Secret Invasion, Samuel L. Jackson and Olivia Colman’s upcoming Marvel series, is set to explore a different side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The mature espionage thriller will delve deeper into the character of Nick Fury, played by Jackson, as he grapples with his age and post-blip malaise. Fury’s decline is so apparent that his inner circle, including Colman’s character Sonya Falsworth, doubt whether he can stop the Skrull rebellion led by Kingsley Ben-Adir’s Gravik.
In the series, Fury is described as a “vapors of himself,” a phrase used by the villain to highlight his perceived weakness. This prompts Fury to reevaluate himself and find ways to strengthen himself to face the challenges ahead. Colman’s character, Sonya, expresses her concerns for Fury out of a strange kind of love. Despite her doubts, she genuinely wants him to be safe.
The casting of Charlayne Woodard, who played Jackson’s character’s mother in the 2000 film Unbreakable, has caused some stir due to the age difference between the actors. Jackson acknowledges that the casting may cause controversy on social media but expresses his excitement for Woodard’s involvement in the MCU.
During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jackson and Colman discussed their characters and their approach to their roles. When asked about his thoughts on starring in Secret Invasion, Jackson admits that he hadn’t given it much thought before, but he’s excited to explore a different side of Nick Fury in a longer format. He believes that a two-hour movie wouldn’t be enough to fully delve into the character.
Colman reveals that she had been eager to join the MCU for some time and jumped at the opportunity when it came along. She enjoyed watching the Marvel films with her children and would have said yes to any role offered to her. She also shares her thoughts on her character Sonya, suggesting that her initial doubts about Fury may be an attempt to spur him on rather than get him out of the way.
The topic of Charlayne Woodard’s casting as Fury’s mother in Unbreakable is brought up, with Jackson explaining that he wasn’t involved in her casting decision. He anticipates that there may be some backlash due to the age difference between the actors, but he is glad to have a friend like Woodard join the MCU.
Both Jackson and Colman reflect on their characters’ implied history and how they approached defining their relationship. Colman explains that she prefers not to define backstory and would rather discover it as the story progresses. Jackson acknowledges that their characters’ dynamic could have been contentious, but Colman’s decision to play Sonya as cozy and fuzzy changed the dynamic to something more satisfying and allowed them to explore a frenemy relationship.
Finally, Jackson discusses Fury’s vulnerability in the series and admits that he didn’t know when or how it would be shown. He mentions Natasha Romanoff’s death as a moment where Fury’s vulnerability could be explored, as she was the person closest to him among the Avengers. He expresses his eagerness to delve into this side of Fury’s character and show a different aspect of his personality.
Overall, Secret Invasion promises to be a thrilling and introspective series that delves into the character of Nick Fury while introducing new characters like Sonya Falsworth. With the talented cast and intriguing storyline, Marvel fans can look forward to a unique and mature addition to the MCU.