The Boys Creator Shares the Series’ Core Message as Season 5 Wraps Up
Amazon Prime Video’s hit series The Boys has earned a strong reputation for its sharp satire and timely social commentary. While the show often leans into dark and cynical storytelling, its creator has emphasized that there is a clear purpose behind that tone.
In a recent interview, showrunner Eric Kripke shared his perspective on what the series ultimately represents as it approaches its final chapter. With Season 5 set to conclude the main storyline, Kripke hopes the show will be remembered as a reflection of the era in which it was created.
He explained that his goal is for audiences to see the series as a kind of “time capsule”—a snapshot of real-world events and emotions during a specific period. Ideally, he hopes future viewers won’t find it relatable, as that would mean the world has moved beyond the issues the show portrays. Instead, he wants it to stand as an honest response to its time.
Kripke also highlighted a key message at the heart of the series: change starts at a personal level. Rather than waiting for heroes to fix everything, people should focus on supporting those around them. According to him, meaningful impact comes from collective, everyday actions rather than relying on larger-than-life saviors.
Despite his hopes, Kripke acknowledged that the show may continue to resonate longer than expected. Still, he would like fans to look back and recognize it not just as an outrageous superhero drama, but as one of the most honest and bold series of its time.
Throughout its run, The Boys has sparked discussion with its unapologetically political themes and provocative storytelling. Its ability to blur the line between fiction and reality has kept it relevant far beyond typical fan conversations. By challenging viewers and embracing discomfort, the series encourages audiences to reflect on the world around them—and, perhaps, take steps toward changing it.
Laz Alonso Offers Another Major Message For Fans To Take Away From The Boys
Similar to creator Eric Kripke, The Boys actor Laz Alonso has shared his thoughts on the kind of impact he hopes the series leaves on its audience. Alonso, who portrays Mother’s Milk, expressed his desire for viewers to carry forward the character’s grounded and positive outlook in their own lives.
He encouraged fans to move away from negativity and instead focus on optimism, trust, and support within their communities. According to Alonso, believing in friends, family, and the possibility of change is essential. He also emphasized that true heroism doesn’t require superhuman abilities—ordinary people can make a difference through their actions and mindset.
Alonso further highlighted the importance of unity, noting that collective strength is key when facing injustice. He stressed that people must stand together rather than allow division to weaken them. Throughout the series, his character has consistently delivered this message, and Alonso hopes it continues to resonate with audiences long after the show concludes.
With The Boys Season 5 now streaming on Prime Video, the series is set to deliver its final chapters while reinforcing its core themes of unity, hope, and accountability.
Post Resource : CBR
The Boys
Release Date: 2019 – Present
Network: Amazon Prime Video
Showrunner: Eric Kripke
Genre: Action, Drama, Crime, Comedy
Network: Amazon Prime Video
Showrunner: Eric Kripke
Genre: Action, Drama, Crime, Comedy
Karl Urban (Billy Butcher)
Jack Quaid (Hughie Campbell)
Antony Starr (Homelander)
Erin Moriarty (Starlight)
Top 5 TV Shows You Shouldn’t Skip – Watch at Least 5 Episodes
In today’s world of streaming platforms and personalized recommendations, choosing what to watch can feel overwhelming. With thousands of shows available, it’s easy to get stuck endlessly scrolling instead of actually enjoying something. To make things easier, we’ve handpicked 5 must-watch TV shows that everyone should give a chance—at least for the first five episodes.
This list features a mix of iconic sitcoms and impactful dramas that have shaped the television landscape. Each show has left a mark on its genre, pushed creative boundaries, and set new standards for storytelling. We’ve selected a variety of styles, genres, and eras so there’s something for every type of viewer. These are the shows that grab your attention early and stay with you long after you finish watching, proving why they remain some of the best series ever made.
'The Simpsons' (1989 – Present)
Once considered a format mainly reserved for children’s programming, animated television took a major leap forward with The Simpsons. The show proved that animation could thrive in prime-time as a smart, adult-focused sitcom. Blending absurd humor with sharp satire and clever social commentary, it introduced audiences to unforgettable characters like Homer Simpson—the lovable but clueless dad—and the ruthless tycoon Mr. Burns. Its success opened the door for a new generation of bold, adult animated series.
As the longest-running sitcom in television history, The Simpsons has become a true pop culture phenomenon. Its timeless humor appeals to multiple generations, and its impact can still be seen in modern TV shows today.
'Game of Thrones' (2011 – 2019)
Often described as the gold standard of fantasy television, Game of Thrones stands among the most successful and critically acclaimed shows ever made. With an impressive 59 Primetime Emmy Awards, it holds the record for the most wins by any scripted series. Adapted from A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, the show takes the epic scale of The Lord of the Rings and adds a darker, more intense edge filled with political intrigue, violence, and complex relationships.
Before its release, fantasy television was often seen as a niche genre with a limited audience. However, Game of Thrones brought it firmly into the mainstream, paving the way for modern series like The Witcher, His Dark Materials, and The Wheel of Time. With its rich world-building, diverse characters, high-stakes storytelling, and powerful performances, the series remains a benchmark for fantasy TV—even if many fans still debate its final season.
'Breaking Bad' (2008 – 2013)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest TV series ever made, Breaking Bad redefined the crime drama genre and introduced one of television’s most iconic anti-heroes, Walter White. His transformation from a struggling high school teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin is one of the most compelling and carefully developed character arcs in TV history. The show delivers a gripping narrative filled with tension, moral dilemmas, and unpredictable twists, taking viewers deep into a world of crime, power, and consequence where every episode keeps you hooked.
The cultural impact of Breaking Bad is undeniable. It reshaped modern television storytelling and elevated Bryan Cranston from a sitcom star in Malcolm in the Middle to an award-winning dramatic powerhouse. Its influence can be seen in countless shows that followed, along with widespread references, parodies, and homages across pop culture, cementing its legacy as a true television classic.
'Stranger Things' (2016 – 2025)
Stranger Things became a global sensation over its nearly decade-long run, thanks to its nostalgic take on classic coming-of-age adventures. Drawing inspiration from films like The Goonies, Stand by Me, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial by Steven Spielberg, the series blends sci-fi, mystery, and emotional storytelling into a uniquely engaging experience.
While the show is known for its layered plot, eerie atmosphere, and mix of horror and humor, its heart lies in the performances of its young cast. Their authenticity brings emotional depth to the story, grounding the supernatural events in real human connection. As viewers follow characters like Eleven, Dustin Henderson, and Max Mayfield, they’re transported back to the wonder and vulnerability of childhood. Set in the small town of Hawkins and shadowed by the eerie Upside Down, Stranger Things strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and modern storytelling, making it a must-watch series for audiences of all ages.
