Secret Invasion is one of the upcoming entries of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Disney+. The series will feature the Marvel returns of Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn's Talos alongside several veterans and newcomers, such as Cobie Smulders' Maria Hill and Emilia Clarke's unknown character. Secret Invasion is inspired by the comic storyline of the same name, exploring the Skrulls' infiltration of Earth.
Despite being inspired by a famous comic storyline, the exact plot details of the show are still shrouded in secrecy.
Still, Spider-Man: Far From Home's post-credits scene showed that Talos and Soren were posing as Nick Fury and Maria Hill on Earth, with the real SHIELD agents in space alongside an army of Skrulls. Based on that reveal, it's safe to assume that Secret Invasion will address Fury's plans after Avengers: Endgame and his current relationship with the Skrulls.
While Secret Invasion's release timeline on Disney+ is still unknown, new set photos have emerged that should fuel discussions about Fury's role in the series.
Nick Fury's MCU Comeback
Twitter user Alan Milner uncovered new set photos from the filming of Secret Invasion in Leeds, showcasing a fresh look at Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury.
The photos feature Nick Fury's different look, with the character sporting a new beard. It is also confirmed that he is not wearing his iconic eye patch in the image.
The images can be seen in the tweet below:
Photos of Samuel L Jackson filming in Leeds for @Marvel's @disneyplus series Secret Invation #SamuelLJackson #Leeds #Marvel #Disney pic.twitter.com/4xf6sznCgT
— Alan Milner (@almilner05) January 23, 2022
Another look at the set photos shows Ben Mendelsohn beside Jackson, but it is unknown if he is filming scenes with him or if he is taking a break:
wait is that ben mendelsohn on the set of secret invasion or am i tripping pic.twitter.com/ecCHinrbca
— katya (@wiIlsemory) January 23, 2022
Fans can watch Samuel L. Jackson's on-set return in the video below:
Nick Fury's New Beard: Disguise or Current Look?
These new set photos from Secret Invasion suggest that Nick Fury will undergo a makeover upon his return to Earth. It remains to be seen if this new look is a disguise for an undercover mission or if this will serve as Fury's appearance throughout Phase 4.
This new design is also in line with the tease that was presented during Disney+ Day in November 2021. During the event, Marvel Studios unveiled Fury's bearded appearance without his eye patch.
The bearded look appears to establish Fury's age, suggesting his long tenure in the MCU. The character's veteran leadership has long been a common staple for the superhero franchise, and it looks like it will be tested anew in this upcoming series.
Given that Fury is the confirmed lead character in Secret Invasion, it allows him to shine more, and it seems poised to reveal more about the backstory of the former SHIELD director.
It is unknown why Fury decides to return to Earth, but it's possible that his comeback could serve as the launchpad for Secret Invasion's infiltration storyline. Fury might have been alerted by Talos about rogue Skulls, thus prompting an investigation. On the flip side, there's also a chance that it has something to do with the Kree sleeper cells teased during Far From Home.
Whatever the case, Fury's detective skills will likely be tested on a whole new level once he finds out that some of his allies and even enemies are Skrull imposters.
Secret Invasion was originally slated to release in 2022, but a recent update appears to confirm that it could be delayed until 2023.
