Warning: This post contains spoilers for Secret Invasion episode 1, "Resurrection."

Nick Fury is in a dicey situation in Secret Invasion, and the MCU's Avengers won't be coming to help him. Marvel Studios' first Phase 5 Disney+ series marks the return of Samuel L. Jackson as the former Director of SHIELD. After missing part of the end of the MCU's Infinity Saga, Nick Fury's comeback in Secret Invasion is unfortunately not on the best . Instead of reconnecting with his old allies following years of absence, he is called back to Earth out of desperation to deal with a new issue that is secretly affecting the whole planet.

Inspired by one of the most expansive stories in Secret Invasion is significantly different from its Multiverse Saga predecessors on Disney+. Premiering on June 21, 2023, Secret Invasion is an espionage thriller, mirroring some of the same themes of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. In the series, Fury is being held able for not delivering on his promise to find the Skrulls a suitable home planet after Captain Marvel. He learns that a rebellious faction of the shape-shifting aliens aims to take over Earth and claim it as theirs. As such, Fury has a big crisis on his hands, and unfortunately, he seems to be on his own.

The Avengers Team Hasn't Been Seen Since Endgame In The MCU

Captain America in Avengers: Endgame

After Iron Man and Black Widow's death, not to mention Captain America's retirement in Avengers: Endgame, it remains unclear who are active of the Avengers in the post-Infinity Saga MCU. There are three remaining founding heroes who are still in the universe: the Hulk, Thor, and Hawkeye. All of them had appearances in the MCU's Phase 4, but they haven't been spotted collectively since the fight against Thanos. It's also uncertain if there's any communication among them; the same goes for all the other Infinity Saga heroes who are known to still be operating in the MCU.

No Avengers projects have been announced by Marvel Studios until 2026's Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, with Phases 4 and 5 having to rely on other heroes instead - though Phase 5 will end with the MCU's Thunderbolts crossover. A new Avengers team likely won't be established in the MCU until The Kang Dynasty, particularly since there's been barely any reference to the team's existence thus far in the Multiverse Saga. It's even unknown if the Avengers team is still active, as some heroes who are expected to be part of the new roster such as Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, and even Scarlet Witch have all dealt with their respective missions separately.

Why The Avengers Don't Help Nick Fury In Secret Invasion

Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in Secret Invasion

The Avengers Initiative was Nick Fury's conception, and it was he who brought together Earth's Mightiest Heroes in 2012's The Avengers, so it's curious why Fury won't reach out to his beloved heroes in Secret Invasion. Given the severity of his problem, it seems like the best possible way forward is to recruit more allies. That being said, Jackson previously revealed that Fury is trying to solve Secret Invasion's crisis without the help of his super-friends. He didn't divulge further, but promised that there's "a very good explanation for that" in the series, though since only one episode has released so far, viewers will have to wait for these answers.

Based on his circumstances in Secret Invasion, however, it makes sense that Fury is hesitant to reach out to anybody - Avengers included. Keeping his circle small allows him to make sure that the people around him are trustworthy. It's also worth noting that many of the heroes that Fury worked with in the past are no longer around. Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff are dead, and Steve Rogers' whereabouts are currently unknown. It's probably also the reason why he reaches out to Don Cheadle's Rhodey, as he's known War Machine since the early days of the MCU's Phase 1, though it seems Rhodey's allegiances may have also changed.

Nick Fury Has Other Allies In Secret Invasion

Secret Invasion Nick Fury Talos Embrace

It's very unlikely that the Avengers will make an appearance in the Secret Invasion episode 1, "Resurrection," saw Fury build a small team featuring some familiar faces and some new ones. Building on a friendship that started in the 1995-set Captain Marvel, Fury and Ben Mendelsohn's Talos will be working closely together. Cobie Smulders also returned as Maria Hill, Fury's former right-hand-woman at SHIELD, though the dramatic ending of "Resurrection" may have seen her lose her life in a shocking turn of events.

Secret Invasion episode 1 opened with an appearance of Martin Freeman's Everett K. Ross, first introduced in Captain America: Civil War, which was followed by appearances in the Black Panther franchise. Although Ross could have been billed as a staunch ally to Fury, he was quickly outed as a Skrull in disguise, instantly proving why Fury would want to keep his circle small. Fury also reached out to Olivia Colman's Sonya Falsworth, though it's currently unclear whether she'll be a friend or foe to Fury and his team. One thing's for sure - even though the Avengers aren't involved in Secret Invasion, Nick Fury certainly won't be fighting the battle alone.

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

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