For over a decade, we’ve seen Nick Fury onscreen as the steadfast and authoritative figure that has helped drive the course of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to what we know it as today. He can be intimidating and vigilant, but he’s always determined to do what’s right, regardless of what it takes. Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of Fury has always been cement-strong, bringing the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D to life to help guide and empower, the MCU’s biggest heroes.
But then the events of Avengers: Endgame happened. After losing a number of colleagues, Fury retreated into deep space as a way of avoiding Earth. Now, humanity as we know it faces a new threat that takes a familiar shape, Nick Fury can’t put off his return any longer. Marvel Studios’ Secret Invasion, coming to Disney+ on June 21, will see Fury and his allies, including Everett Ross and Maria Hill, try to take on a faction of Skrulls, shapeshifting aliens that have infiltrated some of the most powerful positions and organisations on the planet.
The MCU has given us a lot of laughs lately, but Secret Invasion is ready to take us back to gritty, thrilling storytelling, in our very first Nick Fury-led MCU story. But, what is it about Skrulls that actually brought him back to Earth? And why is this evil group of aliens’ presence potentially game-changing for the entire MCU?
What are Skrulls?
So, if you remember, we were first introduced to Skrulls en masse in Captain Marvel. They’re intelligent, shapeshifting aliens who have been locked in a war with the Kree that’s spanned generations. But, at least for the most part, Skrulls are pretty harmless and nothing to be too concerned about. In fact, some of them have even allied with Fury. Talos, his wife, Soren, and their daughter, Gi’ah, are set to become MCU mainstays following their run in Captain Marvel, and will play huge parts in Secret Invasion.
However, in Secret Invasion, we come face-to-face with a radical faction of Skrull keen on seizing Earth’s resources for themselves. Led by Gravik, a covert invasion of the planet takes place, with the villains hiding in plain sight. He’s such a charismatic leader that he has even built a large following of rebels undercutting Talos, including Talos’ own daughter, G’iah (who, in Secret Invasion, is played by Emilia Clarke). The rebels claim to be tired of Fury and Talos’ broken promises of finding the alien race a new home following the destruction of Skrullos, and are taking matters into their own hands.
What Powers Do Skrulls Have?
We know Skrulls are shapeshifters, which is their key to infiltrating other societies and planets — for good or evil. But, their powers don’t stop there. Some Skrull, like G’iah, can take their replication abilities a step further, and mimic the voices and even memories of those whose form she takes on.
However, they can’t do it all. Firstly, this replication — or simming — is not something Skrull are born with the ability to do perfectly. It requires practice and training to get those minute details just right. Secondly, their DNA remains the same, and is able to be detected by Skrull Detectors.
Gravik appears a little different. We know he’s a sufficient leader, but he might have tapped into some powers we’ve never seen Skrull yield onscreen before. In the series’ first trailer, we see Gravik transform and stretch his arm to knock someone offscreen, which is beyond what we know Skrull to be capable of within the MCU. Not the person you want infiltrating the world’s most powerful governments, eh?
What Does This Mean For the MCU?
In universe, these rebel Skrull can, and likely will, cause absolute chaos. Without the proper equipment and know-how, these lifeforms can roam the planet completely undetected. Consider G’iah learned from the best in her father, and with her additional powers, Gravik can wield his influence to wreak havoc on the planet just like The Snap did, and pull it off without so much as a whiff of suspicion. Only a threat that powerful, and that sneaky, could bring Fury back to Earth after avoiding it all this time.
But Secret Invasion also takes on new territory as a Marvel Studios’ series, as it is, first and foremost, an action-packed political thriller. While the villains are aliens, the drama is set in our backyard. We’re not hopping between planets, dimensions or multiverses. We’re seeing conflict break out with extraordinary strategy as well as explosions. Since the threat appears to the world as human, the fighting needs to be done carefully — and Fury and co. have to be sure they get it right. With a lot more planning, and not a lot of time, the stakes are through the roof.
The show isn’t as simple as Skrull vs. Fury. There are many players involved, not including all of humanity as we know it. We know Bron-Char, who we last saw lose a fight with Captain Marvel, is set to return to the MCU in Secret Invasion. And, we also know that Academy Award-winner Olivia Colman will be making her MCU debut as the MI6 superior Sonya Falsworth, an old ally of Fury’s who is keeping her cards tightly held to her chest.
Nick Fury will be watching his back the entire time.
Watch Marvel Studios’ Secret Invasion now streaming from Wednesday.