Summary
Spoiler Alert: Secret Invasion Episode 6 Unveils the Harvested DNA of Various MCU Characters, including Ghost, Captain America, Corvus Glaive, Thanos, and More.The Super Skrulls acquired augmented powers, such as superhuman strength and agility, by assimilating the genetic material of individuals like Captain Marvel, Abomination, Mantis, and Drax.
The incorporation of DNA from characters such as Hulk, Thor, Gamora, and Winter Soldier in the genetic harvest holds great importance, as it bestows upon the Super Skrulls formidable abilities derived from Asgardians and super soldiers.
In Secret Invasion episode 5, entitled "Harvest," an undisclosed number of MCU characters had their DNA included in the Harvest. This marked Samuel L. Jackson's first standalone adventure as Nick Fury in the MCU Phase 5 series. Due to Fury's extensive connections as the former Director of SHIELD and the benefactor of the Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes also played a significant role in Secret Invasion. Despite the absence of major cameos, the finale of Secret Invasion, titled "Home," showcased various superpowers. Kingsley Ben-Adir's character, Gravik, enhanced both himself and unintentionally Emilia Clarke's G'iah with the abilities of several past MCU characters, all thanks to the mysterious Harvest.
In "Harvest," the fifth episode of Secret Invasion, a previously unseen serum emerged. It was revealed that this serum contained the DNA of multiple characters, which was collected after the Battle of Earth in Avengers: Endgame. Fury mentioned that nearly every Avenger shed blood during the epic final battle against Thanos and his forces, but he kept quiet about the specific individuals whose DNA was included in the Harvest. However, Secret Invasion's finale unveiled a comprehensive list of characters whose DNA had been collected after Endgame. While numerous notable Avengers were mentioned, the list of 21 characters also included some surprising additions.
21 Ghost
Hannah John-Kamen made her debut as Ava Starr, also known as Ghost, in the film Ant-Man and the Wasp released in 2018. At the end of the movie, she was cured of her phasing issue and went on the run with her mentor, Bill Foster. It's interesting to note that her name was not mentioned in Avengers: Endgame, making her appearance in Secret Invasion unexpected. However, it's possible that Nick Fury had access to her DNA, considering Ghost's past as an assassin for SHIELD. Fans can anticipate Ghost's return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Phase 5's Thunderbolts, making this mention in Secret Invasion a possible setup for her comeback.
20 Captain America
In Secret Invasion episode 5, the introduction of the Harvest revealed that Steve Rogers' DNA would be incorporated into the serum. Chris Evans first portrayed Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011 and went on to play a significant role in various MCU narratives, including the epic showdown against Thanos in Avengers: Endgame. Following the injuries sustained in Endgame, Captain America's arm was sliced open, implying that there would be a substantial amount of his DNA available for collection. This DNA infusion endowed the Super Skrulls with incredible strength, speed, and stamina, alongside Erskine's super-soldier serum. It is worth noting that Rogers was not the only super soldier involved in the Harvest.
19 Corvus Glaive
Corvus Glaive, one of the Children of Thanos, made his debut in Avengers: Infinity War. Although he didn't possess any distinct powers, he displayed superior strength and agility, as well as a remarkable ability to heal. However, his life was cut short when Vision fatally impaled him with his own glaive. In Avengers: Endgame, Corvus Glaive returned to fight alongside his father once again, only to meet his demise yet again, this time by being speared by Okoye's vibranium spear. It is worth noting that Glaive's abilities could have greatly enhanced Super Skrulls during the Secret Invasion event, granting them abilities akin to those of Captain America, with the regenerative healing factor being an added bonus.
18 Thanos
Adding an unexpected twist to the roster of DNA in the Harvest, Thanos made a surprising appearance. Notably, he managed to avoid shedding any blood during the final battle in Avengers: Endgame. Initially introduced as Thanos by Josh Brolin in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy, his notable debut in Avengers: Infinity War showcased his grand entrance into the world of the Avengers. This marked the beginning of his mission to gather the powerful Infinity Stones and eradicate half the universe's population. Thanks to his indestructible Titan physiology, it became evident that Tony Stark faced immense challenges in drawing even a single drop of blood in Infinity War. Additionally, Thanos' exceptionally long lifespan may indicate that G'iah will remain a prominent presence for many years to come.
17 Outrider
The animalistic creatures known as the Outriders played a significant role in the events of Infinity War and Endgame, where they formed a substantial part of Thanos' army. These formidable beings engaged in battle against the Avengers in Wakanda, setting the stage for Thanos' eventual arrival to claim the Mind Stone. Despite their limited intelligence, the Outriders possess exceptional durability and employ brutal fighting techniques. The inclusion of Outriders' DNA in the Harvest in Secret Invasion would grant Gravik and G'iah impressive strength and a savage fierceness that would greatly aid them in any combat scenario. However, the integration of Outriders' DNA does not bestow any specific special abilities upon them.