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What If Season 2 Episode 2 Ending Explained
What If Season 2 Episode 2 Explained
Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for What If...? Season 2, episode 2
What If...? Season 2, episode 2 ends with the dawn of an exciting and new version of the MCU, thanks to an early assembly of Avengers in 1988. As seen in "What if...Peter Quill Attacked Earth's Mightiest Heroes?" a young Peter Quill arrives on Earth in a reality where Yondu Udonta delivered the future Star-Lord to Ego after the death of his mother, rather than raising him on his ship to become Star-Lord and lead the Guardians of the Galaxy as seen in the main MCU. Instead, Peter seemingly became an extension of his Celestial father at eight years old.
In What If...? Season 2, episode 2, it quickly becomes apparent that not even Earth's Mightiest Heroes from the late 1980s can keep the world safe from a Celestial child as powerful as Peter Quill nor his father who ends up arriving on the planet himself. Assembled by Peggy Carter and Howard Stark of SHIELD, Hank Pym's Ant-Man joined Bill Foster's Goliath, Mar-Vell, The Winter Soldier, King T'Chaka's Black Panther, and Thor Odinson, though their combined power was not enough. Here is What If...? Season 2, episode 2's ending explained in detail.
How The 1988 Avengers Stopped Peter Quill In What If...? Season 2
Peter Wasn't The True Celestial Threat
Following his initial arrival on Earth, the 1988 Avengers team first faced young Peter Quill at Coney Island, only to find that his Celestial powers from Ego made him extremely powerful. It was only through the surprise entrance of Thor and a blast of lightning that the newly assembled team was able to get Peter contained. Thanks to the Asgardian warrior, the Avengers learned about Ego's seedlings and The Expansion, confirming the dark Celestial's efforts to turn the entire universe into extensions of himself (with Peter's help).
However, Hank Pym's daughter Hope bonded with Peter and learned that he only wanted to go back home to Missouri. This motivated the 1988 Avengers to try and help Peter while hoping that they could convince him to help take down his father before the Expansion could begin on Earth. As a result, Hank Pym connected with Peter by offering him a way forward through his pain and loneliness along with a new family. At the same time, Howard Stark was able to get through to the Winter Soldier, convincing him to ignore his orders to kill Peter which were coming from his Soviet handler Vasily Karpov.
Peter Quill's New Defeat Of Ego Explained
Using one of Ego's own seedlings, Peter Quil used the power himself to destroy his father, providing him with enough energy to decimate Ego and end The Expansion. This also served to be a defining moment that officially made him Star-Lord in this new alternate reality, referencing the name his mother always called him. Pointing his hands into the shape of a gun, Ego was based with the full force of his own cosmic power, seemingly being destroyed on Earth for good (though it is mentioned his planet is still around)
It's also notable that Peter Quill claimed that he'd always have a piece of Ego's power with him via the seedling he absorbed. As such, the implication is that this reality's Peter Quill still has his Celestial power and abilities, unlike the main MCU's Star-Lord who lost his power and immortality in his own battle where he defeated his father. To that end, it's quite possible that Peter Quill became one of the youngest Avengers in the entire multiverse following this new What If...? episode.
What Happened To 1988's Avengers Roster?
In the aftermath of the battle with Ego, The Winter Soldier was confirmed to have disappeared, presumably due to a piece of his past coming to the surface thanks to Howard Stark who invoked Steve Rogers' name while he was trying to get through to Bucky during the battle. Seeing as how Bucky Barnes was no longer wearing his mask or dark face paint, it does seem as though he'd begun the process of breaking his Hydra brainwashing, albeit a couple of decades before he did in the main MCU.
Additionally, the rest of the team elected to stay together and help Thor avenge those who were lost in The Expansion. Likewise, it's also implied that Peter Quill started living with Hank and Hope, along with Mar-Vell's cat Goose whom she gives to the kids in the episode's final scenes. However, the very final moment of this particular What If...? tale sees the 1988 Avengers roster in its entirety, a rather impressive collection of Earth's Mightiest Heroes who came together in the face of a crisis as significant as the one faced by the 2012 Avengers in the main MCU timeline. ( what-if-season-2-episode-2-ending-explained )
Peter Quill Still Becomes Star-Lord And Finds A Family (Even Without The Guardians)
In this alternate MCU reality, Peter Quill was never raised among the stars to become a legendary outlaw where he eventually formed the Guardians of the Galaxy as a new team of space-faring heroes (and his newfound family). However, Peter still became a Star-Lord in this new What If...? episode while also finding a family to call his own with the 1988 Avengers. As such, it's quite the heartwarming and satisfying ending for Quill in this alternate universe, even if he did get delivered to Ego at the onset.
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Home MCU Loki (Series) Loki Season 2 Writer Confirms What We All Suspected About the Ending
Loki head writer Eric Martin confirmed a fan theory about the MCU show's Season 2 ending on Disney+.
Tom Hiddleston's titular antihero made the biggest sacrifice of his 12-year MCU tenure in the Loki Season 2 finale, taking on the duty of guarding the Sacred Timeline to keep He Who Remains at bay.
Hiddleston even admitted that his character's moment in the finale "was wholly appropriate and...very moving," with Loki now holding a place as one of the most important figures across the entire Multiverse with this new job.
Loki Writer Confirms Season 2 Ending Idea
Loki Season 2 head writer Eric Martin compared the conclusion of Loki's story in the latest season of his Disney+ show to that of the legendary Greek figure, Atlas.
Martin told Esquire that the idea for Season 2 was to have Loki evolve "from a lowercase-g god, to a capital-G God," powering up his "wisdom and knowledge" while giving him a new responsibility that allows the Multiverse's inhabitants to live:
"The big idea was taking Loki from a lowercase-g god, to a capital-G God, powering him up to that place where he gets his throne—but it’s not a throne he wants anymore. This is a duty. He’s doing this so everyone else can have their lives. He’s giving up the thing that he wants most so that everyone else can have their free will… We wanted to power up his abilities, but also his wisdom and knowledge."
Martin also made it clear that the last shot of Loki sitting on his new thrown is "meant to be ambiguous" about him possibly suffering, comparing him to the Greek Titan Atlas for those familiar with mythology and legends:"I leave that up to interpretation. That final image is meant to be ambiguous. So I’ll let people make up their own minds there. If you look into mythology, someone like Atlas is an interesting person to look at with that."
In Greek mythology, Atlas was condemned to hold up the heavens for all eternity after a decade-long battle between the Titans and the Olympians - two separate generations of gods living on Mount Olympus. He at one point turned Perseus into stone, and another legend saw him attempt to get Hercules to take over his punishment of holding the universe up.
