Unveiling the Jaw-Dropping Avengers Retcon that Changes Everything in MCU Phase 5

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Secret Invasion episode 3. In Phase 5's Secret Invasion, Marvel Studios delivers its most significant retcon for the Avengers after 32 films. The latest Disney+ show in the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings together Nick Fury and Talos the Skrull, who first met in 1995's Captain Marvel. However, a lot has happened since then, especially after the Avengers' battle with Thanos in the Infinity Saga. Despite their differences, Fury and Talos remain each other's staunchest allies, a fact highlighted in Secret Invasion episode 3, "Betrayed."

A great deal has transpired in the MCU since Fury's last visit to Earth for Iron Man's funeral in Avengers: Endgame. While occupied with SABER, it becomes evident in Secret Invasion that Fury intentionally kept his distance. During this time, Gravik and his followers devised a plan to seize control of Earth, fueled by Fury and Carol Danvers' broken promise to find them a new home planet. As Fury reestablishes his connections, previously undisclosed details about his history with the Skrulls emerge, reshaping how the Avengers Initiative is perceived.

How Secret Invasion Made The Skrulls Fury's First Avengers Team

In Secret Invasion episode 2's flashback, it was unveiled what transpired after Fury and Carol Danvers failed to fulfill their promise of finding a new home for the Skrulls. With Talos' support, Fury managed to persuade a group of shape-shifters to work for him as covert agents, permitting them to quietly settle on Earth. Essentially, the Skrulls acted as Fury's original Avengers team, a concept further emphasized in Secret Invasion episode 3 during Fury's conversation with Talos in the car. "We provided you with more information and intelligence than you could have ever gathered on your own," the Skrull expressed.

Despite having already arrived at their destination and having more urgent matters on his plate, Fury does not dispute anything Talos stated. He could have perhaps brushed it off dismissively, but instead he remains silent, contemplative even, as if he is reflecting on all that Talos and the Skrulls have done to assist him over the years. Considering the shape-shifters served as Fury's inaugural team of operatives, they essentially represented his initial attempt at executing the Avengers Initiative.

Secret Invasion Completely Changes The Avengers Initiative

From his debut in the Iron Man post-credits scene, Fury has become an essential figure in the MCU. His most significant contribution was bringing together the original Earth Mightiest Heroes in The Avengers in 2012. However, it was later revealed in Captain Marvel that the idea of assembling a superhero squad came to him in 1995. This long gap between conception and execution can now be explained by his true ties to the Skrulls.

For a while, Fury survived with the assistance of the shape-shifters, the Skrulls. Since the Skrulls possess superpowers and are capable beings, Fury didn't require other superheroes. However, due to their discreet nature, he couldn't rely on them to handle larger incidents like the Battle of New York. This is why Fury needed a team that could openly operate, hence the formation of the Avengers. If it hadn't been for this necessity, he might have solely depended on the Skrulls to address sensitive issues.

The Avengers Explain Why The Skrulls Are So Pissed Off

Gravik's ruthless behavior towards humans based on their failure to fulfill their promise of finding a home appears unsubstantial. Both Fury and Captain Marvel have shown a strong commitment to keeping their word, as evidenced by their efforts. However, Secret Invasion reveals that the Skrulls have become tired of being taken advantage of. While Fury proposed a partnership, he not only failed to deliver on his promise but also displayed little appreciation for the Skrulls who fulfilled their end of the bargain. The growing resentment Gravik harbors against Fury and humans in Secret Invasion may also stem from the fact that the Avengers receive all the recognition for ensuring Earth's safety. While the Skrulls are forced to remain low-key and put their lives on the line for others, Earth's Mightiest Heroes not only receive the necessary resources but are also celebrated worldwide. At the very least, Fury should not have abandoned them.

Secret Invasion airs new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+.