16 Proxima Midnight
Meet Proxima Midnight, a formidable member of Thanos' Black Order, who also happens to be the wife and adoptive daughter of Corvus Glaive. Possessing similar abilities to her spouse, Proxima Midnight showcases her extraordinary talents in superhuman strength, agility, speed, durability, and reflexes. Her expertise in wielding spears and swords further highlights her exceptional skills. In Avengers: Infinity War, Proxima Midnight impressively holds her own against the Scarlet Witch, demonstrating her immense value as a member of the Harvest's DNA roster. However, it's worth noting that there are numerous characters with even more unique capabilities.
15 Captain Marvel
Brie Larson's Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel, became an exhilarating addition to the Harvest in Secret Invasion. Her impact was amplified by her affiliation with the Skrulls in the MCU. Having made her debut in Captain Marvel (2019), Danvers acquired her extraordinary abilities when she encountered the potent energy emitted by a Tesseract-powered light-speed engine. Following the unveiling of her powers, Captain Marvel was endowed with superhuman strength, endurance, and swiftness. Moreover, she gained the ability to manipulate cosmic energy, fly, regenerate at an accelerated rate compared to ordinary humans, and possess an extended lifespan. As one of the most formidable characters in the MCU, the prospect of the Super Skrulls acquiring her abilities is truly thrilling.
14 Abomination
Similar to Ghost, Emil Blonsky, also known as Abomination, did not make an appearance during the final battle in Avengers: Endgame. He had been imprisoned after the events of The Incredible Hulk in 2008. This imprisonment provided an opportunity for Fury to conveniently obtain Blonsky's DNA, making him a prime candidate for the Harvest. This is especially relevant considering the reformed villain's appearances in Phase 4's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Abomination possesses abilities similar to those of Bruce Banner's Hulk, but he is further enhanced with a derivative of the super-soldier serum. These enhancements grant Secret Invasion's Super Skrulls incredible and terrifying powers.
13 Mantis
12 Cull Obsidian
Pom Klementieff made her debut as Mantis in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), where she served as Ego's compassionate assistant before ultimately joining the Guardians. In the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, it was revealed that Mantis is actually Star-Lord's sister, indicating that she is also a half-Celestial. This revelation suggests that if her DNA were to be included in the Harvest, the resulting Super Skrulls in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) could potentially become some of the most formidable beings in the entire universe. Mantis' empathetic powers played a crucial role during the climactic battle between Gravik and G'iah in the Secret Invasion finale. By utilizing Mantis' abilities, G'iah successfully put Gravik into a deep sleep, preventing his destructive crash into the ground. This event serves as a testament to Mantis' true value, disproving any notion that she may be underestimated.
Cull Obsidian, the inaugural member of Thanos' Black Order, was the first to undergo enhancement through Secret Invasion's Super Skrull program. His formidable strength and unwavering endurance were successfully incorporated during the initial testing phase. Although it is conceivable that samples of Cull Obsidian's DNA could have been procured from the battlefields portrayed in Avengers: Endgame, the original remnants were presumably extracted from his severed hand, a consequence of his initial encounter on Earth in Avengers: Infinity War. The collaborative efforts of Spider-Man and Giant-Man (Scott Lang) resulted in Cull Obsidian's demise in Endgame, presenting a remarkable opportunity for Gravik and Fury's Skrull operatives to potentially retrieve a substantial quantity of his genetic material from the battlefield.
11 Drax
10 Korg
Mantis was not the sole member of the Guardians of the Galaxy to make an appearance alongside other MCU characters in Secret Invasion's Harvest. Drax the Destroyer's genetic material was also included in the mix. Dave Bautista brilliantly portrayed Drax in all Guardians of the Galaxy ventures and even made appearances in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, where he showcased his immense strength and ferocity while battling against Thanos. Drax possesses unparalleled strength and resilience, augmenting the already formidable Super Skrulls in Secret Invasion with a level of power comparable to that of the fearsome Thanos' Black Order, Captain America, and the Frost Beast.
Korg, portrayed by Taika Waititi in Thor: Ragnarok, started off as a gladiator in the Grandmaster's arena on Sakaar. Eventually, he formed a close bond with Thor and became a trusted ally. It remains unclear how Korg may have shed blood, but it's possible that he accidentally dropped some of his rock-like exterior during the climactic battle in Avengers: Endgame. This could have allowed Fury and the Skrulls to obtain samples of his DNA. Utilizing Korg's unique physiology, the Super Skrulls gained enhanced strength, durability, and stamina. During the final confrontation between Gravik and G'iah in Secret Invasion, Korg's involvement added an intriguing dimension to the extensive abilities of the Super Skrulls.