His adventures show some clear parallels to Loki's story at the end of Season 2, with the former God of Mischief now burdened with the responsibility of holding endless timelines together and replacing He Who Remains at the end of time.
Where Will Loki Return After Season 2 Ending?
The ending of Loki Season 2 seemingly put Loki into a position that he can't easily vacate as he takes on his "God of Stories" persona from the comics. However, his MCU journey may not be over just yet.
Due to his place as the keeper of the timeline, Hiddleston's MCU veteran will surely be an important resource to visit once timelines collide and mash into one another with Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon.
Particularly since he knows more about multiple Variants of Kang the Conqueror than anybody else, it would be somewhat shocking if some meet-up between Loki and the Avengers didn't come to be.
And although Loki Season 2 was prepared with the mindset that Season 3 wasn't happening, considering this series' popularity, more stories for the fan-favorite Asgardian could be on the table.
Loki Season 1 and Season 2 are now streaming in full on Disney+.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode #13 Release Date & Time
After a lot of fighting, Jujutsu Kaisen's latest episode ended on a great cliffhanger and hopefully Season 2 Episode #13 will give it a satisfying resolution. Based on how great the show's latest fights have been, this is almost guaranteed. In addition, a lot of manga readers have justifiably high expectations of this next fight so that Studio MAPPA may go all out for this next battle.
What Time Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, Episode #12 Releases
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode #13 will be airing in Japan at midnight Japanese Standard Time (JST) on Thursday, October 19. It will be simulcast on Crunchyroll on October 19 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (PDT), 12 p.m. Central Time (CT), and 1 p.m. Eastern Time (EST). For Jujutsu Kaisen fans in the UK, the episode will be released at 18:00 British Summer Time (BST). The release date for the dubbed version of the episode is unknown at this time, but it will likely premiere on Crunchyroll or Funimation at a later date.
What Happened in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode #12?
Episode #12 checked in on various characters present in Shibuya who haven't yet been given time to shine. Most notable of these is Nanami who begins the episode coming across the bodies of the assistant directors. The episode also focuses on Nobara and Nitta who encounter a disturbed sorcerer who gives them some trouble until Nanami shows up and brutally takes him down. Meanwhile, Mei Mei encounters the main villain of the arc "Geto" who releases a dangerous Smallpox Curse that attacks her. The episode ends leaving that battle unresolved and showing Yuji encountering Choso, who immediately unleashes an attack on him, initiating yet another fight.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode #13 Will Accelerate The Pace
Given both Mei Mei and Yuji are now engaged in fights, episode #13 is almost guaranteed to focus on these battles. Both of these clashes will likely push the protagonists to their limit as they each face a special grade curse. In addition to these fights, the popular villain Toji is now back and seems to be itching for fights against Jujutsu sorcerers. This means that he may also engage some of the protagonists in a fight, potentially even clashing with his own son Megumi. All of this isn't even counting the various disaster Curses who were absent in episode #12 like Mahito and Jogo who are currently scouring Shibuya for Yuji but likely wouldn't hesitate to fight any other sorcerer who gets in their way.
The rest of the Shibuya Incident seems like it will have a lot of awesome fights based on how episodes #11 and #12 went. If these fights live up to the standard set by something like Gojo vs the Special Grade curses, which happened right before he got sealed, then this nonstop action could make the Shibuya Incident one of the best Shonen arcs of all time. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode #13 will be a good barometer for how well MAPPA will handle the rest of the season and whether the fights will be done as much justice as they deserve.
Don't miss Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode #13 when it airs on Crunchyroll on October 19, 2023.
Daredevil: Born Again Fires Lead Writers Amid Major Creative Overhaul
The plans for Daredevil: Born Again have changed in a big way.
According to a new report from The Hollywood Reporter, the reset button has been pushed on Daredevil: Born Again following its shutdown due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. It's noted that less than half of the show's 18-episode order had been filmed, but the result had Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige feeling that the series "wasn't working." This led to the quiet firings of head writers Chris Ord and Matt Corman, while the directors on board for the remaining episodes to shoot were also let go. The search has since begun for new writers and directors.
The report claims that Disney+ executives are also looking to change the way they approach shows developed for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, given the decline in acclaim and viewership for these series, as was the case with Secret Invasion falling short with critics. Disney+ will be shifting to develop television content in a more "traditional" way moving forward. Marvel's head of streaming, TV and animation, Brad Winderbaum, said, "We’re trying to marry the Marvel culture with the traditional television culture. It comes down to, ‘How can we tell stories in television that honor what’s so great about the source material?’”
Why Was Daredevil: Born Again Overhauled?
Details have also been revealed on why Daredevil: Born Again is getting a creative reboot in the midst of production. Ord and Corman reportedly developed a series that was more of a legal procedural drama, and the issue was that it felt too far removed from the action-packed three-season Daredevil series. Cox is said to have not even put on the Daredevil suit until the fourth episode, and this seems to have left Marvel Studios feeling like Born Again wasn't exciting enough in this form.
While Marvel will "keep some scenes and episodes," much of what was shot could wind up getting scrapped with other serialized elements added in. Ord and Corman are also still on board as executive producers. The report also referred to Daredevil: Born Again as a two-season series, so there are apparent plans to keep the show going for at least another season, despite these behind-the-scenes issues. Meanwhile, this new plan for Marvel shows will also entail hiring showrunners, creating show bibles, and shooting pilots to better assess a show's potential before ordering full seasons.
Daredevil: Born Again isn't expected to arrive earlier than January 2025, but no official premiere date has yet been set on Disney+.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
White Vision Can Prevent Phase 5’s Iron Man Return Problem
The return of Iron Man in the MCU could be problematic, but White Vision can be the perfect tool for the franchise to avoid the issue. Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Tony Stark, a.k.a Iron Man, helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe into a pop culture behemoth, culminating in his heroic death in 2019's Avengers: Endgame. Tony's A.I. assistant J.A.R.V.I.S. has gone through a major arc of his own, becoming Vision after being implanted into a robotic, humanoid body in 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Vision himself died at the hands of Thanos (Josh Brolin) in 2018's Avengers: Infinity War before being revived in the Disney+ series WandaVision as both Hex Vision and White Vision. The ending of WandaVision sees White Vision regain his memories and part ways from Westview and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), leaving his future role in the MCU ambiguous. However, Vision's best return would be in the upcoming Disney+ series Ironheart, especially since this could help the MCU avoid the temptation to bring Tony Stark back.
Why The Ironheart Show Is White Vision's Best Return
Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) makes her MCU debut in 2022's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, in which she builds her own version of Tony Stark's Iron Man suit to become the superhero Ironheart. Riri's MCU origin reworks her comic book backstory somewhat, with Riri being an MIT student who builds her suit after Tony's death. By contrast, the comics show Riri as an apprentice of Tony's, with an A.I. version of Tony Stark guiding her in her comic book origin story.
