Unveiling the Hidden Gems: 14 Mind-Blowing Easter Eggs & References in Secret Invasion Episode 1

Secret Invasion episode 1 is filled with references and Easter eggs to the broader MCU, connecting it to previous films such as Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: Far From Home. The episode wastes no time in establishing its overall premise, immersing viewers in a darker, politically-driven story. Additionally, Secret Invasion episode 1 is quick to acknowledge the wider state of the franchise, with numerous Marvel references scattered throughout. This article will delve into every Easter egg, reference, and hidden detail regarding the episode's cast of MCU characters, its story, and its placement within the broader universe.

14 Secret Invasion Episode 1 Has Civil War Style Location Cards

The opening scene of the first episode of Secret Invasion promptly establishes the setting of the story through a location card, informing viewers that the primary location is Moscow, Russia. This location card is reminiscent of a similar feature in Captain America: Civil War, another film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe directed by the Russo Brothers. While the Russo Brothers have used location cards in their other MCU projects such as Captain America: The Winter Soldier and the two Avengers movies, the presentation in Secret Invasion episode 1 specifically connects to Civil War. The bold text and accompanying sound effects in the opening moments of Secret Invasion episode 1 subtly align the show's tone with that of Civil War.

13 The Events Of Captain Marvel Establish The Skrull Invasion Of Earth

The first direct reference to another MCU story appears in the form of Captain Marvel. In the opening sequence of Secret Invasion episode 1, we see the return of Everett Ross from the Black Panther films, who is meeting with a CIA agent named Prescod. During their conversation, Prescod shares his theory that the Skrulls have been silently infiltrating Earth, making a connection to the events of Captain Marvel. Prescod reveals that the Skrulls arrived on Earth 30 years ago, around the time of the events in Captain Marvel, and mentions that Nick Fury and Carol Danvers offered to find them a new home. However, Prescod suggests that the Skrulls have a specific interest in Earth, indicating that they do not want just any new home.

12 SABER Links Secret Invasion To The Marvels' Trailer

During the opening scene of Secret Invasion episode 1, Everett Ross mentions that Nick Fury is currently off-world, stationed at SABER. This is a direct reference to the space station Fury was previously seen on in the post-credit scene of Spider-Man: Far From Home. Interestingly, SABER is not an organization featured in Marvel Comics but is instead introduced in the trailer for The Marvels, where it is prominently mentioned. The trailer begins with a captivating shot of the SABER station, officially unveiling its name for the first time, despite the fact that both Secret Invasion and The Marvels are set in different timelines. This connection between Fury's narratives across both the Disney+ series and The Marvels film is truly remarkable.

11 Everett Ross Is Revealed As A Skrull In Secret Invasion Episode 1

Although Ross' involvement in Secret Invasion episode 1 may not initially appear to be an MCU Easter egg, the surprising twist that he is actually a Skrull certainly is. Towards the end of the opening sequence, Ross eliminates Prescod and subsequently unveils his true identity as a Skrull. This revelation serves the purpose of preventing the CIA from discovering the impending Skrull invasion of Earth. This development aligns with the events depicted in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. At the conclusion of that film, Ross had been apprehended by the CIA on charges of treason, only to be rescued by the Wakandans. Without the revelation that a Skrull was masquerading as him, Ross' collaboration with the CIA in Secret Invasion episode 1 would lack a logical explanation.

10 Nick Fury Returns To Earth For The First Time Since Avengers: Endgame

An intriguing detail in the pilot episode of Secret Invasion provides a glimpse into Fury's character development throughout the series. It is unveiled that Nick Fury has been absent from Earth ever since the events of Thanos' snap in Avengers: Infinity War, with the exception of attending Tony Stark's funeral. This revelation highlights the Easter egg within Fury's character, suggesting that he has undergone significant changes since the Blip and is currently grappling with a crisis of faith within himself.

9 Captain Marvel's Soren Has Been Killed Before Secret Invasion

In Secret Invasion episode 1, there is another Easter egg from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that references Captain Marvel. This Easter egg revolves around Talos, who is on a mission to find a better life for his wife named Soren. However, it is later revealed in the episode that Soren has tragically been killed by the Skrull group as they attempt to infiltrate Earth.

