Cobie Smulders explains how Maria Hill was affected by the Blip and her new dynamic with Nick Fury in Secret Invasion. Maria Hill was Nick Fury's right hand at S.H.I.E.L.D. and remained a close confidant and trusted ally even after the agency fell. The two were together when Thanos snapped half the universe away. Both were casualties of this action. However, it seems they had very different reactions when they returned, which changed their once-close bond and will be explored in Secret Invasion.
During the Secret Invasion press conference, Smulders revealed what she believes Maria Hill did in the immediate aftermath of the Blip. She also discussed how Fury's actions have impacted their relationship. Smulders explained that, "I think the relationship is quite strained because she's been calling, and [Fury] hasn't been answering." Check out Smulder's full quote below:
Cobie Smulders: I think Maria Hill came back and someone else was sitting in her desk, and immediately kicked them out and got to work. I think there was just a mountain of cases to get to, which is part of her resentment towards Fury, 'cause he was not around.
How Nick Fury & Maria Hill's Relationship Has Changed in Secret Invasion
While Maria Hill returned to work in the aftermath of the Blip, Nick Fury seemed to do the opposite, escaping Earth and using Talos as a double in his place. The resentment that Maria Hill has towards Nick Fury seems well-earned, especially if she has been looking for him for help and he hasn't been there. This likely caused a major rift in their relationship, fracturing the trust they once had.
This can be especially dangerous in Secret Invasion, where trust is questioned because of the Skrull. If Maria Hill and Nick Fury haven't communicated and can't trust each other, it could make them prime targets for the Skrull, especially with their numerous connections and the power they still hold. Maria Hill was once Nick Fury's closest confidant, but it seems the firm foundation of their relationship has crumbled away just as they did with Thanos' snap.
Secret Invasion is an opportunity to explore this new relationship dynamic and potentially rebuild the relationship they once had. Maria Hill could also become a more confident leader in her own right outside of Nick Fury taking charge as the one who has been on the ground this whole time, perhaps noticing the early warning signs of the Skrull conspiracy even before Fury. Hopefully, Nick Fury and Maria Hill can find a way to fix the damage that has been done to their relationship in Secret Invasion and come out stronger for this change.
