that Secret Invasion will introduce the MCU's Super Skrulls, characters adapted from the Marvel Comics villain who has been imbued with the powers of the Fantastic Four. Gravik discloses that he has masterminded a nuclear strike on a United Nations aircraft, predicting that this action will provoke a response from Earth's heroes, specifically the Avengers.
To achieve this goal, the implementation of Gravik's Super Skrull strategy is crucial. The Skrulls alone do not possess sufficient inherent power to oppose the Avengers in their original forms. By augmenting his Skrull warriors with the abilities of Groot, the Frost Beast from Thor: The Dark World, Cull Obsidian, and the Extremis formula, the Super Skrulls in the MCU can engage the Avengers on a more balanced battlefield. These "uniquely programmed weapons of mass destruction" formed through the assimilation of different powers, as revealed in Secret Invasion, have the capability to eliminate the Avengers. This would grant the Skrulls the freedom to eradicate humanity from Earth and claim it as their new homeland.
Secret Invasion Needs The Avengers To Pay Off Gravik's Plan
The Super Skrulls made their debut in Secret Invasion when Gravik took advantage of Extremis to heal his hand in episode 3. This signifies that more Super Skrulls are bound to appear, requiring the Avengers to join the fray. It would be underwhelming to grant the Skrull resistance superpowers only to face off against less physically formidable characters like Nick Fury, Talos, and Sonya Falsworth. While Secret Invasion has thrived on its espionage and crime-thriller elements, the nature of the MCU suggests that a larger battle awaits in the upcoming episodes, indicating that the Avengers must somehow become involved in the MCU's grand narrative.
Will The Avengers Actually Appear In Secret Invasion?
Gravik's hint of the Avengers' involvement in the Super Skrulls in Secret Invasion episode 3 seems doubtful. The MCU currently lacks an active Avengers team after the sacrifices made by Iron Man and Black Widow in Avengers: Endgame, and Captain America's retirement. While new heroes have been introduced in Phase 4, none seem ready to join the Avengers team at this time. However, this could change with the release of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. Nick Fury's goal in Secret Invasion is to handle the Skrull rebellion alone, in order to prevent the risk of Skrull replacements within the Avengers. This aligns with the espionage themes of the series, but suggests that a large-scale battle between the Avengers and the Super Skrulls is unlikely in Phase 5. It is possible for select heroes, such as Captain Marvel, to make cameo appearances, but it is highly improbable that the entire Avengers team will appear in Phase 5.
New episodes of Secret Invasion release every Wednesday on Disney+.
