Black Widow Star Makes Surprise Return In Secret Invasion

By Charlene Badasie | Updated

O-T Fagbenle as Rick Mason in Secret Invasion

The fifth episode of Secret Invasion, titled “Harvest,” sees the return of Rick Mason, who was last seen in 2021’s Black Widow. Mason, played by O-T Fagbenle, was first introduced as a smuggler, contractor, and friend to Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) while she was on the run. He helped her procure a Quinjet and various other supplies.

Episode 5 of Secret Invasion brings back Rick Mason, Natasha Romanoff’s smuggler friend, to help Nick Fury.

While it was clear that the pair had known each other for years, the details of their past remained unanswered. Fans were left with questions about Mason, leading to speculation that he might reappear in a future MCU project. In Episode 5 of Secret Invasion, Mason resurfaces to help Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) escape as he becomes a wanted fugitive.

Scarlett Johansson and O-T Fagbenle as Rick Mason in Black Widow

Fagbenle alluded to Rick Mason’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe without mentioning Secret Invasion. Speaking to Slash Film, he said, “With Marvel, I’m never sure how much they can say about stuff, but I’ll just say that it wasn’t a one-and-done conversation. To be honest, I did start to [research the comics], and I had conversations with Eric [Pearson], who wrote Black Widow.”

Directed by Ali Selim from a script by Michael Bhim and Brian Tucker, Secret Invasion Episode 5, reveals crucial insights into Gravik’s scheme and sheds light on a secret Fury has been keeping for years, which has come back to haunt him. The episode also marks the return of British spy Sonya Falsworth (Olivia Colman), who was absent in the previous episode.

Secret Invasion, with its surprising and captivating creative direction, is set in the present-day MCU. The story follows Nick Fury, who learns of a covert invasion of Earth by a group of shape-shifting Skrulls. The series boasts an ensemble cast, including Kingsley Ben-Adir, Emilia Clarke, Killian Scott, Olivia Colman, Dermot Mulroney, Richard Dormer, and Samuel Adewunmi.

“With Marvel, I’m never sure how much they can say about stuff, but I’ll just say that it wasn’t a one-and-done conversation. To be honest, I did start to [research the comics], and I had conversations with Eric [Pearson], who wrote Black Widow.”

O-T Fagbenle

Secret Invasion is based on a major Marvel Comics storyline of the same name, published in 2008. It was written by Brian Michael Bendis, with artwork by Leinil Francis Yu. The event spanned multiple comic series and tie-ins, exploring a massive infiltration of Earth by the shape-shifting alien race known as the Skrulls.

The premise of Secret Invasion revolves around the Skrulls’ intricate plot to replace key superheroes and political figures with their own operatives through advanced shape-shifting technology. These Skrulls, known as “Infiltrators,” mimic the appearance and powers of the individuals they replace, leading to widespread paranoia and mistrust among the Marvel Universe’s heroes.

Several prominent Marvel heroes are at the forefront of the battle against the Skrulls.

The event begins with various hints and clues, indicating that some long-standing characters might have been replaced by Skrulls. As the story progresses, the secret invasion is gradually revealed, leading to a full-scale conflict between Earth’s heroes and the Skrull forces.

Like the series, central characters in the Secret Invasion storyline include Nick Fury, who plays a significant role in uncovering the plot, and the clandestine organization S.H.I.E.L.D., trying to counter the Skrull threat. Additionally, several prominent Marvel heroes are at the forefront of the battle against the Skrulls.

Secret Invasion had a significant impact on the Marvel Comics Universe, and its aftermath led to changes in various character dynamics and story arcs. It was well-received by fans and had lasting consequences for the Marvel continuity. Fans can catch up on the first five episodes of the Secret Invasion series on Disney+.

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