Unveiling the Mind-Blowing Easter Eggs and References Hidden in Secret Invasion Episode 3 MCU

Warning! This article contains spoilers for episode 3 of Secret Invasion. Continuing with the trend set by the first two episodes, episode 3 of Secret Invasion is filled with twists, turns, and subtle nods to the larger MCU. Unlike shows like Loki or Ms. Marvel, which make their references more obvious, Secret Invasion takes on a more espionage-centered storyline, resulting in Easter eggs being cleverly sprinkled throughout each episode.

Building upon the Easter eggs present in episode 2, Secret Invasion, being a more grounded addition to the MCU, incorporates hidden references that tie in with the show's overarching themes. Whether it's the connections to Captain Marvel or the DNA samples acquired by Gravik that allude to past MCU entries, the first two episodes of Secret Invasion were abound with Easter eggs. Although not as extensive as its predecessors, episode 3 of Secret Invasion continues to pay homage to the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe.

7 Secret Invasion Episode 3 Marks The First Mention Of Super Skrulls

In Secret Invasion episode 3, Gravik and his team of Skrulls continue their mission to conquer Earth. The scene focuses on their plan to carry out a nuclear attack on the United Nations, and also provides more insight into Gravik's strategy for dealing with the Avengers, who they foresee as potential adversaries. Gravik invites the Skrull council, consisting of influential members from various governments, to witness the machine that utilizes the DNA samples collected by the Skrulls.

Gravik discloses that the Skrulls intend to enhance themselves with extraordinary abilities using this machine, in order to counteract any resistance from Earth's heroes once the invasion is made public. While this notion has been speculated since episode 2, it is in Secret Invasion episode 3 that Super Skrulls are officially mentioned. Gravik announces the Skrulls' aspiration to become super-powered beings, referencing the enhanced version of the green aliens featured in Marvel Comics.

6 Gravik's Plan To Become Super Skrulls Links To Vision From Captain America: Civil War

Gravik's plan to create Super Skrulls is indirectly connected to Vision's statements in Captain America: Civil War. In the 2016 film, Vision explains his decision to support Tony Stark in the Sokovia Accords debate. He believes that the increasing strength of Earth's heroes is encouraging others to become more powerful, leading to conflicts witnessed during the Infinity Saga. Vision believed that government oversight could help minimize these conflicts caused by the heroes' innate abilities.

This connection becomes manifest in Secret Invasion episode 3, where Gravik acknowledges the power of the Avengers. This realization serves as the primary motivation behind his experiments in creating Super Skrulls for the Secret Invasion. Gravik's actions align with Vision's words, as the immense power possessed by the Avengers drives him to enhance the Skrulls' abilities, inevitably causing conflicts in the future. While Captain America: Civil War is not explicitly referenced in Secret Invasion episode 3, Vision's statements act as a subtle Easter egg, shedding light on why Gravik's uprising evolves from covert infiltration to acts of super-powered terrorism.

5 Secret Invasion Episode 3 References Black Widow's Dreykov

In a similar fashion to its predecessor in episode 2, Secret Invasion episode 3 incorporated flashbacks from the 1990s. These flashbacks revolved around Fury's developing relationship with Varra, the Skrull who is revealed to be his wife in the present storyline of Secret Invasion. It is unveiled that Varra was a member of Fury's Skrull division, which he established after Captain Marvel, enabling him to gather information to safeguard Earth while he and Carol Danvers searched for a new home.

The flashback showcases a meeting between Varra and Fury, during which Varra provides Fury with significant information that alludes to another aspect of the MCU. After handing Fury a brown envelope, Varra comments, "This should put Dreykov's men on their heels." Dreykov, portrayed by Ray Winstone, is the antagonist in the Black Widow movie and the leader of the Red Room. Drawing upon the previous conflicts between Natasha Romanoff and Dreykov, this Easter egg cleverly links Secret Invasion's self-contained narrative to past events in the MCU.

4 Gravik's Super Skrull Powers Include Iron Man 3's Extremis

In Secret Invasion episode 2, G'iah examines the DNA samples collected by Gravik's Skrulls. Among them is a sample from an Extremis soldier, a genetic mutation explored in Iron Man 3 by A.I.M. This mutation grants soldiers fire-based powers, enabling them to regenerate and become stronger. The significance of this discovery is realized in episode 3, as it is revealed that Gravik himself is a Super Skrull with Extremis abilities.

During a conversation with Talos, Gravik mentions G'iah, which provokes Talos to stab him with a knife. Surprisingly, Gravik effortlessly removes his hand from the blade and his Extremis powers activate, healing his wound. Episode 3 showcases the manifestation of the hinted Extremis powers, featuring the same visual representation seen in Iron Man 3, including the distinctive orange glow and healing effects.

3 Fury's S.H.I.E.L.D. Career Is Referenced In Secret Invasion Episode 3

2 Secret Invasion Episode 3 References Captain Marvel's "Nobody Calls Me Nick"

During the climactic moments of Secret Invasion episode 3, a subtle Easter egg appears. Prior to embarking on their mission, Talos and Fury engage in a conversation inside a car, where Talos makes a clever reference to Fury's past as a spy within the MCU. Talos confirms that Fury's rapid ascent up the ranks was solely attributed to the Skrulls, who provided him with indispensable information. This reference also ties into the earlier mention of Dreykov in the episode, ultimately shedding new light on Fury's influence in the MCU by suggesting that a significant portion of his covert knowledge was courtesy of the Skrulls themselves.

In Captain Marvel, the film repeatedly references Nick Fury's ability to identify a Skrull based on whether they address him as Fury or not. Fury discloses to Carol that he is exclusively referred to as Fury and not by his full name, Nicholas or the shortened version, Nick. In episode 3 of Secret Invasion, a Skrull impersonating Talos mistakenly addresses Fury using his first name, Nick. This arouses Fury's suspicion, enabling him to gain the upper hand and liberate Talos by asserting, "Nobody calls me Nick, Bob." This cleverly nods to an Easter egg in Captain Marvel and serves as a similar method for Fury to identify an infiltrating Skrull.

1 Secret Invasion Episode 3's Ending Phone Call References Rhodey’s Skrull Identity

In Secret Invasion episode 3's conclusion, it is unveiled that Fury's spouse is secretly collaborating with Gravik. Varra places a call to someone, asking to speak to Gravik, and the voice on the opposite end subtly hints at a theory from Secret Invasion episode 2. This particular theory suggested that Rhodes from Secret Invasion could be a Skrull, and episode 3 appears to support this as the voice on the phone seems to belong to Rhodey himself. While the episode does not officially confirm this, it establishes Rhodey's voice as an Easter egg within the MCU, hinting at a significant revelation and conflict between Fury and Rhodes in the future of Secret Invasion. New episodes of Secret Invasion premiere every Wednesday on Disney+.