Editor’s Note: The following content contains spoilers for Secret Invasion Episode 4.
Secret Invasion Episode 4 has confirmed the fan theory that James “Rhodey” Rhodes (played by Don Cheadle) has been replaced by a Skrull. The episode reveals that Rhodey is actually being impersonated by one of the shapeshifting aliens, who is working with Gravik (played by Kingsley Ben-Adir) to start World War III and turn Earth into a nuclear wasteland. The Skrulls, being immune to radioactivity, plan to claim the planet for themselves by fueling existing animosities between nations. While some may not be thrilled with the twist of Rhodey becoming a Skrull, it aligns with Gravik’s plan to have a spy in one of the highest-ranking positions in the US.
This revelation in Secret Invasion Episode 4 sets the stage for exciting possibilities in the upcoming Marvel Studios movie, Armor Wars, which focuses on Cheadle’s War Machine. Armor Wars, originally announced as a Disney+ series in 2020, is based on a comic book storyline where Tony Stark hunts down supervillains who have used his armor designs for destructive purposes. With Tony Stark gone, War Machine steps in to retrieve the Stark technology that has fallen into the wrong hands. While the exact plot of Armor Wars is still unknown, Marvel Studios has since announced that it will be a big-budget movie instead of a limited series. This suggests the potential for other heroes to join War Machine in his fight against crime. It’s possible that Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams, Stark’s successor in the comics, might appear in the film.
The twist in Secret Invasion Episode 4 regarding Rhodey as a Skrull changes the direction of Armor Wars. Originally seen as an opportunity for Rhodey to reflect on the consequences of Stark Industries’ technology, the series now poses the question of where the real human Rhodey is and how long he has been replaced. It raises the possibility that the Skrull impersonating Rhodey has been manipulating events for quite some time. The revelation that Nick Fury’s wife has been working for Gravik adds weight to this theory. When the real Rhodey wakes up, he will find himself in an unfamiliar world, potentially having lost months or even years of his life. This sets up a compelling story where Rhodey must confront the fact that someone used his face to cause chaos and decide whether he will clean up the mess his Skrull self created.
This storyline in Armor Wars can be an opportunity to honor Tony Stark’s legacy. In both the comics and the MCU, Stark recognizes the harm caused by his technology and takes responsibility for it. The theme of Armor Wars centers around Stark’s determination to ensure his tech is not misused by villains. Similarly, when Rhodey awakens from his ordeal, he may discover that his Skrull impersonator has used the War Machine armor to create weapons worldwide. In this scenario, Rhodey would have ample reason to go against the US Army and recover the lost technology. By tying the narrative of Armor Wars to Secret Invasion, the movie has a chance to give War Machine a compelling character arc and make him one of the MCU’s most influential heroes.
The emotional depth and moral challenges presented in Armor Wars have the potential to make it one of the standout productions in the MCU. Rhodey’s previous role as a military officer following orders was not as engaging, but this twist elevates his character and sets him on a path to make significant decisions that put his career and personal beliefs at risk. Secret Invasion and Armor Wars intertwine, creating an opportunity for War Machine to have a transformative journey and follow in the footsteps of his late friend, Tony Stark.
Watch new episodes of Secret Invasion every Wednesday on Disney+.
Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
