Here’s why you should be amped up for Marvel’s What If…? on Disney Plus.
Marvel Studios Disney Plus shows have been amazing. WandaVision gave us a new way to look at Wanda Maximoff, TV shows in general, and a glimpse into what may be the beginning of her downward spiral. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier hit on a lot of tough topics including PTSD and being Black in America. And Loki was as close to perfection as we’ve seen. The character development was superb and it helped set up the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Up next, we have What if…?. A look into alternate realities within the Marvel Universe. Based off the comic series of the same name, the source material highlights the realities that are different from the ones we’ve seen in the comics. For example what if Punisher joined S.H.I.E.L.D., if Spider-Man never left Russia, and if Sue Storm married Namor.
The trailer for the Disney Plus version has shown alternate realities like zombie Marvel Comics characters and the Guardians of the Galaxy on Earth during the Avengers first movie. While both of those are already cool enough to make fans excited for what’s to come, there are other reasons to get pumped up for Marvel’s What if…? .
A tribute to Chadwick Boseman
This has to be mentioned first. The passing of Chadwick Boseman hit people all over the world really hard. It was like the world stopped after losing their heart. He was a once in a generation kind of person. Not just because of his phenomenal acting. For this writer, it was the multiple roles Boseman chose to play. He portrayed characters that were influential in Black Culture, such as Thurgood Marshall, James Brown, Jackie Robinson, and, of course, Black Panther.
What if…? will be the last time we get the honor and privilege to see/hear Chadwick Boseman in a Marvel Studios project. While he won’t be playing Black Panther so to speak, it will be cool to see him in another light as T’Challa will become Star-Lord. And it gives us the chance to honor Boseman one more time.
Were What If…?’s realities caused by Sylvie?
The final episode of Loki teased the arrival of new realities. This seemed like a direct result of Sylvie’s actions. If she is the cause of these branches, are any of the episodes of What if…? also the result of her actions?
What if…? is based on the comic series. So far, however, it is indirectly related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it uses the MCU versions of the characters to tell different stories. That leads this writer to believe that Sylvie could indeed be the one responsible for the creation of these apparent parallel dimensions. It only makes sense since the TVA had done a good job keeping their reality in a straight line until her arrival.
Heroes and villains switching roles
We’ve already seen Peggy Carter become Captain Carter and one of the trailers for the show has shown that Spider-Man will become the Sorcerer Supreme. That one definitely sounds like it’s going to be unique. Think about it. Peter Parker is a man of science. In what world does it make sense that he’d believe in magic enough to take on a title as powerful as the Sorcerer Supreme?
But that is only the beginning of the changes we can expect. What if…? is going to take us on a journey throughout the multiverse and the limitations of what you think of your favorite heroes and villains will be nonexistent. This writer is particularly excited to see what’s going on with Gamora. There’s an image of her with Thanos’ double-sided swords. Does this mean that she takes over for the Mad Titan Thanos after he dies? Here’s a better question: Was she the one who killed him? What could happen to make her become something we thought she hated?
As much as we’ve seen in the trailers, there is likely so much more that we haven’t seen yet. Then again, Marvel Studios is known for throwing curveballs at fans. Some of the things we’ve seen in previews may not occur in the way that we think they do. Remember, this is the same studio that made a CGI version of the Hulk fighting in Wakanda for Avengers: Infinity War that they ultimately didn’t use. It was only generated to throw fans off the scent, so it wouldn’t be entirely unheard of if they were to do it here.
The team-up we never knew we needed
Erik Killmonger and Tony Stark are two of everyone’s favorite MCU characters. Tony Stark helped build the MCU from the ground up. Killmonger redefined what it means to be an antagonist. The two of them together is something that no one would expect to happen. Thanks to Marvel Studios, we’ll get to see it.
What exactly will Killmonger do to persuade Tony Stark into helping him? Is it the offer of vibranium (which Stark knows exists) or is it a debt he’s paying for saving his life? Also, we know Killmonger is more than happy to kill people who’ve helped him. Will he kill Stark after his usefulness has run out. And, will we get Killmonger in an Iron Man kind of armor? So many possibilities!
An excuse to see/hear our favorites
While not every MCU actor will reprise their roles in What If…?, there will be plenty of familair voices in the project. Jeff Goldblum and Taika Waititi are two voices we’ll recognize – which is great because both of them bring a unique style to their character, giving them larger-than-life personalities. Then we have fan-favorites like Tom Hiddleston; everyone loves Loki and, with the God of Mischief’s own show recently wrapping up, fans are likely even more pumped for the episode(s) he’s in. Personally, this writer can’t wait to hear Karen Gillan. Her portrayal of Nebula has been vastly underrated.
Any excuse to hear some of our favorite MCU stars back in those roles is welcome, and What If…? will have plenty of them.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to other parts of What if…? that weren’t mentioned? Let us know in the comments below.