Unveiling the Star-Studded Marvel Cast: Every New & Returning Character in Secret Invasion

Marvel's Secret Invasion marks the return of beloved MCU characters alongside the addition of top-tier actors to the Marvel Comics adaptation. With only 6 episodes, the brilliant concept allows for a compact cast to potentially expand to unprecedented levels, thanks to the notion that Skrulls could have taken the place of anyone in the existing MCU. However, at its core, Secret Invasion serves as an opportunity to bring Nick Fury back to Earth and reunite him with his closest allies.

For those who are watching and finding themselves wondering where they recognize the actors in Secret Invasion from, or why their character names feel so familiar from the pages of Marvel Comics, fret not. We have all the answers you need. The cast of Secret Invasion features the return of characters from MCU Phase 1, 2, and 3, as well as the introduction of new faces and some incredible surprises. It's a star-studded ensemble that showcases the key players of Marvel, both human and Skrull alike. Let's dive into each character and discover where you may have seen these talented actors before.

Samuel L. Jackson - Nick FIry

Cobie Smulders - Maria Hill

Ben Mendelsohn - Talos

Kingsley Ben-Adir - Gravik

Emilia Clarke - G’iah

Olivia Colman - Sonya Falswort

Don Cheadle - James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes

Dermot Mulroney - President Ritson

Martin Freeman - Everett K. Ross

Samuel L. Jackson As Nick Fury

Returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Secret Invasion, Samuel L. Jackson takes on the role of Nick Fury once again. Jackson has been a prominent figure in the MCU since his cameo appearance after the credits of Iron Man. Initially serving as the Director of SHIELD and later becoming an advisor to the Avengers, he has become a beloved and familiar face in the franchise. With an impressive resume that includes iconic franchises like Star Wars and collaborations with Quentin Tarantino, Jackson's presence in Secret Invasion is highly anticipated. Notably, he also starred in the thrilling film Snakes On A Plane.

Secret Invasion sees Fury's return to Earth following a prolonged period in space on the SABER space station. He is summoned back due to the tragic demise of his friend and long-time ally, Soren. However, Fury's experiences in Avengers: Infinity War, where he was abruptly erased from existence by Thanos, have left him weary and emotionally affected. Tasked with investigating the Skrull insurrection, he finds himself in a precarious situation as he is uncertain about who he can trust.

Ben Mendelsohn As Talos

Renowned for portraying antagonistic characters like Orson Krennic in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Nolan Sorrento in Ready Player One, Ben Mendelsohn's portrayal of Talos in the 2019 blockbuster Captain Marvel showcased the versatile range of the Australian actor.

Responsible for introducing the Skrulls into the wider MCU, Mendelsohn took charge with his exceptional performance, once again partnering with Jackson's Nick Fury for Secret Invasion. Talos, who appeared in Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home's post-credits scene, is the father of Emilia Clarke's G'iah and the late husband of Soren.

Cobie Smulders As Maria Hill

Cobie Smulders reprises her role as Maria Hill, a close ally and former confidant of Nick Fury, in Secret Invasion. First introduced in The Avengers in 2012, Hill has been left on Earth without Fury for several years, taking on the responsibility of handling various challenges on her own. As time passes and Fury remains unresponsive, Hill becomes increasingly frustrated with the lack of communication.

Previously recognized for her portrayal of Robin in the popular TV series How I Met Your Mother, Smulders has also played the character of Hill in various projects within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), including appearances in Agents of SHIELD and What If...?. With her upcoming role in Secret Invasion, this will mark her ninth appearance in the mainline MCU.

Emilia Clarke As G'iah

Emilia Clarke, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO's Game of Thrones, has joined the highly anticipated cast of Secret Invasion. In the series, she portrays G'iah, a Skrull member of the resistance and the estranged daughter of Talos. While Clarke's character was briefly seen as a child in Captain Marvel, her portrayal in Secret Invasion delves deeper into G'iah's embittered nature, as she has been radicalized by the mistreatment of the Skrulls. Although G'iah is based on a Marvel Comics character of the same name, her backstory and connection with Talos are unique to the MCU.

Olivia Colman As Sonya Falsworth

Olivia Colman, an Academy-Award-winning actress, takes on the role of Sonya Falsworth in Secret Invasion, a character exclusive to the show and not based on Marvel Comics. Falsworth, a formidable and brilliant MI6 agent, is fiercely dedicated to safeguarding England's interests and national security amidst the Skrull crisis. Additionally, she shares a history with Nick Fury and is speculated to be connected to James Montgomery Falsworth, a member of Steve Rogers' Howling Commandos from Captain America: The First Avenger.

Known for her exceptional performances in The Crown, The Favourite, and The Lost Daughter, among other notable works, Colman brings a sense of weight and genuine charm to her portrayal of Sonya Falsworth in Secret Invasion. However, it is important to note that Falsworth is a force to be reckoned with, displaying an unwavering determination and strength.

