One of the most ambitious crossovers in the Marvel Comics universe comes from Secret Invasion. A storyline involving the heroes and villains audiences have loved, having themselves exposed as body snatchers. The storyline makes audiences unaware of whom they can trust and root for, and now, Disney Plus is setting up something similar.
Samuel L. Jackson is heading to lead the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s television crossover event of Secret Invasion. However, considering the comic involves practically every character in the Marvel Universe, the Marvel Studios show will have to change many things, considering there’s plenty yet to explore in the MCU.
7 No Illuminati
One of the most famous and secretive superhero groups in Marvel Comics is the Illuminati. This group consists of the smartest minds of the Marvel characters, such as Professor Xavier, Mister Fantastic, Namor, and Iron Man. This group was seen in name thanks to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, a Marvel Studios production that dipped a toe into the vastness of what is possible in the multiverse scope of all things Marvel.
The group seen in the Doctor Strange sequel is a far cry from the original group seen in the comics. The Illuminati play an important role throughout the Secret Invasion comic, as the members fail to discover who amongst them is a Skrull imposter, whilst also trying to impose their threat against Skrulls. Considering half the characters of the Illuminati have yet to be introduced, it is unlikely that Disney Plus will feature the main cast of these characters.
6 Secret Agent Spider-Woman
One of the most important characters in the Secret Invasion storyline is Spider-Woman. Nick Fury recruited Spider-Woman early into his secret infiltration of the mysterious invasion. Spider-Woman’s task was to be a mole in both Hydra and S.H.I.E.LD. and to report to him any suspicious activity that may be alarming regarding Skrulls and the like.
Considering Sony owns the rights to Spider-Woman, it is extremely doubtful that the studio will lend the character to Marvel Studios for Secret Invasion, especially considering how rocky their relationship already is with Spider-Man and other Spidey characters involved. However, the character has big reveals in the comic that could be an interesting twist for the Disney Plus series.
5 A Lack Of Iron Man
Iron Man is a character in the Secret Invasion comic who is tasked with his mission. Tony Stark embarks on Skrull anatomy and discovers the true source, whilst also having his own identity questioned on whether or not he is a Skrull. Iron Man’s character is a fan favorite in the Marvel Universe, and thanks to Robert Downey Jr., the character only excels with each appearance.
Sadly, Iron Man died saving the universe in the events of Avengers: Endgame, so his appearance in Secret Invasion is nigh on impossible. Marvel Studios are doubtful to bring back the iconic character so soon, and doing so without Robert Downey Jr. is out of the question.
4 The Savage Land
Deep in Antarctica, there lies a tropical prehistoric land, one known in the Marvel Universe as The Savage Land. Here, volcanoes are deep and ravenous, and dinosaurs are ripe and prosperous. This tropical preserve is hidden away from the world, but many superheroes know about The Savage Land. In Secret Invasion, it is the location of many events and reveals.
Comic book movies have dedicated their time to realism, but lately, they have dipped a hand into the campy fun seen in comic books. The Savage Land is a perfect opportunity for Marvel to let loose, and show audiences just how wild comics can get. However, it’s such a wild change, that their version of Secret Invasion is doubtful to benefit from it.
3 X-Men’s Counter-Strike
When the Skrull invasion reaches the shores of San Francisco, the ones there to greet them are the X-Men. San Francisco was the new home to the X-Men and Mutants. The Skrulls that attacked didn’t expect the might of the X-Men, who launched a counterstrike against the Skrull invaders. The X-Men, as always, dedicated their time to defending civilians and evacuating attacked buildings.
The X-Men put up a valiant fight, as they are no strangers to the importance of both teamwork and an abundance of enemies that want them dead. Marvel Studios’ version of Secret Invasion will probably fail to include the X-Men, considering Mutants have barely been mentioned, let alone a new set of iconic characters since the 20th Century Fox era of X-Men.
2 Fantastic Four
Another set of characters that seem almost vital to the story of Secret Invasion is the Fantastic Four. The members, The Human Torch, Mister Fantastic, The Thing, and the Invisible Woman, are all involved as Marvel’s “first family”. These characters are awaiting their MCU debut, with so much of the project being kept under wraps, it would be unusual to see these characters’ first appearance in Secret Invasion.
The Fantastic Four are vital to the Marvel Universe, they are the heart within its core. One day, audiences will finally see the characters in the MCU, but Secret Invasion is not the time for that, considering it seems more like a spy-thriller involving Nick Fury than the bright blue outfit superheroes.
1 Norman Osborn’s Thunderbolts
Few superhero teams are more divided and morally grey than the Thunderbolts. The name alone has held many members, some of whom are helming the MCU’s Thunderbolts, like Winter Soldier and Taskmaster. These Thunderbolts are involved in Secret Invasion, as led by none other than Spider-Man’s Norman Osborn.
Norman Osborn is doubtful to appear in the MCU just yet, considering he is a character with exclusive rights from Sony. The character is very important in the Secret Invasion comics and is directly involved in its conclusion and aftermath. Fans will have to wait and see how Disney Plus handles the comic adaption instead.