Marvel Studios’ streaming presence on Disney+ has allowed the franchise to dive deep into character work, as evident by Scarlet Witch and Sam Wilson’s trajectories in WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, respectively. Despite the smaller stories, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still bringing Avengers-level crossover events to living rooms worldwide, starting with 2022’s Secret Invasion.
As one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic storylines, Secret Invasion follows the Skrulls' parasitical takeover of Earth. The alien race slowly shape-shifts its way into the Avengers' ranks, creating a "don't trust anyone" atmosphere that dwarfs Captain America: The Winter Soldier's.
Marvel Studios' live-action adaptation of the famous run will star Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, though this time looking much more grizzled than the last time audiences saw the former director of SHIELD. Fury won't be without familiar company, as Ben Mendelsohn returns as Talos, although its unclear how cordial the two will be when this series gets underway.
With such an unpredictable threat, friends will be few and far between for Fury. Lucky for the MCU vet, he'll have one of his longest-running companions alongside him.
Maria Hill Returns for Secret Invasion
Nick Fury's right-hand woman is back.
According to Deadline, veteran Marvel actress Cobie Smulders is set to reprise her role as Maria Hill in next year's Secret Invasion Disney+ series. Smulders joins an all-star cast of returning MCU actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn, as well as A-List newcomers such as Olivia Colman, Emilia Clarke, and Christopher McDonald.
Secret Invasion will be Smulders' seventh appearance as Maria Hill. The character was last seen in 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Maria Hill: Friend or Foe?
Considering where her character left off in Spider-Man: Far From Home, Smulders' presence in Secret Invasion's stacked ensemble lines up. Fans last saw Smulders in the MCU shape-shifting back into Soren in Far From Home's post credits scene, revealing Maria Hill had actually been a Skrull in disguise for all of Peter Parker's European adventure. Ben Mendelsohn's Talos had been posing for Nick Fury, who was revealed to be relaxing in a Skrull ship orbiting Earth.
While Fury's true whereabouts were shown, Hill is nowhere to be seen. Fury's tranquil expression suggests there's nothing to worry about, but who's to say Hill isn't in danger?
Secret Invasion promises to shape-shift the MCU as fans know it. Lines will be drawn, friendships will be tested, and allegiances will be broken. Based on her current placement within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Agent Maria Hill could be the catalyst for the show's tagline: don't trust anyone.
Secret Invasion is currently filming and is expected to release on Disney+ sometime in 2022.
MCU Writer, Editor, Podcaster
