What If…? showrunner teases ‘Captain Carter’ in series premiere

What If…? showrunner Ashley Bradley is excited for fans to see the show’s alternate version of Peggy Carter.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is going to experience some major adjustments when What If…? arrives on Disney Plus. One of these will be Peggy Carter taking the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers, who, in turn, dons an Iron Monger-like armor. It’s an interesting concept and one that showrunner Ashley Bradley can’t wait for audiences to see.

Bradley recently sat down with Discussing Film to discuss the Marvel Studios’ first animated project. During the chat, she talked about Peggy, who she refers to as “Captain Carter”, stepping into the spotlight in the first episode. She also provided insight into why this particular story was chosen for the premiere:

"“Early on, there was already this consensus to do Captain America as the first episode. We didn’t know which- what the story would be exactly. Then this idea of Peggy Carter, not only a fan favorite but a favorite around the Marvel offices, and getting to show her story more became tantalizing. It was just fun and fascinating. The idea of writing Peggy kicking ass in WWII wielding the shield was just a pleasure to write.”"

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Bradley was excited to put new spins on Peggy Carter and Steve Rogers. However, she soon found the task to be somewhat daunting, as she wanted to be careful in her handling of two of the MCU’s most beloved characters:

"“I think it took me two days to start the script because just writing in the words “Project Rebirth” was terrifying. I felt a burden. I have to do right by these characters. I have to do right not only by Hayley Atwell but by the millions of people who have now grown up with the incident with Captain America, with Peggy, and also tell the story.”"

And if fans thought that Peggy Carter becoming a superhero was enough of a surprise, Bradley promises it’s only the tip of the iceberg:

"“If people were shocked to see Captain Carter, they are in for some definite surprises because that is just the starting point and we go in different directions and in so many different places.”"

Across her various appearances in the MCU, Peggy Carter has been faced with numerous challenges, proving that she is every bit the hero her lover is in the process. Having a story in which she switches places with Steve Rogers seems like a no-brainer for this show. Watching her finally don the shield should be a treat for longtime MCU fans.

What…If?’s animated format gives it the ability to tell stories the films can’t due to budget constraints. And with tales including a zombie Captain America and a Star-Lord-esque T’Challa being teased, it’s clear viewers are in for something special. What…If? is scheduled to premiere on Disney Plus in mid-2021.