With Tony dead, White Vision could fit the cast of Ironheart as a mentor to Riri, with White Vision already being an A.I. brought to life by Tony. Indeed, White Vision's origin as Tony's A.I. J.A.R.V.I.S. makes him even more perfect as a surrogate (and very literal) Iron Man to serve as Riri's closest ally. Most of all, bringing White Vision into Ironheart would enable the MCU to preserve Tony Stark's death in Avengers: Endgame.
Why The MCU Needs To Avoid Reviving Iron Man
In the climactic battle of Endgame, Tony Stark is given one of the most memorable send-offs in big-screen history. Getting hold of the six Infinity Stones, Tony quips to Thanos, "And I....Am....Iron Man" before snapping Thanos and his army into oblivion. This ultimately costs Tony his life, but such a powerful heroic sacrifice is far too grand of an exit for the MCU to undo, even if Riri's MCU origin is a bit sadder due to Tony's absence from the MCU.
Even Downey returning to voice an A.I. version of Tony would still bring Tony's snark and knack for quips back into the MCU at the expense of a masterful ending. The MCU's post-Endgame movies and shows have seen a far more mixed reception compared to the MCU's first three phases, which would make reviving Tony Stark an enticing proposition for the franchise. However, with White Vision so well-suited to aid Riri Williams on Ironheart, Iron Man's legacy is best left as that of a technological genius who sacrificed himself to save the universe.
Sex Education Creator Won't Rule Out Spinoffs, Teases Further Interest In Moordale World
Laurie Nunn, creator of the hit Netflix series Sex Education, has teased the possibility of returning to the world of Moordale after season 4. First released in 2019, the British teen comedy features an ensemble cast led by Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, and Emma Mackey. Following the exploits of students at Moordale Secondary School as they come to terms with their emerging sexuality, the series has earned rave reviews over its previous three seasons. Netflix has previously revealed that season 4 will serve to wrap up the show following the departure of several key cast members.
While speaking with Netflix Tudum about Sex Education season 4, Nunn was asked whether the final season will be the last time audiences encounter Moordale and the characters that inhabit it. Revealing that while she intends to take a break following season 4’s release, Nunn did not rule out the potential of returning to the show’s fictional world via a spinoff series. Check out her comments below:
“I’m definitely taking a break and thinking about other things. But Moordale is a really rich world, and writing about teenagers is always a lot of fun. So, I think that there’s always potential for more to be explored in that world.”
Will Sex Education Season 4 Set Up A New Spinoff?
While Sex Education season 4 was not originally intended to be the final outing, the show’s creative team was faced with the possibility of season 5 moving forward without some of their most important characters. While work on season 4 already had to contend with the departures of Olivia (Simone Ashley), Lily (Tanya Reynolds), and Ola (Patricia Allison), the biggest blow came in the form of Gatwa and Mackey later following suit and announcing their own respective exits should Sex Education get renewed for season 5.
With Gatwa’s Eric and Mackey’s Maeve two of the show’s most beloved characters, it would have been hard to imagine season 5 moving forward without them. As such, the decision to wrap up Sex Education seems like the most sensible option, but it is possible that Nunn and her team may also take the opportunity to sow the seeds for a future spinoff. With Sex Education season 4 set to introduce a raft of new cast members, including Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy, it is possible Netflix may establish a whole new generation of characters capable of becoming the focus of their own show.
However, if Netflix does look toward creating a Sex Education spinoff, the one character who should remain is Anderson’s sex therapist Jean Milburn. With Butterfield’s Otis and his friends coming the to end of their own adolescent journeys, Anderson’s character would be the best option to potentially connect the old and new generations of characters. With the right cast and clever writing, there is no reason a potential Sex Education spinoff could not emulate the success of the original series.
Source: Netflix Tudum
The Boys' Version of Iron Man Is Its Most Unique Hero (& It's Not Close)
Arguably the entire point of The Boys is to mock superheroes in the most grisly and insulting ways possible, which includes shining a light on the fact that they, too, can be terrible people, and given that they’re super, they’d be the worst kind of terrible. However, The Boys’ parody of Iron Man actually stands out in that regard, making him The Boys most unique hero (by far).
The Boys’ version of Iron Man is named Tek Knight, who’s actually more of a cross between Batman and Iron Man, but who is easily more reminiscent of Tony Stark given his fully mechanical suit of armor (both in aesthetic and function). However, there’s one main difference between Iron Man and Tek Knight that’s a bit disturbing: Tek Knight has an uncontrollable desire to be sexually intimate with basically anyone or anything in front of him. It’s for this reason that he can’t have a sidekick, and doesn’t even work with other superheroes, because he knows how little control he has over his urges and doesn’t want to assault anyone as a result. And that, right there, is why Tek Knight is different from practically every other supe in The Boys universe: he’s actually a good guy.
Tek Knight Is One Of The Only Good Supes In The Boys
In The Boys #7-10 by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, Tek Knight is introduced and his story arc is told in its entirety. The issues go into how Tek Knight doesn’t have any superpowers (like his Iron Man and Batman Marvel/DC counterparts), but still wanted to be a hero in a world where only those with powers can seemingly make a difference. However, it was during his escapades with other heroes that he learned of his debilitating disease, and essentially had to retire as a result. The idea of a superhero with a sex addiction so intense that they can’t have a sidekick or work with other superheroes for fear of assaulting them (which he regrettably did to his own butler) is undeniably gross and deviant. However, the tragic truth of the situation was that Tek Knight’s urges came from a brain tumor, meaning he had absolutely no control over himself or the urges that plagued him.
Not only did Tek Knight suffer from a brain tumor that essentially turned him into an aggressive sex addict who’s unfit to even be around other people (a brain tumor readers eventually learn is terminal), but he actively fought to keep others around him safe from himself. When it became apparent that he couldn’t control himself, Tek Knight immediately separated himself from those around him, and went into isolation for their sake. Any other supe in The Boys would not have been that accommodating, as most other supes are regularly shown engaging in violent sex acts throughout the series with no remorse for the damage they cause as a result. Tek Knight physically can’t help his condition, but even still, he took full responsibility for it and implemented measures to keep those around him safe, proving that he’s actually a good person in a world filled with superheroes who are decidedly not.
It seems as though Tek Knight may be adapted in The Boys live-action series, and if that’s actually the case, then the truest depiction of his nature needs to be translated from the comics to the show, which is something that separates this Iron Man parody from practically every other supe in The Boys: Tek Knight is actually a good person.
