The final episode of the first season of Marvel’s animated anthology series, What If…?, originally aired on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Understanding the context surrounding its release and potential future seasons provides valuable insight for Marvel fans eager for more multiverse adventures.
Examining the Conclusion of Season One
The initial run of What If…? concluded with a climactic battle showcasing the Guardians of the Multiverse, a team assembled by the Watcher to combat a universe-threatening Ultron. The episode, fittingly titled “What If…The Watcher Broke His Oath?”, served as a culmination of many storylines established throughout the season, delivering a satisfying resolution while leaving the door open for future explorations of alternate realities.
The Guardians of the Multiverse: A Season’s Climax
This episode delivered on the promise of the series, bringing together variants of familiar characters from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to confront a common enemy. Captain Carter, Star-Lord T’Challa, Gamora, Party Thor, Doctor Strange Supreme, and Killmonger united under the watchful eye of the Watcher to fight against Ultron wielding the Infinity Stones. The narrative cleverly weaved together the consequences of earlier “What If…?” scenarios, creating a cohesive and compelling finale.
The Implications for the MCU
While What If…? exists outside the main MCU timeline, its themes and characters have resonated with the broader narrative. The introduction of concepts like multiversal variants and the consequences of altering pivotal moments have significantly influenced films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The series demonstrated the potential for exploring darker, more experimental storylines, paving the way for future MCU projects to embrace the boundless possibilities of the multiverse.
Delving Deeper: Your Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the What If…? finale and the show in general:
FAQ 1: Is there a Season 2 of What If…?
Yes, a second season of What If…? has been confirmed and released. It premiered on December 22, 2023, with episodes releasing daily through December 30, 2023. The season explores even more alternate realities and introduces new variants of beloved MCU characters.
FAQ 2: How many episodes are in What If…? Season 1?
Season 1 of What If…? consists of nine episodes. Each episode presents a self-contained story exploring a significant “What If…?” scenario within the MCU.
FAQ 3: Who is the Watcher?
The Watcher, voiced by Jeffrey Wright, is a powerful cosmic being whose role is to observe and document the events unfolding across the multiverse. He is bound by an oath to not interfere, but the events of Season 1 force him to break that oath to protect reality. He serves as the narrator and guide for the series.
FAQ 4: Will the characters from What If…? appear in live-action MCU projects?
While not explicitly confirmed, the possibility remains open. The MCU is increasingly embracing the multiverse concept, and the popularity of characters like Captain Carter and Doctor Strange Supreme makes their potential integration into live-action projects plausible. Some theorize that certain moments in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness were influenced by events depicted in What If…?.
FAQ 5: Is What If…? considered canon to the MCU?
The question of canonicity is complex. While What If…? explores alternate realities and diverges from the main MCU timeline, its events can still be considered multiversal canon. Concepts and characters introduced in the series can influence and inform the broader MCU narrative, as seen with the multiverse being a prominent theme throughout the MCU’s Phase 4.
FAQ 6: What is the best way to watch What If…?
What If…? is exclusively available for streaming on Disney+. A Disney+ subscription is required to access the series and other Marvel content.
FAQ 7: Who wrote and directed the What If…? finale?
The finale, “What If…The Watcher Broke His Oath?”, was directed by Bryan Andrews and written by A.C. Bradley. Andrews served as the director for the entire first season, while Bradley was the head writer.
FAQ 8: Is there going to be a Season 3 of What If…?
Yes, a third season of What If…? is confirmed to be in development. While a release date hasn’t been announced, fans can expect more multiversal adventures in the future.
FAQ 9: What are some of the most popular What If…? episodes besides the finale?
Some of the most popular episodes include “What If…Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?”, “What If…T’Challa Became a Star-Lord?”, and “What If…Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?”. These episodes offer unique and compelling perspectives on familiar MCU stories.
FAQ 10: How does What If…? differ from other Marvel animated series?
What If…? stands out from other Marvel animated series due to its anthology format and its focus on exploring alternate realities within the MCU. It also features a higher production value and a more mature tone compared to some previous animated adaptations.
FAQ 11: What are some of the voice actors featured in What If…?
The series features a talented voice cast, including many actors reprising their roles from the live-action MCU films. Notable voice actors include Jeffrey Wright as the Watcher, Hayley Atwell as Captain Carter, Chadwick Boseman as Star-Lord T’Challa, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, and Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger.
FAQ 12: What impact has What If…? had on the MCU’s future?
What If…? has expanded the scope of the MCU by introducing the concept of the multiverse to a wider audience. This has allowed for greater narrative flexibility and the potential for incorporating characters and storylines from different realities into future projects. It also tested the waters for more experimental and unconventional storytelling within the MCU.