Warning: This article contains spoilers for Secret Invasion episode 4, "Beloved."

Marvel Studios' major Phase 5 revelation in Secret Invasion episode 4 perfectly sets up the debut of the MCU's Thunderbolts and the rise of the Red Hulk. Secret Invasion has marked a major diversion for the MCU, veering away from the light-heartedness of previous projects and focusing more on themes of paranoia and espionage, as Nick Fury has returned to Earth to deal with a rebellious faction of shape-shifting Skrulls. The series has been packed full of intense twists and reveals, including the tragic losses of several beloved MCU characters, and the outing of high-profile heroes as Skrulls in disguise, which could dramatically change the future of the MCU.

Secret Invasion episode 4, "Beloved," not only uncovered more about Nick Fury's backstory, but also gave more focus to Dermot Mulroney's Ritson, the current President of the United States in the MCU. Ritson has been shown to be working closely with Air Force Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes, who has been portrayed by Don Cheadle since 2010's Iron Man 2. However, Secret Invasion episode 4 shockingly revealed Rhodey to be the Skrull Raava, and though it's unclear exactly how long she has been masquerading as War Machine, Raava's introduction in Secret Invasion explains one curious future storyline: the rise of General Ross to President, and the introduction of the MCU's Thunderbolts.

Secret Invasion Sets Up President Ritson's Fall

Dermot Mulroney as President Ritson in Secret Invasion episode 4

The United States President hasn't always had a major role in the MCU, with only President Matthew Ellis being seen during Iron Man 3 before Ritson was introduced in Secret Invasion. Even so, Harrison Ford has already been confirmed to be portraying President Ross in Phase 5's Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts, taking over the role from the late William Hurt, which means Ritson's time in office will be short. Although it's possible that Ritson's term could simply be coming to an end, and Ross could be elected through official channels, Secret Invasion episode 4 has clearly paved the way for Ritson's fall from grace.

During "Beloved," President Ritson's stagecoach was attacked by Gravik and his rebel Skrulls, posing as Russian soldiers, in an attempt to assassinate the President and incite World War III. While Ritson was saved by Nick Fury and Talos, this attack will lead to Ritson learning that his own istration has been infiltrated by Skrulls, and perhaps lead to his staff and the public losing trust in the President. The fact that the world is now on the brink of war under Ritson's istration means that, if he doesn't relinquish the presidency first, Ritson will likely be outed by the public after the world becomes aware of the Skrull invasion.

Rhodey's Skrull Reveal Sets Up General Ross' Rise To President

Nisha Aaliya as the Skrull impersonating Don Cheadle's Rhodey in Secret Invasion

Once news of the Skrull invasion becomes public knowledge, it's likely that people will lose trust in President Ritson as paranoia will perhaps spread across the globe. This will certainly necessitate a steadfast and experienced candidate for the presidency to step forward, and General Thaddeus Ross perhaps has more experience with superpowered beings than anyone else in the United States government. Ross debuted in The Incredible Hulk as the Army General tracking down Bruce Banner, a.k.a. the Hulk, before appearing as the Secretary of State in Captain America: Civil War, confidently approaching the Avengers in order to implement the controversial Sokovia Accords.

Once Ritson's istration crumbles, Ross' experience perhaps makes him the perfect man to assume the position of United States President, which explains one of the biggest mysteries of the MCU's Phase 5. Harrison Ford was confirmed to be portraying President Ross before Secret Invasion premiered, effectively spoiling the fact that President Ritson's time in office would be coming to an end. Even so, Secret Invasion has started to fully explain how this turn of events will come to fruition, and it could lead to some very dramatic moments as the public may oust Ritson and welcome Ross with open arms - if the former doesn't die during Secret Invasion.

Why The Thunderbolts Will Replace The Avengers After Secret Invasion

Thunderbolts cast in MCU Phase 5 promo art

At SDCC 2022, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige confirmed that the Thunderbolts would be introduced to the MCU during Phase 5, which led to some confusion as to how and why the antihero team would actually be formed. Secret Invasion may have finally provided an answer. If the public's trust in superheroes is shaken after War Machine is revealed to be a Skrull, it's possible that the Thunderbolts could be implemented to replace the Avengers. Rhodey's outing as a Skrull could lead to the Sokovia Accords, or something akin to superhero registration, being reintroduced, which means a government sponsored superpowered team such as the Thunderbolts would actually make sense.

This perhaps also perfectly sets up one of the MCU's most highly-anticipated storylines, as President Ross could become the Red Hulk in the MCU's Phase 5. In prior appearances, Ross has mentioned his health issues, which could potentially be detrimental to his success as President, particularly since he would be assuming the position during a time of great turmoil. This would perhaps motivate him to weaponize himself, transforming into the Red Hulk to protect his health and to better protect his country, just as he does in Marvel Comics. In this way, Secret Invasion episode 4 may have actually made sense of some of the MCU's more confucoming storylines.

New episodes of Secret Invasion release every Wednesday on Disney+.

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