Luffy's First Meeting With The Five Elders Shows The Straw Hats' True Power
Warning: Spoilers for One Piece chapter #1089
Luffy and his crew have finally come face to face with the leaders of One Piece's world, the Five Elders, and by instantly getting the better of them, the Straw Hats have proven how powerful and dangerous they are. The World Government has sent the largest fleet that any pirate has had to face to shut down Luffy's newly awakened Gear 5th powers and Dr.Vegapunk's research, but right when the Five Elders believed they had already won thanks to their spy on Egghead Island, it was revealed that they have been fooled by the formidable Straw Hat Pirates.
The last time the Straw Hats were shown in the manga, they had a lot of trouble to deal with. Vegapunk's nearly invincible Seraphim, the return of the Rob Lucci along with other World Government assassins, and the betrayal of Dr. Vegapunk's Satellite of Greed, York, all created a dire situation for Luffy and his crew. However, in chapter #1089 of One Piece, series creator Eiichiro Oda decided to show how far the Straw Hats have grown by showing them having already conquered York and even getting the upper hand on the Five Elders.
Luffy And The Straw Hats Finally Face The Five Elders
York was willing to betray and destroy all of Dr. Vegapunk to become a Celestial Dragon. Her plan almost worked with her gaining control of the mighty Seraphim on the island, but she underestimated the Straw Hats. It is notable that, even if it happens via Den Den Mushi (snail phone), this is the first meeting between Luffy's crew and the Five Elders, the group of Celestial Dragons who apparently run the One Piece world (but actually answer to Imu). Considering how powerful and untouchable the Five Elders are, the fact that not only their plans involving York have been foiled, but they have also been tricked into revealing the truth, is a humiliation they won't forget soon.
The fearsome reach and devastation the Five Elders are capable of were recently displayed with the erasure of the Lulusia Kingdom and the murder of Alabasta's King Cobra during the Reverie. It is significant, however, that Oda decided to skip showing how the Straw Hats beat the Seraphim and got control of the Labophase. This was likely meant to create a strong and effective contrast between the dire situations the Straw Hats were in and their cool, triumphant attitude in the final panel of the chapter, further reinforced by the use of an epic double-page spread, showing the Straw Hats in control of Egghead Island with Vegapunk safe while showing zero fear or worry.
Even Usopp And Nami Look Ready To Fight 30,000 Marines
This is a significant sign of the whole crew's newfound confidence and shows have far Luffy's crew has grown. With one hundred battleships surrounding Egghead Island, led by Elder Jay Garcia Saturn and Admiral Kizaru, the current arc was setting up the possibility of ending like Thriller Bark with the arrival of a powerful enemy that outclasses Luffy's crew as Kuma did back then. However, a lot of things have changed since then. Chapter #1089 of One Piece proves how much Luffy and the Straw Hats have grown by showing them confident and in complete control of the perilous situation they were left in, starting their inevitable clash against the Five Elders on the right foot.
The latest chapter of One Piece is available on the Shonen Jump App and from Viz Media.
Secret Invasion's Finale Set Up TWO Upcoming MCU Movies, Confirms Director
Secret Invasion director Ali Selim re-emphasized that the Disney+ series set up two future Marvel Studios movies.
The finale of Disney+'s latest MCU series gave fans plenty of answers but also set up future projects, possibly to the demise of the show's quality.
Secret Invasion is one of the worst-reviewed projects ever within the MCU, but much like other projects within the cinematic universe, there's always another story on the horizon.
Ali Selim Confirms Secret Invasion Sets Up Two MCU Films
During a recent interview with Screen Rant, Secret Invasion director Ali Selim discussed the "requirements" he was given to set up in the MCU.
In particular, he was told to "make sure that Rhodey's legs don't work for Armor Wars:"
"I was given some requirements for the next movie. You have to put Nick Fury up in space. For the next beat, you have to make sure that Rhodey's legs don't work for 'Armor Wars.'"
Armor Wars was previously set to be a Disney+ series, before being upgraded to a theatrically released film starring Don Cheadle's War Machine.
In an interview with ComicBook, Selim mentioned the idea that some of the questions about when James Rhodes was replaced with Skrull could be answered in Armor Wars.
The other MCU movie that Selim has teased as a direct connection from Secret Invasion is The Marvels. Many fans assumed this connection with the presence of Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury being featured in The Marvels trailers.
Selim mentioned in an interview with EW that his "job is to tell this story (Secret Invasion) within this box" but he felt they "did a pretty good job of launching Nick Fury" into The Marvels:
"I mean, my job is to tell this story within this box, within these six episodes. I do my best not to confuse myself or the audience with things outside the box. But there are also moments where Nick Fury needs to end up here, so the next film he is in works. I think we did a pretty good job of launching Nick Fury."
Before being delayed to November 10, The Marvels previously was set to release on July 28, just two days after the Secret Invasion finale was released on streaming.
When asked by The Hollywood Reporter, Selim confirmed that there is a conversation regarding where certain characters need to end up by the end of Secret Invasion.
The director mentioned that they "write into that" and that those universe-connecting decisions are "all above [his] pay grade:"
"The answer is yes, but they’re not protracted conversations. It’s just simply, 'Where do you need him? You need him here? Great.' And then we write into that. So that kind of stuff is very simple because it’s all above my pay grade."
Does Marvel Have a Cinematic Universe Problem?
Phase 5 is off to a rocky start in terms of setting the stage for an eventual two-part Avengers story through Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania starred Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, the antagonist set up as the biggest and the baddest of the entire Multiverse Saga.
Even before the arrest and legal troubles of Majors, people were left with mixed feelings about Ant-Man 3, many complaining of the fact that it felt like more of a setup for future films, than telling its own story.
While James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a beautiful example of being a part of the larger universe, focusing on its own story and characters, Secret Invasion felt reliant on being within the MCU.
The Marvels and Armors Wars could end up being fantastic films, but will Secret Invasion be retroactively enhanced because of them? No matter the answer, it won't really matter.
The connective tissue of the MCU has always been something that drew audiences in, but is there a chance that it's becoming more of a crutch, rather than a strength?
Secret Invasion is now streaming on Disney+.
The Loki Season 2 Trailer Quietly Breaks a New Disney+ MCU Record
Loki Season 2 trailer has just been released ahead of the fall premiere, and it has immediately made MCU history in more ways than one.
On Monday, on July 31, Loki's shockingly expensive sequel season debuted its first official trailer -- 67 days before the Disney+ show's premiere on October 6. This date is vital because Loki, starring Tom Hiddleston as the God of Mischief, has set a new record within the Marvel universe as the series that can now boast having the shortest gap between a live-action MCU Disney+ show's first trailer and its official release date (via The Direct).
