Who is Marvel's Sonya Falsworth? Inside The Crown's Olivia Colman and her MCU role

Secret Invasion has premiered on Disney+, fusing the worlds of science fiction and espionage. The latest Marvel Studios mini-series focuses on Skrulls infiltrating the planet, in a storyline inspired by the 2007 comic book. The series introduces some new players to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Sonya Falsworth. Who is this mysterious new superspy, and what is her role in the MCU? Let’s unpack everything we’ve learned so far.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for the first episode of Secret Invasion!

Who is Sonya Falsworth in the MCU?

Sonya Falsworth is a high-ranking MI6 agent who is tracking a group of rebellious Skrulls. She has eyes all over Moscow, thanks to her various agents. In fact, when Nick Fury stepped onto Moscow’s streets for a stroll, she was aware of his presence within minutes. In some ways, Falsworth can be considered England’s own version of Nick Fury. Falsworth collects clocks, which can be seen all over her compound.

During the first episode of Secret Invasion, Fury seeks Falsworth out, hoping they could work together to stop a group of rebel Skrullls. Sonya is not interested in working with Fury, believing that he’s a liability. Falsworth tells Fury that he hasn’t been the same since the Blip, which erased him from existence for five years.

Although her tone with Fury is harsh, it’s clear that there is a history between them. Fury remarks that they used to work well together, and she calls him a friend before he departs. However, like Fury, Sonya seems to put her work above all else, and is more interested in stopping the Skrulls than sparing Nick’s feelings.

Fury leaves a small recording device on one of her clocks, which allows him to listen to her conversations. It appears that Fury isn’t as ineffective as Sonya likes to think he is – unless, she’s aware of the device and playing him. When it comes to spies, you never know who to trust. When you add Skrulls to the mix, then you should forget trust altogether.

Who plays Sonya Falsworth in Secret Invasion?

Falsworth is played by Olivia Colman, an award-winning English actress. Colman has had a successful career across film, television, and theatre. In 2019 she was awarded an Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Queen Anne in The Favourite. In 2021 she received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown.

During a press conference for Secret Invasion, Colman revealed that she had been campaigning for a Marvel role for years. “After every Marvel film that's landed in cinemas, I've phoned my agent and said, please get me in Marvel,” Colman shared. Colman leaped at the chance to join Secret Invasion but was slightly disappointed that her character wouldn’t have powers. “I kept asking if I could be bitten by something or fall into a vat of something. They were having none of it,” Colman joked in an Empire Magazine interview.

Marvel Studios probably wouldn’t hire someone like Colman unless they had bigger plans for her. It’s safe to assume that we’ll be seeing more of Falsworth as Secret Invasion progresses.

Is Sonya Falsworth from the comics?

Sonya Falsworth is an original character to the MCU, and she hasn’t appeared in any of the comics. However, she might have some ties to a classic Marvel character. James Montgomery Falsworth was a British agent who defended his country during both World Wars. Falsworth had no powers of his own, but he was in peak physical condition, and an expert spy.

Falsworth created the costumed identity Union Jack, becoming Britain’s unofficial answer to Captain America. He first appeared in Invaders #7 (1976), where he battled a German sabatour named Baron Blood. It turned out that Baron Blood was Falsworth’s brother, which created some family drama.

Falsworth enjoyed some adventures alongside Captain America, Namor, and the Human Torch, but by World War II he was getting too old to continue as Union Jack. He retired his heroic identity and served as an elder statesmen to Marvel’s heroes. His daughter Jacqueline took his place on the Invaders, adopting the heroic identity Spitfire.

A few other versions of Union Jack have popped up over the years, including Falsworth’s son Brian. Falsworth passed away in Captain America #254 (1980) after his heart gave out. Don’t forget, he had been around since World War I.

James Montgomery Falsworth was featured in the 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger. Falsworth was a British soldier who was captured by HYDRA during World War II. After being rescued by Captain America, Falsworth help the United States Army take down the Red Skull. Falsworth becomes a member of the Howling Commandos, a special battalion led by Captain America. Falsworth was played by JJ Field, an actor known for his role as Roy Lunn in the 2019 film Ford v. Ferrari.

Is Sonya Falsworth related to James Montgomery Falsworth?

As of now there is no confirmed connection between Sonya Falsworth and James Montgomery Falsworth. While it’s possible that the shared last name is a coincidence, there are some other similarities between the two characters. Sonya and James are both British agents, working to take down clandestine organizations within the MCU. Perhaps Sonya is James’ granddaughter, continuing the family business?

If Sonya is James’ granddaughter, it adds an interesting meta-connection between her and Nick Fury. The MCU version of James served in the Howling Commandos, while the comic book version of Fury led the group.

For now, we can only speculate on any connection between James and Sonya Falsworth. There are plenty of puzzles in Secret Invasion, and the nature of Sonya Falsworth is only one of them. Should we trust Sonya Falsworth? We’ll have to keep watching to find out.

Secret Invasion: Everything you need to know about Marvel's Disney+ miniseries.