“You’ve become part of a larger universe. You just don’t know it yet.” With that line in the post-credits scene of Iron Man, Nick Fury not only introduced himself to Tony Stark. He laid the groundwork for what would become the MCU. If it weren’t for Nick Fury, the Avengers may never have come together, and Thanos would’ve won unopposed. However, while he was prominent at first, Nick Fury found his role as the man in the chair lessened over time. When S.H.I.E.L.D. fell and went underground, Fury faked his death. After that, he took a step back from the spotlight to the point where he didn’t do much to help the heroes. His biggest contribution to Phase Three was calling Captain Marvel, and that was about it.
For the first time since Age of Ultron, though, Nick Fury’s returning to the frontlines of the MCU, only it’s different this time. Whereas before, he was working as the man in the chair, this time, Nick Fury will have to get his hands dirty in the fight of his life. A promise he helped make thirty years before comes back to haunt him as he gets ready to fight against the Secret Invasion.
Also, Daenaerys Targaryen is a Skrull now!
The Secret Invasion Has Begun
In the present day of the MCU, Nick Fury has been off-planet for some time as he tries to work out his place in the world following the defeat of Thanos. However, word reaches him that a rogue faction of Skrulls, the shape-shifting aliens that introduced him to the larger universe thirty years ago, has begun to infiltrate Earth. Unable or unwilling to seek out heroes like the Avengers for help, Fury returns to Earth to deal with this problem himself. However, could this be too much even for him?
The first thing the new promo makes clear is that this faction of Skrulls is going to be very dangerous, even for an espionage master such as Nick Fury. They can take the appearance of anyone they want, and it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between a Skrull and a Human. In other words, everyone and anyone could be an enemy in disguise. That sort of paranoia can do a lot of damage to a person’s mind, and even the former head of S.H.I.E.L.D. could crack.
Nick Fury is Looking a Lot More Tired These Days
A key thing that should be pointed out in the new promo is the appearance of Nick Fury himself. He’s not as fast or commanding a presence as he was when first introduced fifteen years ago. It’s clear that the events of the MCU, like the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Snap, have taken their toll on him. The result is a tired, more worn-out Fury that looks ready to retire and walk away from everything.
Meta-wise, Fury’s aged appearance could be chalked up to the fact that Samuel L. Jackson’s in his mid-70s by now. Not even the power of badassery or a baritone voice can stop Father Time forever! While I consider age more a number and a state of mind, I think it helps lend importance to the fact that Fury’s starting to reach the end of his rope. He’s not as important as he used to be. He knows it, the fans know it, and that could end up shaping his actions in this miniseries.
Emilia Clarke Joins the MCU as G’iah the Skrull
Now, onto the other thing that fans are going to be talking about, Emilia “The Mother of Dragons” Clarke is joining the MCU. According to the MCU Wiki, Emilia will be playing G’iah, the daughter of Tallos the Skrull, and his wife, Soren. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen G’iah, though. Fans first met her as a child in the film Captain Marvel where she bonded with Monica Rambeau and the titular Captain Marvel. Now, we get to see her all grown up. And sadly, it seems life on the run from her people’s enemies has hardened her greatly. And judging by her lines, she holds a lot of resentment against Fury for not keeping his promise to help the Skrulls find a new home.
What this could end up meaning is up in the air. Regardless, I can see more than a little time being focused on this as a subplot. Here’s hoping they can work things out before all is lost.
A Spy-Thriller Marvel Show
Secret Invasion is going to be a different kind of Marvel show, given what we’ve seen from this recent promo. Marvel has dabbled in the world of espionage in previous films such as Winter Soldier, Captain Marvel, and a few others, but the miniseries runtime will give them a chance to dive into it. By which, I mean I’m hoping they explore the paranoid aspects of being a spy. If this miniseries is anything like the event from the comic books, then people are going to go crazy over this. I know I am. This was one of the big events going on in Marvel when I first started collecting comics, so it’s a big deal for me.
I can’t wait!!
