Secret Invasion: How Long Has Rhodey Been a Skrull?

A Skrull secretly replaced a beloved Avenger, and fans wonder how long the character has been an alien in disguise.

As the season finale of Secret Invasion came to a dramatic end, eagle-eyed viewers were keen to notice a detail that astounded them. The viewers were intrigued to see the rescued, non-Skrull Rhodey dressed in a medical gown. Fans immediately understood the importance of this outfit because it was the very same gown he wore after the catastrophic airport fight in Captain America: Civil War, which led to his paralysis.

As the puzzle pieces began to fall into place, a startling theory emerged with unfortunate implications. This would mean that some of Rhodey's most important and emotional moments in the MCU, especially in terms of his relationship with Tony Stark and his role in both the Avengers movies, were attributed to a Skrull rather than the original Rhodey.

The timeframe of Rhodey's mysterious imprisonment became the focus of much discussion. Some speculated that he had been held hostage for nine or ten years, depending on whether the Secret Invasion occurred in 2025 or 2026. This revelation added another layer of complication to the already intricate narrative and shocked viewers at the Skrulls' forethought and the seriousness of their invasion intentions.

The implications of Rhodey's Skrull secret go far beyond ordinary curiosity. It called into question Nick Fury's competency since it signaled yet another infiltration under his supervision, similar to Hydra's subtle control of S.H.I.E.L.D. The discovery of such a long-standing Skrull presence within the MCU brought the entire fabric of reality and the authenticity of the MCU into question.

Related: This Huge Secret Invasion Reveal Changes Everything for the MCU

Rhodey's Skrull condition provided a bittersweet perspective on the events that occurred during his imprisonment. He was replaced for over a decade. Therefore, he was kept in the dark regarding the important events that transpired within the MCU. His obliviousness to Thanos, the Blip, and Tony Stark's heroic sacrifice foreshadowed the emotional agony that awaited him upon his emancipation.

As the dust settled and the pieces fell into place, it became clear that Secret Invasion had methodically laid the groundwork for Rhodey's future solo journey in Armor Wars. Rava, the Skrull impostor, may have aided in the misuse of Stark Tech, resulting in severe implications that Rhodey must now face. The scenario was set for an engrossing examination of Skrull implications.

Among all the discoveries and difficulties, director Ali Selim's statements hinted at some doubt regarding the precise moment when Rhodey's Skrull replacement occurred. The ability to revisit every previous meeting with Rhodey via a fresh perspective, investigate the ambiguity of his previous appearances, and draw one's own conclusion provided a riveting dimension of interest to the tale.

The news of Rhodey's Skrull identity sent shockwaves through the fandom. Some questioned the legitimacy of this surprising twist, questioning if it was part of the original design or a last-minute addition to meet the narrative needs of Secret Invasion. Some fans wished for a more unified storytelling style due to the surprising nature of the disclosure, which had no obvious foreshadowing or background.

This discovery had ramifications that went beyond Rhodey's character journey. His role in pivotal events like the Battle of Wakanda, the Blip, and the climactic showdown with Thanos in Avengers: Endgame was now veiled in mystery. The emotional weight of these important occasions, which the actual Rhodey should have felt, was now transferred to a Skrull counterfeit.

The Skrull invasion created more concerns about the identity of other characters, making the viewers wary of even the most trusted allies. This pervading sense of suspicion and doubt added to the intensity and complication of the MCU's evolving story.

Related: Secret Invasion: Why the Finale Received a Dismal Rotten Tomatoes Score

As Secret Invasion came to a close, the repercussions of Rhodey's Skrull secret reverberated throughout the MCU, setting the stage for a turbulent future. The interesting gap in Rhodey's backstory cried out for more investigation, offering a chance for the upcoming Armor Wars movie to explore the psychological effects of his protracted absence.

The fact that Rhodey's Skrull identity is still a secret while fans eagerly await his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is evidence of the MCU's rich story and enigmatic quality. The future has the potential of a brand-new narrative setting with limitless chances for mystery and surprise due to the probability of greater discoveries and the interaction of humans and Skrulls.

The Skrull secret of Colonel James 'Rhodey' Rhodes is evidence of the MCU's storytelling potential, which hasn't been living up to lately. Fans of this story of shape-shifting infiltrators are still somewhat left excitedly awaiting what lies ahead while cherishing the events that formed the past. As the MCU develops further, Rhodey's Skrull disclosure is still an intriguing mystery and a tantalizing element of the expansive mosaic that is this interconnected cinematic universe.

There's nothing I love more than movies and video games. And maybe coffee.