Unraveling the Mind-Bending MCU Avengers DNA Twist: 8 Epic Theories Revealed!

WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Secret Invasion. The Avengers DNA twist unveiled in Secret Invasion has become one of the most sensational reveals since the conclusion of the MCU's Infinity Saga. Nick Fury's apparent betrayal of his closest allies raises numerous questions. Despite underwhelming viewing figures for the Phase 5 Skrull TV event, Secret Invasion did deliver some astonishing revelations: Martin Freeman's Agent Ross turned out to be a Skrull, Maria Hill's demise, and the substitution of Don Cheadle's Rhodey by a Skrull. However, the Avengers DNA twist has the potential to overshadow them all.

Superpowers serve as the most identifiable currency in the MCU. They are the determining factor in selecting Earth's Mightiest Heroes (excluding a few original members who relied purely on skill and connections). Whether these powers are acquired through a super serum, mastery of the Mystic Arts, genetic mutations, or cutting-edge technology, they differentiate the Avengers from mere imitators and insignificant individuals. The concept that this essence could be extracted and concealed by Nick Fury is groundbreaking. Therefore, what exactly was Nick Fury's plan for the Avengers DNA? And what might be its future implications? Numerous theories exist for every possible outcome...

8 The DNA Is Nick Fury’s Avengers Contingency

7 The Thunderbolts Will Create Sentry Using The DNA

Tracing Nick Fury's journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe all the way back to The Avengers in 2012, his unwavering sense of responsibility and greater purpose was never overshadowed by the constraints of a rigid moral code. Throughout Phase 2, he clandestinely oversaw the development of formidable weapons, responding to Thor's pseudo-"invasion" of Earth. In addition, for decades, he shrewdly exploited the Skrulls under his protection, and tactfully employed Phil Coulson's tragic demise to rally the Avengers when their cooperation seemed implausible. Fury not only possesses exceptional foresight, but he is also unafraid to employ whatever devious tactics are necessary to fulfill his duty. One compelling theory regarding the foundation of the Avengers is that Fury emulated Batman, meticulously studying his colleagues and formulating backup plans to neutralize any potential threats if they were to turn rogue. As we have seen before, even the Hulk succumbed to such circumstances once...

With the end of Secret Invasion, there is no need for the Avengers DNA to disappear. Instead, it can be transformed into a significant asset for the MCU, serving as the next major McGuffin and connecting to Phase 5's upcoming Thunderbolts movie. The concept of the government-endorsed collection of super-powered individuals, similar to the Dark Avengers, aligns perfectly with the idea of a literal assortment of superpowers in DNA form. Thunderbolts represents the culmination of the Civil War story arc in the MCU and grants Thunderbolt Ross, portrayed by Harrison Ford, his own group of formidable warriors. The creation of a brand-new superhero utilizing Avengers DNA would not only be a fitting insult to Ross's former adversaries, but also complement his superiority complex.

Marvel superhero Sentry has long been rumored to join the Thunderbolts, and there has been speculation that Steven Yeun could portray him. Instead of replicating Captain America's origin story, it would be more interesting to update Sentry's Project Sentry comics origin. In this version, a group of former Nazi scientists developed an enhanced version of the super soldier serum used in Weapon X. To give Sentry a fresh backstory, it could be intriguing to incorporate the DNA of the Avengers into his origin, assuming that his potential new teammates manage to steal it.

6 G’iah Will Become A Super-Skrull Plus Using The Avengers DNA

The solution to Gravik's new super-powered form, apart from attempting to persuade him peacefully (which is unlikely since he would face punishment for his war crimes), is to counter him with an opposing force, or even a stronger one. The most effective approach would involve Emilia Clarke's G'iah continuing her own superhero transformation and using the Avengers DNA. This would grant her the power to create a Super-Skrull capable of defeating Earth's Mightiest Heroes, which is what Gravik desires the most. Fortunately, there is still a Super-Skrull machine available in New Skrullos. G'iah could infiltrate the facility (using a disguise other than Emilia Clarke's, of course), enhance herself with Avengers DNA, and serve as an immediate deterrent against Gravik.

