Editor’s note: The following content contains spoilers for Episode 5 of Secret Invasion. Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects always generate speculation about potential cameos, but it’s important to approach these rumors with caution. However, it’s the unexpected cameos that truly enhance the interconnected MCU experience. In a surprising move, the latest episode of Secret Invasion features the return of O-T Fagbenle’s character, Rick Mason, who first appeared in Black Widow. So, who exactly is Rick Mason in the MCU?
Rick Mason debuted in Black Widow as an ally of Natasha Romanoff, played by Scarlett Johansson. He is a smuggler with a military background, rescued by Natasha from a Cambodian prison. They develop a friendship, and Rick assists her in evading Secretary Ross’s order of capture by providing a helicopter. Despite being captured by Ross, Rick remains loyal to Natasha and covertly warns her, allowing her to continue her mission to take down the Red Room. In gratitude, Natasha, deep in debt to Rick, provides him with a Quinjet that he later uses to help Captain America’s Avengers escape from The Raft before the events of Avengers: Infinity War.
In Secret Invasion, Rick returns to aid Nick Fury. He offers Fury safe passage to Finland in a private jet but reveals that the helicarrier is no longer operational, limiting Fury’s options for travel. While his background remains largely unknown at this point, the comic book version of Rick is the son of Phineas Mason, also known as the Tinkerer, a villain. Phineas appears in Spider-Man: Homecoming, played by Michael Chernus, as part of Vulture’s criminal group, although it is unclear if there is a familial connection between the two characters.
What future MCU projects could include Rick Mason? There has been speculation about the reasons behind the transformation of Armor Wars from a Disney+ series into a feature film. In Episode 4 of Secret Invasion, it is revealed that James Rhodes, portrayed by Don Cheadle, was impersonated by a Skrull. This suggests that the real Rhodes will return to rectify the situation caused by the imposter. Rick’s resourcefulness and his personal connections with Natasha and Yelena make him a valuable ally for Rhodes, who will likely face tarnished public image due to the Skrull’s actions. Additionally, considering Rick’s ties to Black Widow, there could be potential for his involvement in Thunderbolts, a film that brings together various characters from past MCU projects, including Taskmaster and Red Guardian. Bringing Rick back as a supporting player in Thunderbolts, alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, would make sense given the connections to Black Widow. It would also be interesting to see how Rick interacts with Thaddeus Ross, now portrayed by Harrison Ford, in his reappearance.
Rick’s appearance in Secret Invasion is brief but significant. In a series where Fury’s trust in others is put into question, Rick’s role adds context to his character, highlighting his reliability. Though he remains a smuggler and independent contractor, he is honorable and loyal. Even Natasha trusted him with her life, showcasing the personal connection between the two characters. Rick presents an intriguing character worth exploring further, particularly with Fagbenle’s talent. Hopefully, this appearance signals the possibility of more Rick Mason in the future of the MCU. Don’t miss the Secret Invasion finale, premiering next Wednesday on Disney+!
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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.
