If there's one thing about Secret Invasion that people simply can't stop talking about, it would be the exact time when James "Rhodey" Rhodes was abducted and replaced by the Skrulls. The most popular theory is that War Machine was taken right after the events in Captain America: Civil War, which could mean that Rhodey wasn't truly there when Tony Stark passed away in Avengers: Endgame. It's a depressing idea that already has fans freaking out over the retcon and director Ali Selim is worried about the incoming backlash for what happened in the series.
In the Secret Invasion finale, it was revealed that Rhodey was wearing a hospital gown when he was finally rescued from the Skrulls. The gown and his inability to use his legs led to speculations that he had been under New Skrullos since Captain America: Civil War. Unfortunately, this would also mean that Rhodey has been a Skrull during the Battle of Earth to witness Tony Stark's ultimate sacrifice.
Interestingly, Ali Selim is already aware that people are not happy with Rhodey not being able to say goodbye to his best friend in Avengers: Endgame. The Secret Invasion director told The Hollywood Reporter that he is already anticipating harsh fan reactions to the possible retcon and the death of a beloved character.
“I’m worried that I will get death threats because of that, and also because I’m the guy who took out Maria Hill. So I’m actually going into hiding now,” Selim said.
Of course, it's important to point out that it has not yet been confirmed whether Rhodey had been a Skrull since Civil War. There is still the possibility that he was taken right after the events in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier so there is a chance it was the real Rhodey who got to see Tony Stark's final moments.
But when exactly was Rhodey captured by Gravik and his companions? Selim had previously stated that the truth will finally come out when Don Cheadle reprises his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Armor Wars.
All six episodes of Secret Invasion are now streaming on Disney+.