Kingsley Ben-Adir As Gravik

Kingsley Ben-Adir portrays Gravik, the antagonist in Secret Invasion. Gravik leads the Skrull resistance and sees himself as a freedom fighter, determined to make Earth the new home for the Skrulls. Unlike the character in the original Secret Invasion Marvel Comics storyline, Gravik is not based on any specific Marvel character. His past experiences have shaped him into the leader of the Skrull rebellion.

Following his critically acclaimed performance as Malcolm X in One Night in Miami, which garnered him various awards, Ben-Adir takes on a crucial role in Secret Invasion. Originally from London, Ben-Adir has also made notable appearances in The OA (2016), High Fidelity (2020), and Peaky Blinders (2013).

Don Cheadle As James "Rhodey" Rhodes, A.K.A. War Machine

Don Cheadle, a long-standing member of the MCU, will further develop his character of Rhodey in Secret Invasion, setting the stage for his upcoming solo adventure in Armor Wars. Rhodey, an officer in the US Air Force and a member of the Avengers, first appeared in the MCU in 2010's Iron Man 2, taking over the role from Terrence Howard who portrayed him in Iron Man. However, in Secret Invasion, Rhodey assumes a more political role as the right-hand man of the current president in the MCU.

Martin Freeman As Everett K. Ross

Martin Freeman returns as Everett Ross in the first episode of Secret Invasion. He previously portrayed the character in Captain America: Civil War and the Black Panther movies. In Secret Invasion, Freeman's portrayal of Ross will delve into a more intense and dramatic characterization, particularly following the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In this film, Ross's own CIA and his ex-wife-turned-boss Valentina, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, have turned against him.

Freeman is best known for his roles as Tim in The UK Office and as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy. Secret Invasion marks his fourth appearance in the MCU.

Dermot Mulroney As President Ritson

Dermot Mulroney has been chosen to portray President Ritson in Secret Invasion, making him the first President to be featured in the MCU since William Sadler portrayed President Matthew Ellis in Iron Man 3. However, Mulroney's role is expected to be relatively short-lived, as it has been confirmed that Harrison Ford's General Thaddeus Ross will assume the role of President in the upcoming film Captain America: New World Order.

Mulroney has made a name for himself in the film industry, starring in popular movies such as Young Guns, My Best Friend's Wedding, and more recently Scream VI, where he portrayed Detective Bailey. The upcoming film Secret Invasion marks a reunion between Mulroney and Samuel L Jackson, as they previously collaborated on the 1996 movie The Long Kiss Goodnight.

Secret Invasion Supporting Cast

Richard Dormer As Agent Prescod

Richard Dormer, much like Emilia Clarke, gained fame for his previous role on Game of Thrones as Beric Dondarrion. With a strong background in British television, Dormer takes on the character of Agent Prescod in Secret Invasion. This character, an agent of SHIELD, finds himself forced into hiding in Russia due to his knowledge of the Skrull Invasion and their plot to conquer Earth.

Tony Curran As Prime Minister Derri

Tony Curran makes a short but memorable appearance as Derrik, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Sonya Falsworth's superior. A talented Scottish actor, Curran has gained recognition for his roles in popular shows such as Deadwood and Ray Donovan. He has also showcased his acting skills by portraying the villainous character Despero on The CW's The Flash.

Killian Scott As Pagon

Killian Scott became a member of the Secret Invasion cast in April 2021, portraying Pagon, one of Gravik's Skrull warriors. With his notable roles in Dublin Murders and Love/Hate, Scott contributes his unique talent to an already impressive ensemble. Pagon appears to be a rendition of the Marvel Comics character Skrull Fiz.

Christopher McDonald As News Host

Christopher McDonald makes an appearance in episode 2 of Secret Invasion as a host resembling those seen on FOX news channel, clearly drawing inspiration from Tucker Carlson. McDonald, a versatile actor known for playing numerous villainous characters, will be recognizable to superhero enthusiasts as the voice of Jor-El in Superman: The Animated Series and an older version of Superman in Batman Beyond.

Charlayne Woodard As Priscilla Fury

Charlayne Woodard joined the Secret Invasion cast in September 2022 and made her first appearance in episode 2. Known for her previous roles as Janice on the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Mrs. Price in Glass, Woodard takes on the enigmatic character of Priscilla Fury, the mysterious wife of Nick Fury.

Samuel Adewunmi As Beto

British actor Samuel Adewunmi joined the cast of Secret Invasion in March 2023, playing the role of Beto, a fresh Skrull recruit. Adewunmi, who won a BAFTA for his performance in the BBC series You Don't Know Me, brings strong support to the Secret Invasion ensemble.