While the big-name Disney+ Marvel shows continue to be a big draw for the MCU, one of the most intriguing upcoming series is Secret Invasion. Without a big superhero name attached, it feels as though this show is getting somewhat overlooked. However, not only is it assembling a terrific cast of characters, but it is also adapting one of the most beloved storylines in Marvel comics history. It is a premise with a lot of potential, especially if the show draws on the right inspiration. Looking at what the series could be, it shares some key similarities with Invasion of the Body Snatchers which could serve as the perfect movie to style the show after.

Marvel's "Secret Invasion" storyline began in 2008 and told the story of a massive invasion on Earth by the shape-shifting Skrulls. Over a number of years, the Skrulls managed to kidnap several prominent Marvel heroes and replace them with Skrull operatives in the hope of conquering the planet for their new homeworld. Many fans suspected this storyline would be put in motion thanks to the Skrulls appearing in Captain Marvel, albeit very different than they are in the comics.

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While the Skrulls were changed to be a more sympathetic race of aliens and allies of some of Earth's heroes, it now seems that there is at least a group of them looking to take over the planet. Samuel L. Jackson will star in the series as Nick Fury alongside Ben Mendelsohn as the Skrull leader Talos. They will be joined by the likes of Emilia Clarke, Olivia Coleman, and Kingsley Ben-Adir in undisclosed roles. It seems unlikely the show will be able to pull off the scope of the comic book storyline which featured Marvel's biggest heroes, but it can still capture the thrills of the story on a smaller scale. The intrigue of the story came from the fact that it was unclear who could be trusted and that is where Invasion of the Body Snatchers becomes a perfect template.

Matthew pointing at the camera and screaming at the end of Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Though the original 1956 Invasion of the Body Snatchers is considered a classic, the 1978 version is a rare example of a superior remake. It is set in a small town where an alien invasion begins with extraterrestrial creatures that can produce and replace replicas of humans. The movie takes a slow-burn approach that is very effective and shows the invasion beginning to spread out. It starts with citizens in the town acting strangely and people claiming their spouses are no longer who they say they are. It creates an eerie and mysterious atmosphere that slowly begins to reveal the truth until the heroes are surrounded by enemies. While it is a horror movie, Invasion of the Body Snatchers doesn't rely on monsters or gore, but rather the lurking idea that the threat could be anyone.

While Secret Invasion is not likely to veer too much into the horror angle, it has the perfect opportunity to tell a suspenseful thriller by using the approach of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It is a more low-key take on the alien invasion story, but more effective because of it. The invasion in question is not a violent conquering, but rather a gradual spreading of a virus that goes unnoticed until it's too late. Though Marvel likes its big action sequences, without any big named heroes involved, they might think about a quieter approach to the story that leans into these elements.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers also provides an example of how the show can approach the alien villains. Once the "body snatchers" take on a human form, they do not become emotionless monsters in human skin. They can speak and think which makes them even more threatening. In one memorable scene, the "body snatchers" have taken the disguise of the heroes' friends and attempt to convince them in a very rational and calm way why they should just give up and let this happen. Given that the Skrulls have shown to be a peaceful group in the past, portraying them now as outright villains would be a mistake. It would be more effective to see their invasion as a necessity and not malicious.

Secret Invasion Marvel Studios Kevin Feige Disney Plus

Secret Invasion also has the opportunity to carry on the story of Invasion of the Body Snatchers in an exciting way. The movie features a famously downbeat ending, but the story is pretty much contained to this small town where the invasion begins. Secret Invasion can explore what such an invasion would look like when it starts to spread. What would be the global impact when people start realizing there are shapeshifting aliens among them? This kind of larger take on the story would allow for the kind of scope Marvel fans are expecting while still focusing on the more intimate thriller aspects.

One of the reasons the MCU has had the longevity they have is because they are willing to play around with the different types of stories they tell. They also draw inspiration from interesting sources, be it conspiracy thrillers that inspired Captain America: The Winter Soldier or heist films that inspired Ant-Man. With all the potential of Secret Invasion, it would be a real thrill to see it take a page from such a brilliant piece of work as Invasion of the Body Snatchers while still telling its own unique Marvel story.

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