The upcoming miniseries, Secret Invasion, is looking to carry the MCU in bold and exciting directions. Like many of the new Disney+ series, Secret Invasion will showcase many side characters that have appeared in previous MCU films, giving them plenty of time to shine. The numerous series allows for more stories to be centered around these side characters, as they then can be explored in greater depth.
This new addition of MCU series has been met with critical acclaim, as shows like WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki have all been able to flesh out characters and take the time to establish their respective character arcs, a storytelling aspect that just wasn't possible tackle in the MCU films. As many highly anticipated MCU projects are approaching, promising a more expansive phase than what has come before, there is no better time to discuss Secret invasion. Here's what we know so far about the upcoming series.
Release Date and Production
Development of the series began back in September 2020, where Mr. Robot's Kyle Bradstreet would hop on board as the show's creator and head writer. The series/first season will consist of 6, 40-50 min episodes. Thomas Bezucha (Let Him Go) and Ali Selim were hired to direct the series back in May 2021. Filming has begun on September 1, 2021, in London and will continue throughout Europe. Although no official date has been announced, fans can expect Secret Invasion to premiere in 2022.
Cast
Out of all of the MCU series, Secret Invasion is shaping up to have one of the most impressive cast. Aside from Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as Talos, other cast members include One Night in Miami...'s Kingsley Ben-Adir as the main villain with Oscar winner Olivia Coleman, Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke, Killian Scott, and Christopher McDonald (as a newly created character not from the comics) in undisclosed roles. Clarke recently told The Hollywood Reporter that she would love to keep playing a role in the MCU and has seen how much fun other actors have had working in the ongoing universe.
Plot
Even though it's still quite a ways away, there are still enough plot details that should create plenty of excitement. After making his debut in 2019's Captain Marvel, the friendly intergalactic Skrull Talos will reunite with Fury to help take down other rogue Skrulls who have infiltrated Earth and have taken great positions of power. Skrulls, who are known as shapeshifters, may have secretly replaced well-known MCU heroes as imposters in order to take rule Earth for many years.
Introduced as allies in Captain Marvel, the Skrulls' shapeshifting abilities were future hinted at in Spider-Man: Far From Home, where it was revealed that Talos replaced Fury on Earth while Fury was commanding a Skrull Spaceship. Even though many of them are good, there are plenty of Skrulls that are looking to cause harm, making them interesting and unpredictable characters to follow. Knowing the MCU, expect the series to feature multiple cameos of Skrulls disguised as beloved heroes.
Based on the 2008-2009 comic book storyline, Secret Invasion served as a crossover for many superheroes, depicting a battle between the Avengers and the Skrulls. But rather than matching the scale and scope from the comics, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige wants to explore the duo of Fury and Talos and tackle the political paranoia elements of the comic book.
Being such a crucial aspect to the Avengers team and the entire MCU, there is still more to be seen from Nick Fury. Jackson's Fury has appeared in ten MCU films, but this will be the first time where he is given a true lead role that can set up further development and an emotionally enriched arc for his character. It appears that Feige and the whole Secret Invasion team will continue down the MCU series route of producing character pieces that still connect and set up the events of future films.
Footage
No footage has been released of Secret Invasion. Once an official release date is announced, there may be new images or a teaser to compliment the announcement. As of now, new trailers for upcoming MCU films like the record-breaking viewed Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer or the thrilling Eternals trailer should have fans eagerly awaiting all of the twists and turns still to come in phase 4.
Secret Invasion will mark the 9th Disney+ series released by the MCU. Roughly a year until its release, fans can watch WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, What If...?, Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight, and She-Hulk along with the big films. Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel's sequel, The Marvels, will most likely tie in the most to Secret Invasion than any other upcoming MCU project.
Secret Invasion is set to release in 2022.