It’s a game-changer for the MCU.

By Louise Griffin

Published: Friday, 28 July 2023 at 13:00 PM


The dramatic conclusion to Secret Invasion has finally been released, with fans relieved to finally see Rhodey (Don Cheadle) rescued.

The six-episode series saw the Avenger’s body taken over by a Skrull, with fans figuring out the twist pretty early on. However, one big question remained – just how long has he been held hostage?

Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, director Ali Selim has confirmed that the dark theory that Rhodey has been a Skrull ever since Captain America: Civil War is actually true.

“Yep. He’s been a Skrull the whole time, yeah,” Selim revealed, adding that the reveal has “massive implications” for the MCU.

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It means Rhodey has been absent for about nine years in the MCU, including for the events of Avengers: Endgame, which saw his best friend, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr), sacrifice himself.

So, to be clear, Rhodey doesn’t know Tony’s dead?

“Presumably,” Selim answered. “I think it’s going to take a librarian to go through and pick apart every Rhodey moment up until Secret Invasion, but there’s a lot to be unpacked now and I think a lot of it will be unpacked in Armor Wars, which is where Don is going next.”

Fans will have to wait a while for Armor Wars, which is currently expected to land sometime in 2025 – but it seems now the plot for the film has got a whole lot more complicated.

Selim also couldn’t resist heaping praise on Cheadle’s performance as Skrull Rhodey, with fans noticing the difference between the two versions of the character early on.

“[Don’s] sense of detail – he and I would have conversations about, ‘Would Skrull Rhodey absent-mindedly reach for the door handle or would he know enough to let his aide open the door for him?’” Selim recalled.