5 Marvel Could Bring Back Dead And Retired Avengers

There is a deeper underlying motive for the acquisition of the Avengers DNA, indeed: maintaining brand consistency. As Hollywood currently explores unconventional methods to prolong actors' legacies even after their demise, it would be unwise to assume that Marvel Studios wouldn't desire to retain the original Iron Man and Captain America in the MCU. While successor characters may have their merits, they often struggle to match the success of their predecessors. Therefore, presenting an in-universe justification for the return of Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans (or possibly other younger actors who could portray Tony Stark and Steve Rogers as James Bond-like replacements) would serve as a practical approach to reintroduce these characters. As for moral concerns? What moral concerns?! After all, Nick Fury has set the precedent.

4 Nick Fury Was Making Weapons With The Avengers DNA

Similar to the possibility of Val creating a new super serum to produce Sentry, there is also speculation that Nick Fury intended to create a weapon himself. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has previously touched upon the idea of superheroes grappling with the notion of a world without their presence: Iron Man was haunted by the fear that he couldn't offer everlasting protection to the world, while Captain Marvel willingly abandoned her own life to constantly watch over the universe for potential threats. In Secret Invasion episode 5, Nick Fury confessed his belief that he is a superior guardian for Earth compared to the Avengers, implying a certain degree of arrogance and a desire to establish his legacy. So, what if Fury was developing his own clones of the Avengers as a means to safeguard Earth when the heroes either prove unreliable or are no longer present?

3 Fury Was Genuinely Just On Clean-Up Duties At The Battle of Earth

A lot of the theories here assume that Nick Fury had some ulterior motive regarding the Avengers DNA, but what if his intention was simply to prevent anyone else from obtaining it, and he collected the leftover DNA after the Battle of Earth in Endgame? Spider-Man: Homecoming introduced the concept of rogue agents profiting from the aftermath of superhero battles, and the demand for superhero DNA would be much higher compared to Chitauri technology. The main issue with this theory, however, is that Fury should have destroyed the DNA upon discovery and perhaps not referred to the retrieval program as "the Harvest." The implications of that name cannot be disregarded.

2 The MCU Is Setting Up Super-Adaptoid

When Gravik revealed his true intention for the Secret Invasion endgame - to create a formidable Super-Skrull - it left Fantastic Four fans longing for a faithful adaptation of the beloved Super-Skrull arc from the Marvel Comics. Surprisingly, the DNA of the Avengers unravels Gravik's ulterior motive: rather than striving for a Super-Skrull, he sought to transform into Super-Adaptoid, a little-known Marvel villain who made his debut in 1966. Super-Adaptoid possessed the remarkable ability to mimic the appearances and powers of various Avengers. Interestingly, this power of adaptation, much like that of the X-Men: Days of Future Past's new sentinels, was derived from Gravik. However, constraining the villain's powers to originate solely from DNA wouldn't be beyond the realm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the wrong hands, particularly in a universe where things often falter, the Avengers DNA could inadvertently pave the way for the emergence of Super-Adaptoid as a captivating new antagonist within the MCU.

1 The Avengers DNA Will Reveal The Truth Of The Superhuman Gene

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The intriguing fact revealed in Secret Invasion is that Nick Fury's wife Priscilla, an acclaimed author, had written a book called "Decoding The Superhuman Gene." This book hints at the potential origins of the X-Men in the MCU. The concept that superheroes undergo genetic changes rather than just gaining powers has already been explored in the MCU, with characters like Scarlet Witch, Captain America, Ms Marvel, Hulk, and Captain Marvel falling into this category. In the cases of Scarlet Witch and Ms Marvel, the MCU even revealed that their genetic makeup predisposed them to gaining superpowers, even when those powers were derived from artifacts like Ms Marvel's bangle.

The suggestion that the Avengers, who shed blood during the Battle of Earth, left behind valuable DNA, further supports the notion that their heroic abilities were a result of their genetic composition. Despite their technological advancements, magical knowledge, and real-world training, the Avengers were heroes because of their inherent qualities at a genetic level. They possessed what could be considered the "right stuff." This fundamentally alters the concept of superheroes in the MCU and paves the way for the introduction of the X-Men. However, it also complicates their ostracization by humanity, since the Superhuman Gene in Secret Invasion implies that ALL heroes, including the Avengers, are essentially mutants.