The second episode of Marvel’s animated anthology series, What If…? premiered on August 18, 2021, on Disney+. It continued the show’s exploration of alternate realities within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, presenting a brand new scenario diverging from the established MCU canon.
Exploring the Multiverse: The Genesis of What If…?
The premise of What If…? is captivating in its simplicity: what would happen if pivotal moments in the MCU unfolded differently? The series, narrated by the all-seeing Watcher, Uatu, delves into these alternate timelines, showcasing how seemingly small changes can have profound and often unexpected consequences. The first episode, exploring Peggy Carter becoming Captain Carter, immediately set the stage for the wild and imaginative scenarios to come. Episode 2 followed this up with a universe-altering twist of its own.
The Allure of Alternate Realities
The popularity of What If…? stems from several factors. Firstly, it offers a fresh perspective on beloved characters and events. Viewers are no longer constrained by established storylines and can witness familiar faces in entirely new and often surprising roles. Secondly, the animated format allows for greater creative freedom. The show is unbound by the limitations of live-action special effects, enabling the exploration of truly outlandish concepts and visual spectacles. Finally, the anthology format allows for self-contained stories, making it easy to jump in and out without needing to commit to long-term narrative arcs. This accessibility significantly broadened its appeal.
Diving Deep: What If…? Episode 2 – T’Challa as Star-Lord
Episode 2 presented a particularly intriguing “what if” scenario: what if T’Challa, not Peter Quill, was abducted by Yondu Udonta and became Star-Lord? This premise immediately established a drastically different galactic landscape.
The Impact of T’Challa’s Influence
Instead of the chaotic, selfish, and ultimately well-meaning Peter Quill, we see T’Challa, imbued with his Wakandan sense of justice and leadership, transforming the galaxy for the better. He inspires even hardened criminals like Thanos, who in this timeline, becomes an ally instead of a genocidal maniac. This episode profoundly explores the power of personality and its ability to reshape even the most ingrained destinies. The implications for the broader MCU are considerable, hinting at the potential for seemingly minor changes to ripple outwards and create drastically different realities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About What If…? Episode 2
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding What If…? Episode 2, addressing key aspects of its content, production, and overall impact.
FAQ 1: What Specific Moment Did Episode 2 Diverge From the Main MCU Timeline?
The point of divergence occurs when Yondu Udonta, tasked with abducting Peter Quill, mistakenly abducts T’Challa instead. This seemingly small error sets in motion a chain of events that dramatically alters the galaxy.
FAQ 2: How Does T’Challa Being Star-Lord Change Thanos’s Character?
In this timeline, T’Challa’s inherent goodness and leadership skills inspire Thanos to abandon his destructive quest for the Infinity Stones. Thanos, impressed by T’Challa’s approach to solving galactic problems, instead works with him to bring peace and prosperity to the universe.
FAQ 3: Were Any Original MCU Actors Involved in Episode 2?
Yes, many original MCU actors reprised their roles for Episode 2, including Chadwick Boseman (T’Challa/Star-Lord), Josh Brolin (Thanos), Michael Rooker (Yondu Udonta), and Karen Gillan (Nebula). This added authenticity and depth to the alternate reality presented.
FAQ 4: What is the Significance of the Collector in This Episode?
The Collector, played by Benicio del Toro, plays a more significant role in this reality. With Thanos not pursuing the Infinity Stones, the Collector’s museum of artifacts becomes a more centralized point of conflict, showcasing his hoarding tendencies and ruthless pursuit of rare items. He serves as a formidable antagonist.
FAQ 5: What Made Chadwick Boseman’s Performance in This Episode So Special?
This episode marked one of Chadwick Boseman’s final performances. His portrayal of T’Challa as Star-Lord was widely praised for its charm, charisma, and the embodiment of the character’s inherent goodness. It served as a poignant reminder of his talent and lasting legacy.
FAQ 6: What Themes Does Episode 2 Explore?
The episode explores themes of leadership, influence, the power of personality, and the potential for redemption. It demonstrates how one person’s actions, guided by principles of justice and compassion, can reshape entire civilizations.
FAQ 7: How Does Episode 2 Connect to the Broader Multiverse Narrative in the MCU?
What If…? as a whole introduces the concept of the multiverse and its infinite possibilities to a broader audience. While Episode 2 is a self-contained story, it reinforces the idea that different realities exist, each with its own unique set of rules and outcomes. This groundwork lays the foundation for future MCU projects exploring the multiverse more deeply.
FAQ 8: Was There Any Criticism of Episode 2?
Some critics argued that the episode felt slightly less impactful than the first, perhaps due to the complexity of re-imagining the entire galaxy around T’Challa’s presence. However, the vast majority praised the episode for its originality, emotional depth, and Boseman’s exceptional performance.
FAQ 9: Where Can I Watch What If…? Episode 2?
What If…?, including episode 2, is exclusively available on Disney+. A subscription is required to access the series.
FAQ 10: Are There Any Easter Eggs or References to Other MCU Properties in Episode 2?
Yes, the episode contains several Easter eggs and references to other MCU films, including nods to Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Infinity War, and Black Panther. These references enhance the viewing experience and reward attentive fans. The design of the Collector’s museum alone is packed with callbacks.
FAQ 11: Will the Events of Episode 2 Have Any Impact on Future MCU Films or TV Shows?
While the specifics of future MCU storylines are unknown, the introduction of the multiverse through What If…? opens up numerous possibilities. Characters or concepts introduced in the series could potentially cross over into the main MCU timeline in future projects. The character of Captain Carter, for instance, has already made appearances in live-action MCU productions.
FAQ 12: What Other Episodes of What If…? are Worth Watching?
The entire series of What If…? is worth exploring. Key episodes include:
- Episode 1: “What If… Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?”
- Episode 4: “What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?”
- Episode 8: “What If… Ultron Won?”
- Episode 9: “What If… The Watcher Broke His Oath?”
These episodes offer compelling alternate realities and contribute to the overall narrative arc of the series.
By exploring these FAQs, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of What If…? Episode 2 and its place within the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. The show’s exploration of the multiverse continues to resonate with fans, inspiring speculation and anticipation for future storylines.