Already in episode 3 there was the last hint, in “Secret Invasion” episode 4 it is now finally confirmed: James “Rhodey” Rhodes aka War Machine (Don Cheadle) is a Skrull – and a woman too, as the shower scene in the new episode shows. But which Marvel character is behind it? It’s worth checking out the episode’s credits, which mention a name – but not the one many fans already suspect.
But first things first: long before the start of “Secret Invasion”, there were rumors and speculation that a certain character would appear in the series: the Skrull princess Veranke. A pretty obvious assumption, after all, Veranke is also the leader of the secret invasion of Earth in the comic book of the same name. But a look at the credits of “Secret Invasion” Episode 4 reveals: The fake Rhodey isn’t Veranke – but a Skrull named Raava (played by Nisha Aliyah):
However, Raava has nothing to do with the Secret Invasion in the Marvel Comics. Although she is a Skrull warrior, she really only wants to avenge her murdered children Skragg and Raavaka and appears in a comic series about Inhumans leader Black Bolt, which Marvel fans from the series “Inhumans” or “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness” (each played by Anson Mount).
So it’s clear Marvel just borrowed the name from a pretty obscure comic book character here, similar to Nick Fury’s Skrull wife Priscilla (Charlayne Woodard), whose real name is Varra. Varra is a completely different character in the comics. An interesting side-thought: is it a coincidence that Varra and Raava have very similar names? Perhaps there is also a family connection here?
Of course there is a chance that Skrull-Rhodey aka Raava turns out to be (some kind of) Anchor after all. This name may not be mentioned, but as an Avenger-mimicking Skrull who reports directly to Gravik, she seems to play an important role in the ranks of the evil Skrulls.
How long has Rhodey been a Skrull?
The other exciting question that finally comes up after Episode 4: How long has Rhodey been a Skrull, anyway? That question will likely be answered in the remaining two episodes of Secret Invasion, Rhodey is told.Armor Warshis own MCU movie is coming – and then he really needs to be seen as himself again.
Because “Armor Wars” is about the legacy of Rhodey’s good friend Tony Stark aka Iron Man. Why would Skrull-Rhodey want to keep that memory when she’s loyal to Gravik and clearly has nothing but contempt for the Avengers and Nick Fury? So we assume the real Rhodey is still lying around somewhere in the Skrull facility and is freed – possibly from the resurrected G’iah (Emilia Clarke, by the way, according to the trailers).
For similar reasons, we believe that Rhodey has not been replaced by a Skrull for quite some time. Many of his touching and meaningful scenes in “Avengers: Endgame” and “The Falcon And The Winter Soldier” would otherwise be devalued in hindsight and don’t suit Raava – and that can’t be in the best interest of the MCU executives.
We’ll likely learn more about Skrull-Rhodey as early as July 19, 2023 in “Secret Invasion” Episode 5.