What If…? Season 3 Episode 3, if it existed as envisioned based on current trajectory and creative patterns, would likely be densely packed with easter eggs referencing the wider MCU, specific comic book storylines, and even behind-the-scenes elements of Marvel Studios’ production. This article speculates on potential easter eggs, considering likely thematic focuses and character pairings based on previous seasons and current comic narratives.
Predicting the Easter Egg Avalanche: A Deep Dive
Given the show’s penchant for exploring alternate realities and tweaked timelines, Season 3 Episode 3 (let’s hypothetically title it “What If… Yondu Chose Ego?”) would undoubtedly be overflowing with nods and winks to die-hard Marvel fans. Predicting specific easter eggs is an exercise in educated guesswork, but we can look at patterns in previous seasons, the comic book source material, and logical character pairings to formulate some solid hypotheses.
Guardians of the Galaxy Re-imagined
If the episode indeed centers on a universe where Yondu delivered Peter Quill to Ego, the Living Planet, instead of raising him as a Ravager, the possibilities for easter eggs are immense. We could see:
- A Celestial-Aligned Peter Quill: Imagine Peter wielding cosmic energy, perhaps wearing an advanced Celestial suit. This could reference various comic book storylines where Quill’s lineage and powers are explored, such as the “Annihilation” saga.
- A Corrupted Ravager Force: With Yondu fulfilling Ego’s wishes, the Ravagers could be transformed into a subservient force, perhaps even cybernetically enhanced by Ego’s technology. Look out for characters like Kraglin and Taserface sporting unsettling upgrades.
- Subtle Ego Architecture References: Eagle-eyed viewers could spot familiar architectural elements from Ego’s planet integrated into various locations throughout the galaxy, hinting at his expanding influence. These could include nods to ancient alien civilizations Ego has absorbed.
Comic Book Callbacks
- “Planet Hulk” Inspirations: If Ego’s influence spreads, we might see gladiator arenas or other barbaric customs reminiscent of the “Planet Hulk” storyline, hinting at Ego’s inherent cruelty despite his outward appearance of benevolent power.
- Adam Warlock Foreshadowing: With cosmic characters heavily involved, a fleeting glimpse of Adam Warlock’s cocoon, or even a brief appearance by the character himself, could serve as a tantalizing tease for future MCU projects.
- The Living Tribunal Appearance: Should the episode tackle multiversal implications stemming from Ego’s actions, a cameo by the Living Tribunal, the cosmic entity responsible for maintaining balance across realities, wouldn’t be out of the question. This could reference key moments in comic events like “Secret Wars.”
Behind-the-Scenes Nods
- Character Redesigns Honoring Early Concepts: What If…? often allows for experimenting with visual designs. This episode might include character appearances that pay homage to abandoned concept art from the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
- Cameos from Animation Legends: Voice acting cameos from influential figures in the animation industry, perhaps voicing minor characters or even just providing sound effects, could be a subtle yet meaningful easter egg for animation aficionados.
- Subliminal Quotes from James Gunn: Given James Gunn’s deep involvement with the Guardians, the script may contain hidden references to his earlier works or personal interests, detectable through careful analysis of dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What’s the likelihood of the hypothetical Episode 3 featuring alternative character pairings besides Yondu and Ego?
The show is known for its unexpected combinations. While Yondu and Ego are central to the hypothetical scenario, expect supporting characters from different parts of the MCU to unexpectedly interact, creating fresh and often humorous dynamics. Possibilities include crossovers with characters from Thor: Ragnarok or Captain Marvel.
Q2: Could the episode introduce a new version of a classic Marvel villain?
Absolutely. What If…? is the perfect platform for re-imagining established villains. Perhaps Ego’s influence corrupts another character, transforming them into a formidable antagonist with a unique set of powers. This could be a lesser-known villain given a new lease on life or a major player with a drastically altered backstory.
Q3: How deep would the easter eggs go? Would they be primarily visual, or could they also be narrative-driven?
The show tends to balance both visual and narrative easter eggs. Visual cues might include background details, character costumes, or even specific camera angles that mirror moments from the films. Narrative easter eggs could be subtle dialogue references, plot twists that echo comic book storylines, or even the introduction of obscure characters with intriguing backstories.
Q4: What’s the probability of seeing a cameo from a different animated Marvel property, like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse?
While a direct crossover might be unlikely due to rights issues, a subtle nod to another animated Marvel universe isn’t out of the question. This could be a visual reference, a musical cue, or even a background character designed in a similar style.
Q5: How might the episode handle the potential for timeline paradoxes created by altering such a pivotal event in Peter Quill’s life?
What If…? often acknowledges the potential for timeline paradoxes, sometimes resolving them through the intervention of the Watcher or other cosmic entities. The episode could explore the ramifications of Ego’s influence on the wider multiverse, potentially leading to the creation of divergent realities or even a timeline collapse.
Q6: Could the episode explore the psychological impact on Peter Quill of being raised by Ego, the Living Planet?
This is a highly likely angle. The episode would likely delve into the potential for psychological manipulation and the loss of individuality that could result from being raised by Ego. We might see Peter struggling to reconcile his human emotions with Ego’s cosmic ambitions.
Q7: What role might Gamora, Drax, or other members of the Guardians of the Galaxy play in this altered reality?
Their roles would likely be drastically different. Gamora might be an assassin under Ego’s control, Drax could be a warrior forced to fight in Ego’s gladiatorial arenas, or they might be part of a resistance movement fighting against Ego’s dominion. Expect their personalities to be subtly altered to reflect their changed circumstances.
Q8: Would the episode feature any original songs or musical scores that reference the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtracks?
A subtle nod to the iconic Awesome Mix is almost guaranteed. This could be a remix of a classic song, a musical cue that echoes the themes of the original films, or even a completely original song that captures the spirit of the Guardians soundtrack.
Q9: Could the episode address the criticisms leveled against Ego’s characterization in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?
What If…? sometimes uses its platform to re-interpret existing storylines and characters. This episode could explore different facets of Ego’s personality, potentially offering a more nuanced or sympathetic portrayal of the Living Planet.
Q10: What’s the chance of seeing a completely new superhero or supervillain introduced in this episode, unique to this alternate reality?
It’s possible. What If…? occasionally introduces original characters, often as variations on existing Marvel archetypes. This episode could feature a new cosmic hero or villain created as a direct consequence of Ego’s actions.
Q11: How might the episode tie into the broader Multiverse Saga of the MCU?
The episode could subtly hint at larger multiversal events, perhaps by showing glimpses of other realities affected by Ego’s actions. It could also introduce a character or concept that will play a more significant role in future MCU projects.
Q12: Would the ending leave viewers with a sense of hope, despair, or something in between?
What If…? episodes often end on ambiguous notes, leaving viewers to ponder the implications of the alternate realities they’ve witnessed. Given the potential for Ego’s dominion, the ending could be bittersweet, with a glimmer of hope amidst a bleak landscape, or a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power. Ultimately, a thought-provoking conclusion is the most likely outcome.