Don Cheadle Weighs In On Polarizing Rhodey Reveal In "Secret Invasion" And It's Connection to "Armor Wars"

Marvel’s Shocking Twist About Rhodey In "Secret Invasion" Could Lead To Exciting Developments—If "Armor Wars" Becomes A Reality, Says Don Cheadle.

  

Marvel’s Secret Invasion series, released in 2023 on Disney+, shocked fans by revealing that James “Rhodey” Rhodes, played by Don Cheadle, had been replaced by a Skrull imposter for an undetermined amount of time. This surprising twist raised questions about how long this substitution had been happening and what it means for the future of Rhodey's character, especially with the looming Armor Wars project.

Based on the 2008 comic event, Secret Invasion centers on a group of rebel Skrulls—shapeshifting aliens who have infiltrated Earth over many years. As the series unfolds, viewers discover that the Rhodey seen throughout much of the story isn’t the real Rhodey at all, but rather a Skrull named Raava. This revelation, midway through the series, became one of the most controversial moments, given the significance of Rhodey’s character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

How Long Has Rhodey Been a Skrull?

The exact timeline for when Rhodey was replaced by a Skrull is still uncertain, but clues from the series finale suggest it may have been longer than fans initially thought. In the finale, G’iah (Emilia Clarke), the daughter of Talos, frees the real Rhodey from a Skrull containment pod. When he emerges, he appears unsteady and is notably wearing a hospital gown, suggesting that he was kidnapped as far back as Captain America: Civil War, following his injury during the famous tarmac battle.

This opens up the possibility that the Rhodey seen in films like Avengers: Endgame and Falcon and the Winter Soldier was actually the Skrull Raava. If true, this twist rewrites some of Rhodey’s most important moments in the MCU, leaving fans to wonder which of his actions were genuinely his and which were the work of his Skrull doppelgänger.

Don Cheadle’s Reaction to Playing a Skrull Rhodey

In a recent interview, Don Cheadle discussed the big reveal and how it may tie into Marvel's upcoming projects, specifically Armor Wars. When asked how he felt about playing a Skrull version of Rhodey, Cheadle explained that it wasn’t something forced on him. Rather, it was a setup for future storylines. He hinted that whether or not he feels satisfied with the twist depends on what happens next in the MCU.

Armor Wars, which was originally announced as a six-episode Disney+ series, has since been reworked into a feature film. However, as of Cheadle’s latest update, the film’s production status remains unclear. The actor humorously remarked that fans may know as much about the film’s progress as he does, saying, “You can find out and let me know.”

The Future of Armor Wars and Rhodey’s Role

The Rhodey reveal in Secret Invasion was intended to set up future storylines, presumably leading into Armor Wars. However, with no official updates on the film’s release, fans and Cheadle alike are left in a state of uncertainty. If Armor Wars happens, it could offer a chance for Rhodey’s character to reclaim his narrative and explore the fallout from his time as a Skrull imposter.

Without Armor Wars, however, Rhodey’s MCU journey could end on a bitter note—his most recent meaningful screen time being as an alien imposter. As Cheadle himself pointed out, it would be disappointing if the last version of Rhodey audiences see is not even the real Rhodey.

Why the Skrull Twist Could Pay Off

For some fans, the Rhodey Skrull reveal felt like a betrayal, especially given how beloved his character is in the MCU. But Cheadle’s comments suggest that this plot twist has the potential to lead to something much bigger if Armor Wars moves forward. The film could address how Rhodey copes with the knowledge that an imposter lived his life for an extended period, allowing for deeper character development and exploration of the emotional and psychological toll such an experience would take.

Additionally, Armor Wars could answer key questions that Secret Invasion left hanging: How long was Rhodey replaced? What has the real Rhodey missed? And how will this affect his relationships with the other Avengers, especially given the personal stakes involved in Endgame?

Will Armor Wars Happen?

At this point, the fate of Armor Wars remains a mystery. Cheadle’s comments suggest that while plans are in place, the shifting nature of Marvel’s production schedule leaves many projects in limbo. Marvel has yet to announce a release date for Armor Wars, and it’s unclear how the studio’s evolving Phase 5 and 6 will incorporate Rhodey’s story.

What’s certain, though, is that fans are eager to see what comes next for the character. Rhodey’s arc, combined with the mystery surrounding his Skrull replacement, has the potential to be one of the MCU’s most complex and emotionally charged storylines.

Whether Armor Wars comes to fruition or not, Don Cheadle’s Rhodey remains a pivotal figure in the Marvel universe. And if Marvel does deliver on the promise of Armor Wars, the payoff for this controversial Secret Invasion twist could be well worth the wait.

Conclusion: The Future of Rhodey and Marvel’s Plans

Marvel has never shied away from complex character arcs and shocking reveals, and Rhodey’s journey from being a Skrull imposter back to his true self could be one of the MCU’s most interesting evolutions. Fans can only hope that Armor Wars gets the green light and delivers the closure needed to fully explore this unique storyline.

If you’re a fan of in-depth storytelling and major MCU plotlines, now’s the time to follow Vertical Bar Media for updates on the latest in Armor Wars, Secret Invasion, and beyond. Stay tuned for more insights into Marvel’s evolving universe!

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Source: TVLine

Photo Credit: Marvel

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