9 Ebony Maw
8 Frost Beast
Ebony Maw stands out as the most captivating member of Thanos' Black Order, distinguishing himself from his adoptive siblings who shared similar powers. Unlike them, Ebony Maw possesses extraordinary telekinetic and levitation abilities, making him a one-of-a-kind addition to Secret Invasion's Harvest. These telekinetic powers are also showcased by Gravik in the climactic events of Secret Invasion. Interestingly, it appears that Ebony Maw's genetic makeup also gives rise to the rings worn by the Super Skrulls in the MCU. While G'iah has yet to exhibit these newfound abilities, it would be truly exciting to witness her harnessing these powers in the future of the MCU.
The Frost Beast, a DNA sample confirmed for Secret Invasion, was initially used in the first round of Super Skrull experiments that granted Gravik his abilities. These creatures, native to the frozen lands of Jotunheim, were featured in the films Thor (2011) and Thor: The Dark World (2013). At the conclusion of the latter, a Frost Beast found itself stranded on Earth after the Convergence event. It appears that this creature may have either perished or been captured and its DNA obtained. The unexpected inclusion of a reference to Thor: The Dark World in Secret Invasion is a pleasant addition.
7 Hulk
6 Chitauri
The serum not only incorporated the Harvest's DNA, which included the genetic material of the Abomination, but it also contained the DNA of Bruce Banner, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, who portrayed the original Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Following exposure to gamma radiation, Bruce Banner acquired the ability to metamorphose into an enormous green creature driven by anger, although he has since acquired intellect and self-control over the years. His transformation into the intelligent and composed Smart Hulk in Avengers: Endgame marked the pinnacle of his development, although many fans still yearn for the return of the original, wrathful incarnation. Protecting his genetic information from falling into the wrong hands has always been a priority for Banner, and this narrative will be revisited when the Leader makes a comeback in Captain America: Brave New World.
The Chitauri, a villainous species in the MCU, played a prominent role as Thanos' army in The Avengers (2012). Known for their immense power and reptilian biomechanical form, the Chitauri were fearsome warriors. However, their strength largely stemmed from cybernetic enhancements rather than inherent abilities, rendering their inclusion in the Harvest in Secret Invasion somewhat futile. Nonetheless, their involvement in the final battle of Avengers: Endgame resulted in significant bloodshed, providing ample Chitauri DNA for collection.
5 Valkyrie
4 Thor Odinson
Tessa Thompson made her debut in Thor: Ragnarok as Brunnhilde, a former member of the Valkyries - a group of airborne warriors from Asgard who once fought against Hela, the Goddess of Death, but were defeated. Being an Asgardian, Valkyrie possesses similar powers to Thor, including superhuman strength, agility, endurance, stamina, and an extended lifespan. Additionally, Valkyrie is skilled in wielding incredibly powerful weapons such as Zeus' Thunderbolt and her own Dragonfang sword. The involvement of the new sovereign leader of Asgard's genetic material in the Harvest could potentially create a complex political issue in the future of the MCU, particularly since this act was done without Valkyrie's knowledge by Fury.
Similar to Valkyrie, Thor's genetic makeup has been utilized in the production of the Harvest gifts Super Skrulls in Secret Invasion, granting them extraordinary Asgardian capabilities. In addition to possessing the same abilities as Valkyrie due to his Asgardian physiology, Thor is also capable of flight and generating electricity from within his own body. His royal lineage further enables him to manipulate the weather and perform enchantments. While these powers were only recently revealed in Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of Thor, they have always been dormant within him. Thus, it can be inferred that G'iah now possesses the capacity to generate electricity in a similar fashion.
3 Gamora
Another character from the Guardians of the Galaxy (formerly) who will be featured in the Harvest's extensive DNA roster is Gamora. Portrayed by Zoe Saldaña since the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy, Gamora met her demise in Avengers: Infinity War. However, thanks to the Time Heist in Avengers: Endgame, a variant of Gamora was able to arrive in the present day. As she fought alongside Earth's Mightiest Heroes during the Battle of Earth, Gamora survived the snap carried out by Iron Man. With her Zehoberei physiology providing her with enhanced strength, agility, and stamina, Gamora is widely recognized as one of the most formidable warriors in the galaxy. Thus, her addition to the Harvest is highly advantageous.
2 Flora Colossus
Initially regarded as Rocket Raccoon's accomplice in Guardians of the Galaxy, Groot, played by Vin Diesel, evolved into a captivating and versatile member of the team in subsequent projects. While Groot only made his way to Earth during Infinity War and Endgame, it remains unclear where the Super Skrulls obtained his DNA for their initial experiments. However, it was reasonable to assume that he was included in the Harvest alongside the DNA of other characters. Groot's physique resembling wood grants him remarkable resilience and the ability to manipulate his body, generate plants, elongate his limbs, and even regenerate from severe injuries like losing his arms or regrowing from a mere twig.