Marvel Wastes Key Actor, Fans Shocked by Episode One Death

Marvel Studio’s newest series, Secret Invasion, started streaming on June 22, and fans are still reeling from the first episode. The last five minutes of the hour-long episode alone showed that not only can no one be trusted, but no one – not even staple characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – is safe. SPOILERS ahead for the first episode of Secret Invasion on Disney+.

Credit: Marvel Studios

Secret Invasion marks a more mature and dark style of storytelling. While the Marvel movie hallmarks of incredible action and well-timed humor still stand, the plot really raises the stakes. This series follows the political implications of orchestrated attacks by a race of shapeshifting aliens. The Skrulls can assume the form and memories of any human, making it impossible to tell the difference.

This is how Marvel expertly blindsided fans and dropped the first major Marvel death since Iron Man. This time, our fallen friend is, unfortunately, Agent Maria Hill, played by Cobie Smulders. Maria Hill is a Marvel movie frequent, appearing in The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. She also previously appeared in a few episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Credit: Marvel Studios

After the Skrulls bombs have detonated, a Russian square is in absolute panic and chaos. Samuel L Jackson’s Nick Fury and Maria Hill try to navigate the pandemonium to catch the Skrulls, who are hopelessly shapeshifting from person to person. Nick Fury nearly has one in his grasp when he runs into Maria and fatally shoots her in the stomach.

The poor unsuspecting fan rejoices – Nick Fury has caught his Skrull, shamefully charading as our Maria Hill. But relief turns to horror when this scene reveals that a Skrull has actually impersonated Nick Fury, and the real Agent Maria Hill has been shot. A lonely aerial shot shows her bleeding out on to the pavement.

Credit: Marvel Studios

Marvel fans were shocked, especially since Cobie Smulders had been advertised as Samuel L Jackson’s co-star for the entire press tour for Secret Invasion. Smulders even confirmed that she thinks this is the end for her character.

But then again, if the Skrulls have taught us anything so far, it’s that you CAN’T TRUST ANYONE.

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