Unveiling the Hidden Patterns: A Compelling Analysis of the MCU's Villain Storylines in 3 Disney+ Hits!

Secret Invasion episode 1 demonstrates that the series has followed a similar storyline for its villains as the previous two MCU Disney+ shows. However, Secret Invasion distinguishes itself by featuring Skrulls as its shapeshifting antagonists, allowing for unique storytelling opportunities. The secretive nature of the Skrulls introduces an element of uncertainty, as anyone could potentially be a villain in the show, which adds to its spy and political intrigue themes. Moreover, Secret Invasion's villains are connected to three other Marvel Studios projects on Disney+, further emphasizing the show's use of a distinct variation of the same narrative employed by previous Disney+ MCU shows.

Marvel Disney+ Shows Have Done Displaced People Villains 3 Times

Gravik and his Skrull supporters in Secret Invasion were motivated by their displacement and feeling of abandonment by Nick Fury and Carol Danvers. After the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the Skrulls were left without assistance on their new homeworld, the details of which were not revealed in Captain Marvel. This led Gravik to gather angry, young Skrulls to expand their territory, New Skrullos, to the rest of Earth as a form of revenge. This motivation of displacement and betrayal is reminiscent of previous Disney+ villains, such as Karli Morgenthau and the Flag Smashers in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, who sought to help those negatively affected by the Blip. The Flag Smashers believed that life during the Blip was more sustainable, and the return of the population caused people to lose their homes, jobs, and social status.

The Clandestines, a group of displaced individuals, served as antagonists in Ms. Marvel. Led by Najma, a being from the Noor dimension, they were exiled to Earth along with their followers. In their quest to return home, the Clandestines sought to harness the power of the titular hero's control over the Noor. This storyline showcased the plight of the Clandestines and their status as another displaced group. While Falcon and the Winter Soldier succeeded in portraying their villains, Ms. Marvel also provided a sympathetic motivation for the Clandestines through their displacement, a theme that can be seen in Secret Invasion as well.

In Secret Invasion, the character Gravik and his displaced Skrulls are likely to undergo further development as the six-episode story progresses. Although this is the third time Marvel Studios has employed the concept of a displaced group as the show's antagonists, it remains an effective storytelling device. Unfortunately, displacement is a prevalent issue in the real world, with many people being uprooted due to conflicts worldwide. Through their Disney+ shows, Marvel Studios has aimed to highlight the importance of listening to and assisting displaced individuals rather than fighting against them, a message that Secret Invasion will likely continue to convey through the Skrulls.

Why The MCU Is Obsessed With The Same Villain Tropes

In addition to the MCU Disney+ shows, it is evident that the MCU frequently relies on the same villain themes in its different projects. One commonly recurring theme is the presence of flawed father figures, as exemplified by characters like Tony Stark, Star-Lord, Nebula, Gamora, Loki, Shang-Chi, and even Rocket, who confront their own fathers or father figures within the MCU. Another frequently employed villain trope is the emergence of dark counterparts to the respective heroes.

Throughout the earlier MCU endeavors, characters such as Iron Monger, Red Skull, Whiplash, and Abomination embodied this darker variation of the heroes. More recently, the franchise has continued this trend with the likes of Winter Soldier, Kaecilius, Wenwu, and Killmonger. Some of these villains even intersect with the bad father trope. When accounting for the displaced villains from the MCU's Disney+ shows, it becomes evident that the series has a tendency to recycle villain narratives. While these narratives often prove successful, particularly when portraying displaced antagonists with deeply sympathetic stories, it may be necessary for the MCU to venture into the creation of more original villains. However, this is unlikely to occur with Secret Invasion, despite the compelling nature of the Skrulls.

New episodes of Secret Invasion release every Wednesday on Disney+.