Fans demand Secret Invasion decanonization over Fury and Rhodey damage
In the vast, sprawling universe of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, some timelines are more confusing than others. Among the most hotly debated timeline shifts is the identity of Colonel James Rhodes, better known to fans as Rhodey. Three years after the revelations of Secret Invasion, a deep-seated fan debate has emerged, forcing believers to ask: which Rhodey is the real one?
The conversation ignited when the events of Secret Invasion introduced a shocking twist: the Rhodey who comforted Tony Stark at the end of Avengers: Endgame was not the original. Instead, he had been replaced by a Skrull named Raava. This revelation immediately sparked intense speculation among the fanbase about the precise moment this identity switch occurred and what it meant for the established MCU history.
The timeline puzzle is complex, involving physical evidence and fan theories. One argument suggests the switch happened much earlier, possibly back to the time of Captain America: Civil War. This theory hinges on Rhodey’s physical state: he was seen wearing leg braces during that era, yet he is shown in a hospital gown during the climax of Secret Invasion. Proponents argue that the continuous visual evidence of his physical changes points to an earlier replacement.
However, a compelling counter-argument exists. Some fans contend that the Rhodey seen in Endgame was indeed the authentic character. This perspective points to deleted scenes from Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which suggest the Rhodey who mentioned an upgrade procedure for his legs was the real one. This theory proposes that the Skrull substitution occurred later, post-Endgame, allowing the timeline to remain consistent with the major cinematic events.
As the narrative unfolded, the community settled into a sort of appreciative acceptance of the twist. With the excitement building around the re-release of Avengers: Endgame and the anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday, the focus has shifted from debating the past to celebrating the present. Fans are now ready to see War Machine back on the big screen, and the discussion is more about the thrilling future of the MCU than the complexities of its timeline history.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
