Skrulls, Starforce, Maria Rambeau, Jude Law’s Role and More Explained

Scroll through Entertainment Weekly’s exclusive photos of Captain Marvel. There’s a lot going on: Skrulls, Maria Rambeau, Talos, Jude Law’s mysterious role, Korath the Pursuer, Ronan The Accuser, a reference to Photon, and even more peculiar things to ponder. That’s why we’re breaking it all down. Here’s EW’s ten photos explained.

Who is Maria Rambeau?

Before she became Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers was an Air Force pilot and one of EW’s photos pays homage to that origin. There's a second photo featuring a plane, which suggests that's how Carol meets Maria Rambeau (played by Lashana Lynch). EW reports Maria is one of Carol’s oldest friends, but there’s more history in the comic books. On the side of Maria's plane, there’s yet another easter egg: the name Photon. That’s a reference to Maria’s daughter, Monica, who is one of many characters to take the name Captain Marvel in the comic books. Monica will also appear in the film, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Maria Rambeau in 'Captain Marvel.' Marvel

In the Marvel comics, Monica Rambeau became a leader of The Avengers. Her powerset was certainly worthy of that title: she can transform into any form of energy; cosmic rays, gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet and all the other rays ever, which in turn also makes her invisible. Rambeau didn’t name herself Captain Marvel, but that’s what the public called her. She eventually gave the title to the original [Captain] Mar-Vell’s son, Genis, and then took on the name Photon and later Pulsar. While Monica might be quite young in the film, it’s important to remember Avengers 4 takes place nearly 30 years after the events of Captain Marvel. We could be seeing her again soon.

What is Starforce?

It’s basically the SEAL Team Six of space, more specifically the Kree planet of Hala. Its members include a few familiar faces alongside Carol Danvers. There’s Korath (Djimon Hounsou), originally introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy. Minn-Erva, played by Gemma Chan from Crazy Rich Asians, is also present.

Starforce in 'Captain Marvel.' Entertainment Weekly

Contrary to what the name may suggest, the appearance of Starforce might not be the best sign. In the comic books, they are considered a somewhat villainous team of the most powerful Kree warriors. A conflict with the Shi’Ar, a competing race of aliens, puts Starforce against the Avengers and the outcome of all the turmoil isn’t great for the Kree. Millions are decimated, and Starforce is dissolved into Shi’Ar.

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Starforce in Marvel Comics. Marvel

That may not happen in the film, as the conflict is said to be between the Kree and Skrulls. But that doesn’t mean everyone on Starforce has good intentions. Ronan The Accuser, pictured with the rest of Starforce, teams up with Thanos in exchange for the destruction of Xandar in Guardians of the Galaxy. Korath the Pursuer is right there with him fighting the Guardians and Star-Lord for the Orb that hides the Infinity Stone. Put simply, Carol Danvers may realize Starforce isn’t what she thought it was, which sets her on a different trajectory.

What is Jude Law’s role?

Pictured as the leader of Starforce, Jude Law will take on a mentor role according to EW. Marvel has kept his character name under wraps, but that hasn’t stopped fans from theorizing. In the comic books, Carol become a hero after being inspired by the respected Kree soldier Mar-Vell (who was disguised as a doctor on Earth). His job was to observe Earth to make sure humans hadn't yet built the technology for space travel. Even though a Captain Marvel story needs a Mar-Vell, there’s also another option: Captain Att-Lass, a decorated member of the Kree military who wants to make his people the most powerful in the universe.

Jude Law's character with Brie Larson as Carol Danvers. Marvel

Here’s what Law has to say about his mystery role: “These extraordinary powers she has, he sees them as something of a blessing and something that she has to learn how to control,” Law says. “That’s a motif throughout the piece, the element of learning to control one’s emotions and to use your powers wisely.”

Who are the Skrulls?

They are seen as big bads of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the mortal enemies of the Kree. Always talked about but rarely seen, Ben Mendelsohn plays their leader, Talos The Untamed. They’re shapeshifters with increased durability. See Mendelsohn in two of EW’s photos. One as a visible alien and the other a plain-clothed man. He is posing as an undercover SHIELD agent, which should make things interesting for our younger versions of Nick Fury and Phil Coulson, who are getting their start at the agency back in the 90’s when the film takes place.

Skrulls in 'Captain Marvel.' Entertainment Weekly

Following the Kree-Skrull war, the most famous Skrull storyline from the comics is “Secret Invasion,” or the invasion of Earth. Once the Earth’s heroes find out Skrulls are hiding out on Earth planning to takeover, they intervene. As the Skrulls leader, Talos is probably leading that battle in the storyline adapted to film. Talos was one of few Kree born without the ability to shapeshift (photos prove that’s not the case in the movie). He compensates by becoming a brutal, brutal warrior. Captured by the Kree during the war, he goes against Skrull tradition of ritual suicide. He becomes known throughout the empire as Talos the Tamed.

Is that De-aged Nick Fury?

Why, yes it is. And there will be a de-aged Coulson as well. Here, Fury even has both of his eyes, but that also means he’s very low in the SHIELD ranks. SHIELD wasn’t only a huge part of the Kree-Skrull wars and secret invasion in the comic books. The Kree are also heavily intertwined in the plot of the Agents of SHIELD TV show. Agent Coulson’s life was saved by Kree DNA after Loki stabbed him in The Avengers. We always wondered where SHIELD got the Kree body for the resurrection (dubbed Project TAHITI). Captain Marvel just might give us those answers and take viewers to the very beginning of that storyline.

Any theories for Captain Marvel after inspecting all the photos? Sound off in the comments.