The record was previously held by Moon Knight, featuring Oscar Isaac in the titular role -- it debuted its official trailer on January 18, 2022, 71 days before the Disney+ premiere on March 30, 2022. Interestingly enough, the ill-received Secret Invasion currently holds the opposite record of having the longest gap between a series' first trailer and its release date. The first Phase Five MCU show dropped its first trailer on September 10, 2022, 284 days before its debut date on June 21, 2023.
As for the other shows following Loki Season 2 and Moon Knight, the gaps of all the MCU series on Disney+ to date in descending order include Secret Invasion with 284 days; What If...? at 243; Loki Season 1 at 180; WandaVision at 117; The Falcon and the Winter Soldier at 98; She-Hulk: Attorney at Law at 93; Ms. Marvel at 85; and Hawkeye at 72.
What to Expect in Loki Season 2?
Now that Loki Season 2 trailer has confirmed that the major plot twist at the end of Season 1 will be explored further, fans are as excited for the October premiere as ever. The much-anticipated story will reportedly tie up some loose ends within the MCU timeline, and the trailer has hinted that Jonathan Majors' role as Kang the Conqueror will be expanded in Loki Season 2.
Loki is the first and only Marvel Studios series on Disney+ to get a second season. Along with Majors and returning star Tom Hiddleston, the second season of Loki also brings Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Other cast members include Owen Wilson, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Eugene Cordero, Rafael Casal, Tara Strong, Kate DIckie, and Liz Carr.
Loki Season 2 is scheduled for release on Disney+ on October 6, 2023.
Source: The Direct
Marvel's mistakes in Phase 5 Worse Than Ever in the MCU Timeline (But We Fixed It)
The MCU has timeline problems, but Marvel's Phase 5 introduced the worst timeline botch since Robert Downey Jr's Iron Man cockily kicked off Kevin Feige's sprawling franchise. Some of those problems are somewhat inevitable: after 40 releases, the level of continuity homework is beyond the capability of any creative team, so it makes sense that some things slip. That is exacerbated when you bring in things like Avengers: Endgame's 5 year time jump, MCU post-credits scenes seemingly appearing out of linear order, and Marvel's more recent attempts to avoid outright stating within releases when their events are actually happening.
It's almost like the very idea of a huge shared universe consolidating every single character in existence while also bringing in as slippery a concept as the multiverse is a challenging one. But really, Marvel Studios should be commended for the unprecedented success with which the so-called Sacred Timeline has been marshaled. With so many interlocking stories, Marvel retconning stories like Endgame to service other emerging stories is mostly accepted by the audience, and we're now so far away from the MCU's point of origin that keeping track of the minutiae is only important to the most engaged element of that audience. Everyone else just wants the story to make sense, which is why Secret Invasion's timeline mistake is Marvel's worst in years.
Why Secret Invasion Was Disney+'s Perfect Post-Endgame Opener
Marvel released Secret Invasion at the wrong time. Everything about Secret Invasion places it as Endgame's epilogue, right down to it introducing Endgame's missing post-credits scene with the Avengers DNA Harvest reveal. The Disney+ miniseries repeatedly examines Nick Fury through the filter of his Blip experience, going to great lengths to suggest he is not the man he once was because of the 5 years he missed after Thanos snapped his fingers in Infinity War. And then with the introduction of the Avengers DNA storyline, Secret Invasion irrefutably ties itself to Endgame's events while failing to offer an excuse for why it instead came out 4 years later.
Even on a philosophical level, Secret Invasion's attempted musings on the very idea of the Avengers - which Nick Fury challenges in a confusing deconstruction that suggests that Earth should stop over-relying on heroes - fit far better if you've just watched Endgame. After all, Fury had just watched his supposed friend Tony Stark sacrifice himself, finally revealing the true cost of superheroism, and perhaps giving Fury a reason to question the morality of superhero dependence. In that context, it feels less like Fury is challenging the Avengers as Earth's defenders and instead examining his own part in placing the weight of the entire world on their shoulders. Given Secret Invasion reveals Fury did that same thing to the Skrulls, the recontextualization is a far more elegant solution to what appears to be an issue with logic when he says it.
When Secret Invasion Should Have Been Released
In short, Secret Invasion should have been the first release after Avengers: Endgame. According to Marvel's own definitions, Phases 4, 5 and 6 are officially called the Multiverse Saga, with the first 3 chapters existing under the Infinity Saga title. The definition was a conscious move to separate the pre- and post-Thanos eras, as well as the less tangible promise that the MCU could, theoretically, have multiple Sagas that could stretch almost infinitely into the future. Or at least until the reboot question got too irresistible to ignore from a business point of view, presumably. And strictly speaking, it made sense to distinguish those chapters... or it would have if it had been executed properly. The problem, though, is that Thanos and Avengers: Endgame are still too interesting to the MCU.
Secret Invasion is a post-Endgame story the same way Falcon & The Winter Soldier, Spider-Man: Far From Home, Hawkeye, WandaVision and Black Widow all are. Even Thor: Love & Thunder deals with Thor reclaiming himself after the Blip. Each deals directly with the fallout of the Blip, exploring the still gaping wound of the world losing and then regaining billions of lives. Far From Home, WandaVision, Hawkeye, and Black Widow are more personal stories, with Falcon & The Winter Soldier straddling the line of the personal and the wider geopolitical ramifications of Endgame's ending. Secret Invasion fits that same category, portraying not only Nick Fury's own post-Endgame story, but also turning the lens onto wider global issues, thanks to the Skrull invasion and the idea of displaced people like F&TWS. While Secret Invasion makes no sense in Phase 5, it fits perfectly with those other post-Endgame projects.
Marvel Should Retcon Phase 4 Into A New Phase Entirely
None of those post-Endgame projects have much to do with the Multiverse at all, so their placement in the Multiverse Saga makes no sense. The solution, then, is to propose a different Phase 4 to the one Marvel officially released, starting with Spider-Man: Far From Home. Initially, Spidey's first sequel was presented as Endgame's Phase 3 epilogue because it dealt with Iron Man's death and the Blip directly, but then half of Phase 4 and Secret Invasion did the same thing, so there's no need for Far From Home not to drop out of Phase 3 and join the releases it fits thematically. Here's the new order of the True Phase 4 that Marvel should retcon into existence:
- Spider-Man: Far From Home
- Secret Invasion
- The Falcon & The Winter Soldier
- Black Widow
- Thor: Love & Thunder
- Hawkeye
- What If...?
