Secret Invasion: A Missed Opportunity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Secret Invasion had tremendous potential. It boasted an impressive lineup of talent, an intriguing premise, and a well-executed marketing campaign that cleverly integrated Skrulls into other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects. Yet, despite all of this, the series ultimately fell short and was doomed from the start. When examining how Secret Invasion fits into the larger MCU narrative, it becomes evident that the timing was off. Marvel should have waited to develop and properly execute its central premise, rather than offering a half-baked amalgamation of ideas.
The inspiration for Secret Invasion originated from the 2008 comic book crossover of the same name. In that storyline, the Skrulls, an antagonistic alien race, infiltrate Earth by assuming the identities of key characters such as Elektra, Spider-Woman, and the Avengers’ butler Jarvis. What begins as a slow and subtle infiltration rapidly escalates into an all-out war. The drama arises from the tense conversations where characters attempt to discern which individuals in their lives are secretly Skrulls. While the comic crossover was grand and captivating, it deviates from its core storyline two-thirds of the way through. Nevertheless, it left a lasting impact on the Marvel universe and its readers.
The MCU adaptation took a different approach, opting for a quieter version of the story that aimed to blend the suspense of a paranoid thriller with an Invasion of the Body Snatchers-style plot. It centered the narrative on Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson, an aging spy who inadvertently created a complex relationship between humans and Skrulls when he brought them to Earth in the 90s. This concept had potential, as it minimized the need for an abundance of prominent characters and aligned well with Nick Fury’s spy background. Unfortunately, after a few episodes, a major issue became apparent.
Secret Invasion started off strong, with the revelation that a Skrull had assumed the identity of CIA Agent Ross in the opening minutes. However, after the death of Maria Hill, it became clear that there were remarkably few characters in the show who could potentially be Skrulls. Nick Fury and Colonel “Rhodey” Rhodes were the only significant recurring MCU characters featured. The reveal that Rhodey was a Skrull felt painfully obvious, as there were no other viable options. Characters like Sonya Falsworth and President Ritson had limited screen time, making it challenging for the audience to invest in their potential Skrull identities. Furthermore, the remaining cast members were already Skrulls, eliminating any possibility for suspense or tension. This lack of impactful reveals undermined the series’ potential.
To some extent, Secret Invasion’s failings can be attributed to the MCU’s character limitations. By releasing the series in close proximity to Endgame, and following a string of disparate Phase 4 projects, there is no established status quo for Secret Invasion to disrupt. The MCU lacks significant interactions among its key players, as many of them have only briefly crossed paths. Without a new Avengers film or a central gathering place for superheroes, a Skrull reveal would only affect individual storylines, rather than resonating throughout the entire universe. Additionally, the MCU has not devoted ample time to setting the stage for Secret Invasion. Agent Ross’ Skrull reveal in Episode 1 conflicts with the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, raising confusion and indicating a lack of coordination between the projects.
Moreover, there is a scarcity of suitable characters to be Skrulls within the current MCU landscape. The characters fall into two main categories: those existing prior to Avengers: Endgame, and those introduced afterward. Neither group is an ideal choice for Skrull impersonation. Characters like Peter Parker, Sam Wilson, and Wanda Maximoff have only made limited appearances since Endgame, and those projects primarily revolved around the aftermath of the Infinity Saga. It would be disheartening if Hawkeye’s journey to process Natasha Romanoff’s death and confront the consequences of his actions were rendered inconsequential due to his Skrull identity. On the other hand, newer characters like Shang-Chi, She-Hulk, or Moon Knight have not been present long enough for a Skrull reveal to have the necessary impact. Whether they were replaced offscreen after their debut or their initial appearances were simply imposters, either scenario would be unsatisfying. Ultimately, there is a dearth of characters that would make logical sense as Skrulls within the current framework of the MCU.
To maximize the potential of its premise, Marvel should have postponed the release of Secret Invasion. The MCU required time to weave together various storylines and bring its ensemble of characters closer, as was accomplished in Phase 1 with The Avengers. The characters needed shared adventures and deeper connections, so that the revelation of one of them being a Skrull would have significant ramifications for both the characters and the audience. Secret Invasion could have effectively served as the Multiverse Saga’s equivalent of Captain America: Civil War, a narrative that pushes the Avengers to their lowest point before they must rise above it for the grand finale of the Saga. However, as it stands, Secret Invasion lacks the narrative foundation to make a lasting impact.
Ideally, a Secret Invasion story in the MCU should have been the culmination of a meticulously planned phase of movies and shows. The entire phase would have been crafted with the knowledge of which characters were secretly Skrulls, intertwining storylines and fostering connections that would eventually be shattered. Viewers would witness the Avengers forging friendships and working together, only for one of them to be killed and revealed as a Skrull in the early moments of Secret Invasion. This revelation would trigger a chain reaction across the entire universe. This approach would allow for the exploration of the repercussions caused by characters missing crucial events, turning that lost time into a source of intense drama rather than retroactively undermining the emotional arcs of previous films and shows.
Even if Secret Invasion had not been elevated to a higher status within the MCU, it would have fared better if released later in the Multiverse Saga. Delaying the series would have provided more opportunities for characters to potentially be Skrulls, allowing the show to achieve the intended paranoid thriller tone. Additionally, the impact of Skrull reveals would have been amplified if they involved characters with whom the audience had formed deeper attachments over time. Sadly, by releasing it prematurely, Marvel limited its potential, resulting in a series that will have negligible impact on the MCU or its audience. All Marvel had to do was exercise patience, and then Secret Invasion could have been something truly remarkable.
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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.
