Who is Director Tyler Haywood?

We were introduced to the acting director of S.W.O.R.D, Taylor Haywood during the 4th episode of WandaVision. Despite being his first appearance in the MCU it is expected that Haywood will have an increased role during the series. Played by Josh Stamberg, the acting director has already presented himself as an untrustworthy character giving off vibes simular to Hydra’s former leader Alexander Pierce. The suspicion that fans have towards Haywood is based on his interactions with the likes of Monica Rambeau, Jimmy Woo and Darcy Lewis, as well as links towards the organisation of A.I.M. However what these suspicions are yet to come to the surface.

We were first introduced to the organisation, A.I.M (Advanced Idea Mechanics) in Iron Man 3 where Aldrich Killian was the founder of the organisation. As we know from the movie Killian was killed, which means there would have been an opening at A.I.M. Throughout the series WandaVision, there have been Easter eggs referencing the organisation A.I.M. These references have been small like the reoccurring hexagons, but have also been bigger like the beekeeper appearing in episode 2. A.I.M’s logo is a hexagon and workers for the company often where beekeeper suits. The references to A.I.M do suggest the possibility that the company may have some involvement in the series. The current leader of A.I.M is unknown, but the way Tyler Haywood has acted in his short screen time puts him in the conversation of being the new leader.

Firstly, Haywood discusses the new direction S.W.O.R.D. has taken during the blip with Monica. He says that S.W.O.R.D. has moved away from manned missions and has started to focus on robotics, nanotechnology, AI and sentient weapons. What is key about this conversation is that ‘Extremis’ was created using nanotechnology and did create a form of sentient weapon. The switch that has been made by Haywood could indicate that he is using the resources at S.W.O.R.D to help benefit A.I.M.

The core of A.I.M is that its members are scientists. The leader of A.I.M would also need to possess a good knowledge of everything science. Haywood briefly shows off his knowledge of science during episode 4. He is quick to interrupt Darcy and tell everyone what CMBR (Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation) stands for. The fact that he can do this shows he is competent in a subject you would not expect him to be. Darcy definitely seemed impressed that he knew this, which proves Haywood has scientific knowledge, which is a key characteristic to be the leader of A.I.M.

The biggest Easter egg that referred to A.I.M was the beekeeper that appeared in episode 2 and once again in episode 4. Beekeeper suits are traditionally worn by scientists from A.I.M as a form of hazmat suit. The fact that S.W.O.R.D agents were wearing the suits during the episodes does provide a link, especially when Haywood was the man sending them into Westview. Haywood is very much behind the operation in Westview, so it would make sense that his agents were wearing the beekeeper suits if he is the leader of A.I.M.

Possibility the true identity of Haywood is more complex than just the leader of A.I.M. Secret Invasion is an upcoming Disney+ series which will focus on a section of Skrull’s infiltrating every level on Earth. Director Haywood could be one of these Skrull’s.

We were first introduced to the Skrull’s in Captain Marvel so potentially Skrull’s have been living on Earth since the 90s. What we also know is that Monica’s mother Maria Rambeau whom we met in Captain Marvel was a founder member of S.W.O.R.D which was established after the events of Captain Marvel. This information tells us that S.W.O.R.D. has links to the Skrull’s, especially as we saw Nick Fury on a Skrull space station in the Spider Man: Far From Home post credits. The knowledge of Skrull’s was also included in the investigation board in episode 4.

Haywood being a Skrull could also be the set up for the Secret Invasion series. If Haywood has managed to become director of S.W.O.R.D then other Skrull’s like him could have also done the same in different organisations. This theory doesn’t rule out Haywood also being a part of A.I.M. either, instead it could mean Haywood has infiltrated A.I.M like he has done S.W.O.R.D and is looking to expand the Skrull race. This would create a divide in the Skrull race and would lead to the section of villainous Deviant Skrull’s that we are yet to see in the MCU.

We have only met Tyler Haywood for a short amount of time and his actions could all be for the right reasons. However Marvel is known for having a villainous man in power which is why suspicions have been raised about Haywood. Not only are we just suspicious by his actions but Marvel Studios have been leaving a trail that will continue to be fleshes out with further episodes. At the moment 4 episodes into WandaVision that trail does suggest Haywood could have involvement with A.I.M, but the potential for him to be a Skrull could also turn out to be true as we continue to learn more about Tyler Haywood.