- WandaVision
- Loki
There are two edge cases here, but both have solid reasoning. What If...? might appear to be a Multiverse story, but it is fundamentally an Elseworlds retelling of the Infinity Saga, with Ultron gaining control of the Infinity Stones. In Phase 4, it could have primed Marvel's audience for the idea of the Multiverse before WandaVision's post-credits set-up and Loki introduced the idea more concretely. Loki season 1 coming at the end of Phase 4 would have been the perfect bridge between Loki's post-Endgame story (since it follows directly on from Tom Hiddleston's appearance there) and the opening of the MCU's Multiverse. The only questionable release is She-Hulk, which does add to the Smart Hulk story, but cannot possibly come before Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings because of the post-credits scene showing Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, so that has to stay in Phase 5.
That would then leave Phase 5 looking like this, with further changes to tie the actual Multiverse stories together, leading up Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, the crossover that should be the Multiverse Saga's culmination:
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- Eternals
- Moon Knight
- Ms. Marvel
- She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
- Loki Season 2
- The Marvels
- Agatha: Coven of Chaos
- Deadpool 3
- Avengers: Kang Dynasty
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Moon Knight and Eternals are all free throws, so can pretty much come anywhere in the MCU timeline, even if the latter explains why the other MCU superteam sat out Infinity War. Moving everything else in Marvel's official Phase 5 into Phase 6 tightens the story-telling, and allows a stronger through-line from Quantumania's Kang story through to Kang Dynasty, with brief deviations to tie up Ms Marvel, Secret Invasion and WandaVision's stories in The Marvels and Agatha: Coven Of Chaos. Obviously, none of this is possible given the production logistics in real life, but this will at least offer a corrected viewing order when everything is released. And by then, Secret Invasion's timeline mistake will be a thing of the past.
Secret Invasion Director Talks Making an Ending With 'Guts'
Warning
The following contains major spoilers for the series finale of Secret Invasion, "Home," now streaming on Disney+.
Secret Invasion director Ali Selim discussed his choice to end the Disney+ and Marvel Studios limited series on a somewhat bleak note.
Selim was asked about the decision to make the final part of Secret Invasion's closing chapter -- wherein President Ritson declares war on the Skrulls -- a dark one while speaking to Entertainment Weekly. "Well, I think that Ritson could say, 'The Skrulls are welcome here,' which is a great message, but not great drama," he replied. "Nick Fury has to have some opposition as we leave the series. Even though he's come to terms with it, I don't know that it's realistic to think that everybody has come to terms with it. I think it's important to show that a sense of other can create a sense of conflict."
Selim concluded that the choice was whether to give the show a "Pollyanna ending" or make one that had "some real guts to it," the latter of which was the one picked. "The idea is that this battle could go on," remarked Selim. "But Sonya [Falsworth] and G'iah reconcile at the end, and maybe they're going to fix it. Maybe these two strong, beautiful women are going to come in and fix it."
Secret Invasion May Not Have Needed a Post-Credits Sequence
Prior to the interview, Selim had talked about why Secret Invasion had no post-credits scenes, saying that it was "a good question for Kevin Feige and the MCU at large," and that he doesn't know what Marvel is using the series to launch. "I do know what they're wrapping up, which is Nick Fury's internal struggle with aging and with his sense of purpose and his sense of 'other,' which I think gets wrapped up really well," he added. "And there's not much else to say about that, so I don't know that a post-credits sequence would help."
That said, a recent rumor claims that Captain America: Brave New World won't continue Secret Invasion's story, though The Marvels and Armor Wars will. On the topic of the connection between Secret Invasion and The Marvels, the former's leading man Samuel L. Jackson commented, "This series has to happen so that The Marvels can happen. All these things are connected in an interesting sort of way."
As for a possible second season of Secret Invasion, Selim remarked that has no knowledge regarding ideas for such a project, going on to further note that he has no plans for working on future Marvel Cinematic Universe projects.
All six episodes of Secret Invasion are now streaming on Disney+.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
Marvel Created Another Sokovia Accords And It's Just As Useless
The MCU's Sokovia Accords might be returning after Secret Invasion, but this will likely be as unsuccessful as the last time they were implemented. Phase 5's Secret Invasion made some huge changes to the world of the MCU, not only focusing on the threat of a rebellious faction of shape-shifting Skrulls, but also exploring the MCU's political arena in great detail. This included introducing Dermot Mulroney as United States President Ritson, who found himself caught in the crossfire of the Skrull rebellion and Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury. Ritson's declaration of war against any alien citizens of Earth in Secret Invasion's finale hints at a dark future for the MCU.
Secret Invasion revealed that the Skrull rebellion had been targeting President Ritson for quite some time. Don Cheadle's Rhodey, a.k.a. War Machine, had been replaced by a Skrull and ascended through political ranks to work as Ritson's aide, quietly influencing the President. During Secret Invasion, an assassination attempt on Ritson by the Skrulls masquerading as Russian soldiers - and Rhodey's reveal that the rebellion had set up a base of operations on Russian soil - almost convinced Ritson to incite World War III. Luckily, nuclear war was avoided, but Ritson's new knowledge of dangerous Skrulls living among humanity led to a dark declaration against all off-world species.
President Ritson Declaring Aliens Enemy Combatants Can't Last
President Ritson's experiences in Secret Invasion lead to him declaring war on all off-world species living on Earth, which is seen to be inciting a wave of vigilante violence against Skrulls, or humans who individuals think are Skrulls. While it's evident that the Skrull rebellion needed to be dismantled, there are roughly a million innocent Skrulls living among humanity that would now be targeted under Ritson's new ruling. His specification of all extraterrestrial species being deemed dangerous could also throw various other MCU characters into jeopardy, including the citizens of New Asgard, several high-profile Avengers, and even Captain Marvel herself.
These actions could lead to the reemergence of the Sokovia Accords, a document introduced in Captain America: Civil War based on the Superhuman Registration Act from Marvel Comics. The Sokovia Accords demanded every hero reveal their identities and operate under the United Nations, which was something not all the Avengers could get on board with. This also put heroes such as Daredevil and Spider-Man into a huge amount of danger, as it's paramount that some heroes retain their secret identities. However, just like the Sokovia Accords, it's likely that Ritson's new ruling won't last too long, particularly since Captain America: Brave New World is set to see a new President replace Ritson.
Will Captain America 4 Address Ritson's Anti-Alien Sentiment?
Leading on from Secret Invasion, Phase 5's Captain America: Brave New World is set to explore the MCU's politics even further, promoting Harrison Ford's General Thaddeus Ross (previously portrayed by the late William Hurt) as the new President. Ross was an advocate for the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War, but could have had a change of heart after witnessing the traumatic events of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. This means that President Ritson's anti-alien declaration could be scrapped very quickly. On the other hand, this could be the perfect stepping-off-point for the widespread introduction of mutants into the MCU, relating more closely to Marvel Comics' Superhuman Registration Act.
