Secret Invasion: How The Series Sets Up [4] Future MCU Movies

The MCU’s latest endeavour, Secret Invasion has been making rounds across the internet, as is expected of a Marvel Studios project. But such rounds or [social] media buzz hasn’t been to its favour, as the show is currently the worst reviewed MCU series with many citing the quality of the series as the cause.

Although, in true MCU fashion, the show hasn’t just come and gone as it has helped setup at least 4 upcoming Marvel Studios projects/movies. As to whether or not the setups were done in the best of ways, that argument might be better saved for another time.

With the franchise moving on, retroactive inspections give clues as to how Secret Invasion sets up these four MCU films:

The Marvels

With this feature being the next in the MCU’s theatrical slate for the year. It is only fitting that it comes first. As to how Secret Invasion sets it up, it is mostly from Fury’s arc by the end of the series.

Futhermore, Fury’s involvement with S.A.B.E.R was highlighted throughout the series with the character even making his way back (to the space station) by the end. And since it has been confirmed from the film’s trailers that Fury & S.A.B.E.R will be featured in the upcoming movie. It stands to reason that more about the enigmatic space station that has been teased since Spider-Man: Far From Home will be brought to light within the feature film.

Captain America: Brave New World

The 4th Captain America movie is next in line though not as exactly in the MCU’s theatrical slate. But as to how it is set up by Secret Invasion. This is made obvious by the political drama that will beset the movie. As it has been confirmed that Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross will takeover leadership of the American government in the MCU following this movie.

And since Secret Invasion has seemingly put the current President Ritson in hot waters with Fury and quite possibly the MCU’s American populace (especially the E.T refugees). A change at the seat of [governmental] power will occur in order to allow Harrison Ford’s Ross succeed the currently unlikeable president.

Suffice it to say, Ritson’s claim to presidency is coming to end and Fury might also be a forerunner in the dethronement of President Ritson.

Thunderbolts

While this is more of wishful thinking than actual facts. Secret Invasion may have ties to this film as well.

Specifically, there’s just something unsettling but exciting about Sonya Falsworth. And because of this, her character has been compared to Valentina Allegra De Fotaine (Val for short), who has been confirmed to be responsible for assembling the Thunderbolts set to make their theatrical appearance next year.

Then there’s also G’iah, who has quite literally become MCU’s Superman (if you will). And when you factor in the rumours going round that Sentry or Hyperion is set to make a theatrical debut as the antagonist of the Thunderbolts in their upcoming feature.

It stands to reason that since G’iah currently fills the description of an OP character [of which Sentry & Hyperion are] so she could easily serve as their replacement should such rumours turn out as just rumours.

Also her (G’iah) shady partnership with Sonya Falsworth is very reminiscent of Val’s shady partnerships with many of the MCU’s morally ambiguous characters. Who have now gone on to create the Thunderbolts.

Whether or not this is the case, we’ll have to wait and see.

Armour Wars

First touted as a serialised exclusive, Armour Wars has since been given the theatrical treatment in the wake of creative changes at Marvel Studios.

And while details are mostly scarce, the feature will focus on Rhodey’s recovery of stolen Stark tech, and apparently the character’s personal recovery as well. Because not only was the character revealed to be a skrull imposter during the events of Secret Invasion but apparently this mimicking has occurred over quite some time. According to the way the show sells it at least.

Moreover with Armour Wars still a ways off, time may just be on its side as it hopes to rectify this supposed retcon and deliver a good enough story.

With Secret Invasion it seems to plan was to inherently set up future endeavours rather than commit to its narrative. Because it’s not everyday, a single project sets up as much as 4 projects, and that’s not mentioning the two Avengers movies set to wrap up this saga.

Although, those will have ties to all the Saga’s projects and not just Secret Invasion. But however one dices it, Secret Invasion has passed on the baton of the franchise’s continuity to not one, not two. But four potential candidates.

It then remains to be seen if such an ambitious move was worth it.

All episodes of Secret Invasion are now available for download or streaming.

The Marvels opens in cinemas, November 10, 2023.

Captain America: Brave New World is set to release in cinemas, July 26, 2024.

Thunderbolts is set to release in cinemas, December 20, 2024.

Armour Wars does not currently have a theatrical release date.