Secret Invasion could be incredibly consequential by revealing various sleeper Skrull agents, yet more intriguingly, it’ll also set up Armor Wars.
Among the slate for Phase 5 of the MCU is Secret Invasion which is reportedly connected to the upcoming Armor Wars movie. Although there is currently no official date set for it, the series starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Cobie Smulders, and many more is slated for an early 2023 release. Throughout the latter half of Phase 4, the MCU tended to coincide releases of their films with their Disney+ series, such as how the finale of Hawkeye debuted only days after Spider-Man: No Way Home. Most likely Secret Invasion could premiere sometime close to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Secret Invasion picks up on various Phase 4 post-credits and other unresolved plot points, especially from Spider-Man: Far From Home when it’s revealed that Nick Fury is in space with the Skrulls. The series adapts the incredible crossover event from 2008 in which a faction of Skrulls have infiltrated key parts of Earth society, intending to invade and conquer the planet as their new home. Full of epic, alarming reveals, Secret Invasion is a thrilling choice for an MCU adaptation. However, Kevin Feige has stated that the Disney+ series won’t be a major crossover like the comics arc, yet Secret Invasion can still be immensely consequential for the MCU.
Importantly, Secret Invasion is confirmed to be specifically linked to Armor Wars. The film was originally intended to be a Disney+ series as well, but in its development, it was determined that it would better function as a movie and benefit from a theatrical release. It also doesn’t have a release date, but Armor Wars must be in MCU Phase 6. The connection goes beyond Don Cheadle returning as Rhodey (War Machine) in Secret Invasion. The series will set up key elements and plot points in the film, not only for the character as the leading protagonist but also for the world and franchise at large.
This connection seemed perplexing at first, but it makes complete sense. Both are based on and named for specific comic arcs that focused beyond a singular hero’s story. This connection could imply that Stark Tech will play a role in Secret Invasion, there’s even a brief shot in the trailer of Emilia Clarke’s character entering a laboratory with what seems like an arc reactor in it. What the Skrulls could want with Tony Stark’s ingenious technology is a mystery, but it would perfectly set up Armor Wars as its Rhodey’s mission to track down Stark tech that’s gone missing and/or been stolen.
Additionally, Damage Control is set to appear in Secret Invasion. The DODC (Department of Damage Control) was first introduced in Spider-Man: Homecoming and then made a significant return in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Ms. Marvel. In No Way Home, the DODC was aware of Fury being off-world, and in Ms. Marvel, it was the final antagonist, showcasing its evolution into the premier organization that handles enhanced and superpowered individuals. Given their use of Stark drones in their hunt for Kamala, it's likely the DODC will feature in Armor Wars as well, and its inclusion in Secret Invasion further supports that idea.
Secret Invasion can set up not only Armor Wars but many other MCU projects in Phase 5 and beyond by revealing if key characters are secretly Skrulls. A theory even suggests Rhodey could be revealed as a Skrull in Secret Invasion. That would certainly drastically impact Armor Wars. Other popular possibilities include Sharon Carter, given her strange arc in Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine as she’s gradually becoming more of an overarching antagonist. If either or both were true, Secret Invasion would set up interesting plot points for Captain America: New World Order and Thunderbolts, respectively.
Interestingly, those two films will still be set up by Secret Invasion regardless of the secret Skrull theories. Dermot Mulroney is playing US President Ritson in Secret Invasion. The trailer even shows him being part of an action sequence with him being attacked in his car. Whether he survives or not, Ritson is already set to be replaced by the time of Captain America: New World Order by Thunderbolt Ross, now played by the great Harrison Ford. Furthermore, Secret Invasion continues a Black Panther: Wakanda Forever story element by featuring Everett Ross, who given his connection to the government and Valentina could also feature in either of the aforementioned films.
The most immediate connection is, of course, The Marvels as Jackson is slated to appear in that too, although it’s still not known where in the timeline either will be placed. It could turn out that The Marvels actually precedes Secret Invasion even if the TV show premieres first. Otherwise, Secret Invasion is presumably setting up exciting elements even for unconfirmed projects. Theories suggest that Hulkling might feature or at least be teased in Secret Invasion, clearly furthering the Young Avengers agenda. Additionally, Emilia Clarke is playing Abigail Brand, a mutant. Secret Invasion could unexpectedly integrate mutants more significantly into the franchise, clearly teasing an X-Men project.
The connection between Secret Invasion and Armor Wars is a clear indicator that the Disney+ series will have lasting implications on the franchise, something that’s been lacking in many of the previous TV shows. It’s important to note that Armor Wars’ shift from TV to film signals its own significance and widened scope, especially since it’ll be in Phase 6 with Fantastic Four and the Avengers films. It doesn’t necessarily ensure that Armor Wars will be a major crossover event film, but rather that it has more potential to shake up the MCU as a whole.
Evidently, technology is a uniting element across the Multiverse Saga. Kang might be connected to the Ten Rings and Kamala Khan’s mysterious bangle, and the Skrulls could end up linked to Stark tech. Secret Invasion will do its part to enhance this element, though intriguingly, audiences will have to wait years for a resolution on the matter as Armor Wars won’t be arriving in theaters until mid-to-late 2025 at the earliest. Nevertheless, by having Secret Invasion directly lead into Armor Wars, it guarantees audiences that this show is not to be missed.
Bradley Prom is a writer and a University of Minnesota alum living in Los Angeles with a deep love for the movies, television shows, games, books, and stories that have inspired and provoked him throughout his life. He grew up on Star Wars, Justice League, Jurassic Park, Pokémon, Spider-Man, Harry Potter, and Avatar the Last Airbender – to name a few or seven. In adulthood, his passions and tastes have evolved to include other fantastical tales, reality tv, and comedy. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Bradley has a great appreciation for queerness in all forms throughout all facets of entertainment and modern culture. He hopes in developing his own stories and shows, he will help see such representation grow and evolve.