Warning: This article contains spoilers for Secret Invasion.
In the latest MCU offering, the Disney+ series Secret Invasion, a beloved character from Captain Marvel, Talos, portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn, met his tragic end. This shift in narrative sent ripples throughout the fandom, leading many to ponder on its implications and the future trajectory of MCU plots.
Since its inception, Secret Invasion has acted as a spiritual successor to 2019’s Captain Marvel. Many familiar faces from the film, along with several from the wider MCU, returned to star in this series. Nevertheless, the series has surprised fans by being unflinching in its willingness to kill off major characters, including Cobie Smulders’ Maria Hill and Sharon Blynn’s Soren, both of whom fell at the hands of the antagonist, Gravik.
In an interview with The New York Times, Ben Mendelsohn, discussed his character’s, Talos, untimely demise. In a shocking turn of events in Episode 4, Talos was fatally wounded by Gravik, another Skrull, who was in disguise as a US soldier. This happened amidst the chaos where Nick Fury had to make a strategic withdrawal to safeguard President Ritson.
Episode 5 featured Talos’ funeral, marked by the presence of his daughter, G’iah (played by Emilia Clarke), and Nick Fury’s wife, Vara. Given the history of twisty deaths in MCU, speculations were rife about a potential twist involving Talos’ fate. Mendelsohn, however, remained cryptic. While he refrained from giving a clear answer, he emphasized that Talos’s death signifies a pivotal moment in the series, suggesting its weight and finality.
Mendelsohn’s Exit and the Anticipated Absence of Talos in The Marvels
Diving deeper into the fabric of the MCU narrative, Mendelsohn touched upon the significance of the Skrulls. These shape-shifters, as per the actor, represent an unyielding threat, constantly casting doubts on character identities. Drawing parallels with Civil War, he highlighted the core strength of the MCU: their ability to deeply integrate and commit to the “what if” scenarios, making them palpable realities for the audience.
Further dissecting the motivations and standpoints of different characters, Mendelsohn shed light on Talos’s unique perspective on the coexistence of Skrulls and humans. He emphasized that Talos’s approach stood out as the most viable, primarily because it recognized the might of the humans. Contrasting this with G’iah and Gravik’s perspectives, he underscored Talos’s deep understanding of the bigger picture, pointing out the wisdom underlying what some might consider Talos’s idealism.
The broader ramifications of Talos’s death in the MCU context are profound. While Mendelsohn carefully sidestepped giving away too much, there’s a strong indication that this death is irrevocable. This is bound to spur both Nick Fury and G’iah into taking decisive actions against Gravik and his plans.
Despite the hope of fans, the likelihood of Talos gracing the screen in the upcoming The Marvels appears slim. Ben Mendelsohn and Talos’ departure from the MCU, especially after just a handful of appearances since Captain Marvel, is undeniably a bitter pill to swallow for fans.
As Secret Invasion approaches its conclusion, the stakes are high. The series has already claimed a notable list of characters, with possibilities of more shocking developments in the finale. There’s also the looming political shake-up, with indications that US President Ritson might be replaced by General Ross in the forthcoming Captain America: Brave New World.
With the first five episodes available on Disney+, Secret Invasion continues to keep fans on the edge, eagerly awaiting what comes next.