Secret Invasion Director Confirms Fan Speculation on When Rhodey Became a Skrull
Secret Invasion director Ali Selim put to rest the debate over how long Rhodey has been a Skrull in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Per ComicBook.com, the filmmaker explained that War Machine has been a doppelganger for approximately seven years, with the swap happening shortly after the events of the last solo Captain America film. "A lot of people have asked about, 'Definitely, when did Rhodey...?' I think his legs not working at the end of episode six and him being in the hospital gown points to Captain America: Civil War." The moment the filmmaker is referring to is when Vision blasts War Machine with the Mind Stone during a battle with Iron Man, sending him crashing to Earth and rendering him paralyzed.
Despite Selim's confirmation, many fans have pushed back on the clarification, noting that the Rhodey appeared to bleed red blood during the final battle in Avengers: Endgame. Both Captain Marvel and Secret Invasion established that Skrulls have green blood, suggesting that the real War Machine was present during the War for Earth. At the time of writing, it remains unknown whether this was intentional or a consistency error.
Secret Invasion's Legacy
While Secret Invasion was hailed as a groundbreaking twist on the MCU, the series ultimately left audiences and critics disappointed. The finale currently boasts the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score of any Disney+ show, with reviews insisting the narrative didn't do enough to alter the world or advance any character arcs. One of the more popular aspects of the story was Rhodey's inclusion, as many fans were shocked to discover that Tony Stark's best friend was a Skrull secretly working for Gravik on a mission to bring down Nick Fury.
Another major MCU character Secret Invasion confirmed to be a Skrull was Martin Freeman's Everett K. Ross, who was exposed in the show's premiere episode. While it remains unknown when the changeover took place, Freeman believes it was relatively recent. "I don't wanna play Ross as Skrull. I don't wanna believe he's been a Skrull this whole time, so I don't," the actor said. "That's not what I've played. I've believed, all the time, in Ross's integrity. I really enjoy playing Ross, as a Skrull or otherwise."
Secret Invasion is now streaming in its entirety on Disney+.
Source: ComicBook.com
Secret Invasion: How Many Episodes Is Marvel's Disney+ Show?
Exactly how many episodes is Marvel Studios' planning for the MCU's most recent Disney+ streaming show, Secret Invasion?
Taking inspiration from one of the most influential stories in Marvel Comics, Secret Invasion became Marvel Studios' eighth live-action series to debut on the streaming service, along with the first to come in Phase 5.
Although the series has suffered low viewership numbers through its first few weeks, it looks to add a new and exciting chapter to the MCU's legacy as different streaming shows add to Marvel Studios' Multiverse Saga.
How Many Episodes Does Secret Invasion Have?
Marvel Studios' Secret Invasion is set to run for six episodes on Disney+, with four episodes aired on the streaming service thus far.
The final two episodes will premiere on Disney+ on Wednesday, July 19, and Wednesday, July 26.
Of the 16 Disney+ shows (17 seasons) that have a confirmed episode count, only half of them have six episodes.
Four of them have nine episodes, one being the animated What If...? and two others in WandaVision and Agatha: Coven of Chaos being closely tied to one another.
The only one confirmed to be longer than nine episodes right now is Daredevil: Born Again, which was confirmed for an 18-episode first season at San Diego Comic-Con 2022.
While Secret Invasion and its other counterparts are usually set for six episodes, there are a couple of animated shows that are shorter, with I Am Groot consisting of five entries and Marvel Zombies set for a record-breaking four episodes.
The full list of episode counts for all of the MCU's Disney+ series can be seen below:
- WandaVision - 9 episodes
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier - 6 episodes
- Loki - 6 episodes
- What If...? - 9 episodes
- Hawkeye - 6 episodes
- Moon Knight - 6 episodes
- Ms. Marvel - 6 episodes
- I Am Groot - 5 episodes
- She-Hulk: Attorney at Law - 9 episodes
- Secret Invasion - 6 episodes
- Loki Season 2 - 6 episodes
- What If…? Season 2 - 9 episodes
- Ironheart - 6 episodes
- Agatha: Coven of Chaos - 9 episodes
- Daredevil: Born Again - 18 episodes
- Marvel Zombies - 4 episodes
The first four episodes of Secret Invasion are now streaming on Disney+.
The Boys Season 4's New The Seven Team Teased By Vought Ahead Of SDCC Panel: "The Seven Has NEVER Been Stronger"
Ahead of their scheduled panel at 2023’s San Diego Comic-Con, The Boys season 4 has teased a new line-up for their Vought superhero team known as The Seven. Throughout the events of The Boys season 3, Vought’s premiere superhero team led by Antony Starr’s Homelander saw its ranks significantly diminished. In addition to Starlight’s defection from Vought’s ranks, season 3 also saw Dominique McElligott’s Maeve fake her own death and Homelander kill Black Noir in a fit of rage.
With a few months now gone since production wrapped, the official Twitter account of the fictional corporation Vought International is hinting at revamped team line-up for The Boys season 4.
This 7/7, we salute the greatest Super team ever assembled. Even with heroic sacrifices and unfortunate betrayals, The Seven has NEVER been stronger. Sole captain Homelander continues his search for new heroes to replenish the team’s ranks as we speak! pic.twitter.com/VSfFjXpBbB
— Vought International (@VoughtIntl) July 7, 2023
Featuring an image of the three remaining members of The Seven, Homelander, A-Train, and The Deep, the edited season 2 image also includes a returning Black Noir, whose death is set to be covered up by having a new Supe take his place. The post also promises that Homelander is busy searching for more Supes to join his team’s ranks.
Who Will Join The Seven In The Boys Season 4?
With The Seven now looking for three new members to bring the team back to its full strength, audiences are keen to know who will be joining the show’s roster of corrupt superheroes. Two of those three vacant slots are most likely going to be taken by a pair of new characters that were first announced in October last year. Orange is the New Black’s Susan Heyward and The Lost Symbol’s Valorie Curry have previously been announced as two new Supes, known respectively as Sister Sage and Firecracker.
At the moment, little is known about Heyward and Curry’s characters, both of which are original characters with no direct correlation in the original comics. The bigger mystery will be who is destined to fill the seventh and remaining slot on the team. While it seems unlikely that Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy would be in the running to round out the team, another option may be the mysterious unnamed character played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. With many fan theories postulating his potential casting as the Supe Tek Knight, he could be a good contender.
Another option may stem from the upcoming spinoff series Gen V, which will introduce a younger generation of Supes training at Godolkin University School of Crimefighting. With the spinoff set to arrive before The Boys season 4, it is possible that this new series may even introduce an up-and-coming Supe graduate who moves across to the flagship show. Either way, audiences may learn more when The Boys make their appearance later this month at the SDCC.
Source: @VoughtIntl/Twitter