While the discussion surrounding Marvel Studios’ “Secret Invasion” over the past week seems to have been mostly about the fact that generative A.I. was used to create the title sequence, there was something pretty impactful to the MCU in the episode. And according to Cobie Smulders, even in a show about misdirection and fake-outs, the ending of Episode 1 of “Secret Invasion” is exactly what you think it is. 
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**Spoilers ahead for Episode 1 of “Secret Invasion.” You’ve been warned…**
In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Cobie Smulders confirms what happened at the very end of the premiere episode of “Secret Invasion” is true—Maria Hill is dead. Nick Fury’s (Samuel L. Jackson) right-hand woman, who has been a fixture of the MCU for more than a decade, died at the end of the first episode when a Skrull impersonating Fury pulled out a gun and shot her. And though fans have been working overtime trying to figure out how Marvel Studios faked her death, Smulders confirms that Hill is no longer living. 
“There is a multiverse now, so anything is possible. But I’m pretty sure this is it,” said the actress. “It felt and it feels strange. Maria Hill’s passing is very real, and it’s shocking, and it feels very human. It was a sad day.”
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The reason fans aren’t necessarily believing the death yet is because “Secret Invasion” is all about how a shapeshifting group of aliens is attempting to destabilize world powers by impersonating important people and committing massive terrorist attacks. So, fans are theorizing that the Maria Hill we saw die is actually not the real Hill. But, at least if you believe the actress who plays Hill, that is very much not the truth. And for Smulders, she’s a bit bummed that her long journey with the Marvel Cinematic Universe has come to an end.
“I mean, listen, it would’ve been great,” Smulders said. “Of course, I would’ve loved to do more, but I trust that Marvel is doing the storyline that they think is best.” 
As for fan reactions, Smulders has been playing in the MCU sandbox for long enough to realize that some people won’t react kindly to Hill’s passing.
“I feel bad if their reaction is negative and they don’t like it, but I think that there is also something positive to take away from that,” she explained. “They were so connected to the story and these characters that they cared. That is beautiful and wonderful.”
Though reviews are mixed and the controversy surrounding the opening credits doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, there are still quite a few folks excited to see where “Secret Invasion” is heading. Unfortunately, that story is likely continuing without Hill. And if the end of Episode 1 is any indication, Nick Fury isn’t happy about that. 
“Secret Invasion” airs new episodes each Wednesday on Disney+.