8 Maria Hill References Thanos' Snap From Avengers: Infinity War

During a conversation at a bar in the first episode of Secret Invasion, Maria Hill brings up the event known as Thanos' snap. Hill and Fury were together when both of them were turned to dust by Thanos. Hill expresses her belief that Fury has been changed by the snap, emphasizing that he is no longer the same spy he once was. This sentiment is echoed by other characters throughout the episode, highlighting the notion that the Blip has inflicted lasting damage on Fury, rendering him unprepared for the impending battle against the Skrulls.

7 Thaddeus Ross Is Not President In Secret Invasion Episode 1

In Secret Invasion episode 1, James Rhodes, also known as War Machine, makes a notable appearance as the trusted right-hand man to the President of the United States. The character of the President, named Ritson, is portrayed by Dermot Mulroney for this episode. This clever reference connects to Captain America: Brave New World, where it has been confirmed that Harrison Ford will play Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross in the upcoming 2024 film. Interestingly, Ross is also revealed to be the President in Brave New World, implying that something significant might occur in Secret Invasion, leading to Ross assuming office.

6 Secret Invasion's New Skrullos References The MCU's Kree-Skrull War

Another character introduced in the first episode of Secret Invasion is G'iah, portrayed by Emilia Clarke. She plays the role of Talos and Soren's daughter. G'iah is a resident of New Skrullos, a compound located in Russia. This compound serves as a refuge for Skrulls in search of a new home, as well as the headquarters for Gravik's Skrull invasion of Earth. The name "New Skrullos" is a nod to the ongoing Kree-Skrull war within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a conflict that predates the events of Captain Marvel. During this war, Skrullos, the original Skrull homeworld, was destroyed, leading Captain Marvel to assist the refugees who were displaced as a result. New Skrullos represents Gravik's attempt to revive their lost homeworld and expand their influence beyond the confines of their compound to encompass the entire Earth.

5 Secret Invasion Episode 1 Brings Back Captain Marvel’s Skrull Mind Probes

During G'iah's visit to New Skrullos in Secret Invasion episode 1, there is another reference to Captain Marvel. The Skrulls of New Skrullos use mind probe devices to implant the memories of their hosts into Skrull impersonators. These mind probe devices were also featured in Captain Marvel, where Talos initially used them to locate the Tesseract through Carol Danvers.

4 Secret Invasion Episode 1 References Skrull Aging

An intriguing Easter egg within the wider MCU lore can be found in Secret Invasion episode 1. Talos, with his bare hands, effortlessly rips metal chains off a gate, impressing Fury with his strength despite being 136 years old. Talos reveals that in human years, he is not even 40, indicating that Skrulls can live and age for at least 300 years. This playful Easter egg sheds light on the unique biology of the Skrulls in the MCU, while also hinting at the potential longevity of Skrulls who have infiltrated Earth.

3 Nick Fury Drops Secret Invasion Episode 1’s First Avengers Reference

Shortly after Talos discloses his true Skrull identity, he playfully taunts Fury by asking what he bought during his midlife crisis shopping spree. In a lighthearted response, Fury quips that he acquired "The Avengers," thus making it the first mention of the MCU's iconic superhero team in the opening episode of Secret Invasion. As revealed in the Secret Invasion trailer, the series will further explore and acknowledge the absence of the Avengers in the recent events of the MCU.

2 Secret Invasion Episode 1 Includes Avengers: Infinity War’s Post-Credit Scene

With Secret Invasion episode 1 connecting Fury's character development to the Blip, the episode also features a direct reference to the moment when Fury vanished. This particular scene was initially presented as the post-credit scene in Avengers: Infinity War, where Hill and Fury disintegrated while the latter called for Captain Marvel's assistance. As Nick Fury ponders over Hill's previous assertion that the Blip transformed him, the post-credit scene from Infinity War is glimpsed in Secret Invasion episode 1.

1 Maria Hill’s Death Is A Dark MCU Easter Egg

In a shocking turn of events, Maria Hill meets her demise at the hands of Gravik in the concluding moments of Secret Invasion episode 1. What adds an intriguing layer to this scene is the subtle nod to their interconnectedness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By posing as Nick Fury and executing Maria, Gravik establishes a link to their previously established close relationship, further heightening the impact of this unexpected betrayal.

New episodes of Secret Invasion are released weekly on Disney+ and in the first episode, it becomes evident that Hill feels betrayed by Fury and the only reason he has returned to Earth is because she requested him to. The fact that Hill dies at the hands of someone resembling Fury serves as a haunting reminder of their past connection. With the constant references to their relationship scattered throughout the episode, Hill's death becomes even more heart-wrenching.