Secret Invasion delves into the consequences faced by humans whose identities are assumed by Skrulls in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Although the MCU has made significant alterations to the Skrulls since their debut in the franchise, it remained uncertain how they differed from their comic book counterparts, except for the attempt to portray them as morally intricate characters. Nevertheless, Secret Invasion reveals that certain aspects of both versions of these figures are indeed similar.
This is because the Skrull faction led by Gravik in the Secret Invasion storyline shares similar intentions with the Skrulls in the Secret Invasion comic, albeit with different methods employed in the MCU. Gravik's plot to annihilate humanity by substituting key individuals with Skrull imposters bears a remarkable resemblance to the comics, particularly in terms of generating suspense for viewers. Therefore, it is crucial for the MCU's Secret Invasion to carefully depict how the Skrulls are capable of seamlessly replacing these figures, even fooling those in close proximity, thus setting the stage for unexpected character revelations.
Secret Invasion Reveals How Skrulls Take Over Human Identities
In Secret Invasion episode 1, the process by which Skrulls disguise themselves as humans is revealed. A Skrull named Brogan demonstrates how he transforms into a human and absorbs their memories. This explicit portrayal clarifies the Skrulls' ability to completely assume a human identity, while also explaining why the humans being impersonated remain unaware of their alter ego, appearing unconscious during the transformation.
It is important to note, however, that Skrulls can change form without going through this process. This is evident when Gravik transforms into Nick Fury at the end of the episode. Nevertheless, this alternative method likely lacks the memories and understanding of the individual being transformed, making it more challenging to convincingly replicate them. This could also explain why Agent Prescod attacks the Skrull imposter of Everett Ross at the beginning of the episode, as it is unlikely that the Skrull possessed Ross' thoughts and mannerisms to the same extent.
What Are The Pods The Skrulls Keep Humans In?
In Secret Invasion, the memory probes, also known as fracking pods, bear resemblance to those previously used by the Skrulls in the MCU, as depicted in Captain Marvel. The movie showcases a similar experience where the main character, Captain Marvel, undergoes this process, allowing Talos to access her memories. However, in Secret Invasion, these pods appear to be even more brutal when not under the control of someone like Talos. The Skrull base in this series is filled with unconscious humans, emphasizing the gravity of Gravik's plot.
In one particular scene, Brogan taps into the thoughts and mind of a human, who is shown being placed into one of these pod-like machines before having their mind stolen. The Skrull compound is equipped with numerous pods, each containing a docile unconscious human. These machines are designed to keep the individuals within them calm, as demonstrated when the panicking man, whom Brogan mimics, immediately becomes still and seemingly unconscious as the machine powers on and emits a current towards his head.
How Many Humans Have Skrulls Taken Over In The MCU?
In Secret Invasion episode 1, G'iah sheds light on the extent of Gravik's agents in the field, stating that there are "over a hundred" of them. This not only emphasizes the vast number of Skrulls who have infiltrated human society as part of the villain's plan in the MCU, but it also raises the possibility of additional Skrulls who are not involved in the plot but are disguised to seamlessly integrate with society, further increasing the actual count.
Fortunately, it seems that the number of humans whose minds have been taken by Skrulls is relatively smaller. In the pod room depicted in episode 1, there were approximately twenty machines, implying a smaller group of individuals who have been abducted and placed in stasis to allow their imposters to assume their identities. Unless subsequent revelations unveil a significantly larger number of these devices within the compound, it suggests that the scale of human victims is comparatively limited.
However, this does offer some reassurance to MCU fans whose beloved characters have fallen victim to identity theft. It significantly decreases the likelihood of Skrulls successfully masquerading as prominent MCU figures. This comforting notion should alleviate the worries of viewers who fear that their favorite characters may have been entirely replaced in the midst of the Secret Invasion.