Warning! Spoilers ahead for Secret Invasion. In Secret Invasion, the revelation about Nick Fury's origins story provides an explanation for his decision to recruit Thor into the Avengers Initiative. This Disney+ series serves as the comeback project for Samuel L. Jackson's beloved Marvel Cinematic character, who was absent for most of the end of the Infinity Saga. Following his failure to fulfill his promise to find the Skrulls a new home planet in Captain Marvel, Fury faces the consequences in Secret Invasion. Now, he, along with his long-time ally Talos the Skrull, must race against time to prevent Gravik and his followers from taking over Earth. With his back against the wall, Fury embarks on his most important mission yet.
Marvel Studios has confirmed that Secret Invasion takes place in the present of the MCU, a few years after the Avengers' victory over Thanos and Fury's involvement in the SABER project. Despite this, the inclusion of flashbacks allows Marvel Studios to delve into past events. This is necessary due to the direct connection between Secret Invasion and the aftermath of Captain Marvel, particularly the unfulfilled promise made to the Skrulls by Carol Danvers and Fury. As a result, years of collaboration between Fury, a rising SHIELD operative, and the shape-shifting race took place, until their recent conflict.
Nick Fury's Skrull Retcons Better Explain Why He Recruited Thor So Soon
Secret Invasion did not extensively explore Fury's partnership with the Skrulls due to limited screen time. However, it repeatedly highlights the crucial role played by the shape-shifting creatures in Fury's rise in the ranks. In a intense conversation with Talos, it becomes evident that he and his fellow aliens were integral to many of Fury's achievements. Despite their occasional disagreements, Talos has consistently proven himself to be reliable and trustworthy. This, along with Fury's connection with Varra/Priscilla, explains why he was not intimidated by Thor's arrival in The Avengers.
Thor was not originally included in Fury's Avengers Initiative. He was the only member of the original Earth's Mightiest roster who was not recruited. Instead, he became involved because of his brother, Loki. However, after the initial confrontation with Iron Man and Captain America, Thor was readily accepted into the team. This raised suspicions, especially considering the resistance that Fury gave Tony Stark in joining the squad and the fact that Loki was the main cause of the crisis. Nevertheless, it becomes clearer that Fury's existing partnership with the Skrulls justified his acceptance of Thor.
Nick Fury's Skrull Retcons Also Explain His Reaction To Asgardians
Fury was unfazed when he encountered the Asgardians for the first time. His prior experience with the events of Captain Marvel had already made him aware of the existence of other life forms beyond Earth. Dealing with extraterrestrials, such as Thor's race, was nothing new to him. He had been closely collaborating with the Skrulls even before the Battle of New York, as established in Secret Invasion. However, since confronting Loki required a public display of force, he could not solely rely on the shape-shifting aliens to defend the planet against the God of Mischief.
Catch the latest episodes of Secret Invasion every Wednesday on Disney+.
