Unveiling the Marvel Series' Extraordinary Inspirations

Secret Invasion director Ali Selim reveals his unconventional sources of inspiration for the Marvel Cinematic Universe series. The show, based on the Marvel Comics storyline of the same name, follows Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) as he returns to Earth to confront a group of renegade Skrulls who are plotting to seize power and dominate the planet. Joining Fury in this mission are Talos (played by Ben Mendelsohn), Maria Hill (played by Cobie Smulders), and Everett K. Ross (played by Martin Freeman).

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Ali Selim discusses the upcoming Disney+ series and shares his influences for the espionage-themed show. Surprisingly, Selim draws inspiration from films outside the comic book genre, including Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation and Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven. Read on to learn more about Selim's inspirations for Secret Invasion.

I was intrigued by the prospect of an older Nick Fury who had to delve deep within himself to rediscover his confidence and abilities. The themes of trust, suspicion, and identity captivated me, leading me to draw inspiration from film noir. The creative team and I extensively discussed films like "The Third Man" and Coppola's "The Conversation," which brilliantly explore themes of suspicion and paranoia. Throughout the series, Nick transforms into a quintessential American lone wolf gunslinger, reminiscent of characters in John Ford's "The Searchers" and Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven." We incorporated elements from these films, resulting in a rich and diverse blend of influences.

How Secret Invasion Can Set Itself Apart In The MCU

In addition to his unique range of inspirations for the show, Selim's work at the helm of Secret Invasion marks a return to the early days of the MCU on Disney+. He will be directing all six episodes of the series, just like the first handful of shows - WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki. However, the subsequent shows such as Hawkeye, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law had multiple directors.

The mixed response to She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, particularly regarding the occasionally unsettling CGI used for Tatiana Maslany's character, contributed to the growing division among audiences. While some argue that this division was due to the writing rather than the direction, having a consistent voice in both aspects could help Secret Invasion overcome some of these challenges.

Another advantage that Secret Invasion has is the darker and more paranoid tone showcased in its trailers, setting it apart from the majority of other MCU titles in Phase 4 and the franchise as a whole. Considering the success of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which delved into the world of espionage in Phase 2, it will be intriguing to see if the show can achieve similar greatness.

Secret Invasion begins airing on Disney+ on June 21.