Early concept designs from Captain Marvel reveal a much weirder and evil-looking Skrull. Brie Larson brought Carol Danvers to life in 2019’s Captain Marvel, but Ben Mendelsohn stole the show as Talos, a Skrull general. In the film, the Skrulls are caught in a war with an opposing alien race known as the Kree Empire. Talos ends the movie searching for a new homeworld for himself and the other surviving members of his race.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe version of the Skrulls differs significantly from their comic book counterparts. The Marvel Comics Skrulls are also able to shapeshift, but they’re much more malevolent in the comics than on-screen. The Skrulls of the comics once tried to take over Earth by impersonating many beloved heroes, have fought the Fantastic Four on multiple occasions, and are generally known for their galaxy conquering exploits. Differences aside, the final design of the MCU Skrulls closely matched the original Jack Kirby creations. However, Captain Marvel could have ended up with a much more sinister Skrull design.
In newly revealed concept art, the MCU Skrulls are shown to be much scarier than the design that ended up on the screen. Artist ianjoynerart posted the concept art to his Instagram account, noting the early models were for “soldier/grunts.” The artist also says he finished the designs “before we had any real direction [from Marvel].” Take a look:
Since the MCU decided to take the Skrulls in a much more benevolent direction (so far), it makes sense they abandoned these creepier concepts. Mendelsohn’s natural comedic ability gave an air of levity to the character, so perhaps Marvel Studios was inspired by his performance to take the Skrulls in a slightly different direction than in the comics. However, the last moments of Spider-Man: Far From Home, revealed that Talos had been impersonating Nick Fury on Earth, at the direction of the former S.H.I.E.L.D. leader. This reveal could have been Marvel Studios’ way of acknowledging the Skrulls’ penchant for shapeshifting into familiar heroes, or maybe a hint at a Skrull secret invasion of the MCU.
Whatever happens next for the green-skinned aliens, Marvel Studios has proven they’re able to use the comic story as a basis for their films, while surprising fans familiar with the source material. Expect Talos and other Skrulls to continue to pop up throughout the MCU. Although, Marvel may wait until the Captain Marvel sequel to fully reveal the Skrulls masterplan.
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Source: ianjoynerart via Instagram
