The hypothetical “What If… Movie 2023” would likely eschew a single, primary location in favor of traversing multiple alternate realities, with the Nexus of All Realities acting as a recurring, pivotal setting connecting disparate timelines and storylines. These alternate realities would be drastically different from the Prime MCU timeline, emphasizing visual storytelling and showcasing the devastating (or surprisingly beneficial) consequences of altered historical moments.
The Nexus of All Realities: A Central Hub
The inherent nature of “What If…?” necessitates a departure from traditional narrative structures rooted in a single locale. The Nexus of All Realities, first seen in Loki, provides the perfect connective tissue. It allows the characters (and the audience) to jump between realities, witnessing the ripple effects of key divergences. While not a location in the traditional sense, its recurring presence solidifies it as the central hub of our hypothetical film. Imagine key battles unfolding within its chaotic landscape, timelines colliding, and characters confronting alternate versions of themselves.
Visualizing the Nexus: The Look and Feel
Visually, the Nexus should be even more complex and disorienting than its appearance in Loki. Think fractured landscapes, glimpses of different realities overlaid on one another, and an overall sense of temporal instability. The filmmakers could draw inspiration from abstract art, using unconventional color palettes and perspective shifts to emphasize its otherworldly nature. The very architecture should seem to shift and change, reflecting the constant flux of timelines.
Exploring Key Alternate Realities
Beyond the Nexus, the true appeal of a “What If… Movie” lies in the exploration of wildly different realities. Each alternate timeline should be visually distinct and tell a compelling story through its environment. Here are some potential examples:
A World Ruled by Hydra: A Dystopian Vision
Imagine a world where Hydra successfully infiltrated SHIELD and seized control globally. This reality could be characterized by brutalist architecture, omnipresent surveillance, and a sense of oppressive order. Hydra flags would fly from every building, and the streets would be patrolled by heavily armed Hydra agents. The color palette would be dominated by gray, black, and the Hydra green, creating a bleak and unsettling atmosphere.
Earth’s Mightiest Villains: A Fallen Paradise
What if the Avengers were corrupted or turned evil? This reality might appear initially idyllic, but with a sinister undercurrent. The Avengers Tower could be rebuilt as a symbol of their dominance, adorned with twisted versions of their logos. Lush landscapes could be tainted by the effects of their unchecked power, showcasing environmental devastation caused by their conflicts. The contrast between the initial beauty and the underlying corruption would be key.
A Steampunk Marvel Universe: Technological Anachronism
A Victorian-era Marvel Universe, infused with steampunk technology, would offer a visually stunning alternative. Imagine Iron Man as a clockwork automaton powered by arcane energies, Captain America wielding a steam-powered shield, and Thor wielding a hammer powered by a Tesla coil. London, or perhaps New York, would be transformed into a sprawling industrial metropolis filled with gears, pipes, and steam-powered vehicles.
The Importance of Location in Storytelling
The locations within the “What If… Movie” wouldn’t just be backdrops; they would be integral to the storytelling. They would visually represent the consequences of altered choices, showcasing the drastic differences between the Prime MCU and these alternate realities. The environment would reflect the moral decay, technological advancements, or societal shifts that have occurred. This emphasis on visual storytelling would make the movie a truly immersive experience.
Highlighting the Stakes
By showcasing these drastically different realities, the film could highlight the stakes involved in preserving the Prime MCU timeline. The audience would see firsthand what could happen if key events were altered, reinforcing the importance of the Avengers’ sacrifices and the fragile nature of reality itself. The contrast between the familiar and the unfamiliar would be crucial in driving home this point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Could real-world locations be used, but altered?
Absolutely. Using real-world locations, but with significant alterations, could provide a sense of familiarity while simultaneously emphasizing the alternate nature of the timeline. For example, the Eiffel Tower could be repurposed as a Hydra command center, or Times Square could be transformed into a wasteland after a supervillain battle.
FAQ 2: How would the budget affect the location choices?
The budget would be a significant factor. The filmmakers might need to rely more on CGI and green screen technology to create the diverse and fantastical locations. However, strategically chosen real-world locations, with digitally enhanced alterations, could help to minimize costs while still achieving the desired visual impact.
FAQ 3: Would the movie explore cosmic locations within alternate realities?
Yes! Exploring cosmic locations, such as alternate versions of Asgard or Xandar, would open up exciting possibilities. Imagine an Asgard ruled by Hela, or a Xandar transformed into a desolate battlefield after a Kree invasion. These cosmic locations could offer visually stunning and dramatically compelling scenarios.
FAQ 4: Could the location of the Time Variance Authority (TVA) play a role?
The TVA, already established in the MCU, could potentially play a role as an observer or even an active participant in the events of the “What If… Movie.” Its location, a timeless void, could serve as another nexus point, allowing characters to monitor and potentially intervene in the alternate timelines.
FAQ 5: What about the Quantum Realm? Could it serve as a gateway?
The Quantum Realm, with its unpredictable nature and connection to alternate realities, could definitely serve as a gateway between timelines. Characters might use the Quantum Realm to travel to different realities, or even become trapped within its ever-shifting landscape.
FAQ 6: Would the locations reflect the tone of each “What If…?” scenario?
Yes. A lighthearted “What If…?” scenario might take place in a vibrant and whimsical alternate reality, while a darker, more serious scenario might unfold in a bleak and dystopian setting. The location would be carefully chosen to complement and enhance the overall tone of each story.
FAQ 7: How would the filmmakers differentiate the visual style of each alternate reality?
The filmmakers could employ a variety of techniques to differentiate the visual style of each alternate reality, including color grading, costume design, architectural styles, and the use of special effects. Each reality would have its own unique visual identity, making it immediately recognizable to the audience.
FAQ 8: Could animation styles be used to differentiate locations?
Potentially, although it would be a significant departure from the live-action MCU. Blending live-action with different animation styles could be used to highlight the surreal or fantastical nature of certain alternate realities, further emphasizing their divergence from the Prime timeline.
FAQ 9: What role would practical effects play in creating these alternate realities?
While CGI would undoubtedly play a major role, practical effects could be used to enhance the realism and tangibility of certain locations. For example, miniature sets, prosthetic makeup, and physical props could be used to create a more immersive and believable environment.
FAQ 10: Could the movie revisit locations from previous “What If…?” episodes?
Revisiting locations from previous “What If…?” episodes would create a sense of continuity and expand upon established storylines. It would also allow the filmmakers to explore the long-term consequences of the events that transpired in those alternate realities.
FAQ 11: How would the movie utilize sound design to enhance the locations?
Sound design would be crucial in creating a truly immersive experience. Each alternate reality would have its own unique soundscape, reflecting its environment, technology, and culture. For example, a Steampunk reality might be filled with the sounds of steam engines and clockwork mechanisms, while a Hydra-controlled world might be characterized by the constant drone of surveillance equipment.
FAQ 12: Could locations from other Marvel universes (e.g., the Fox X-Men universe) be incorporated?
While legally complex, incorporating locations from other Marvel universes would be a tantalizing possibility. This could create a truly mind-bending experience for fans, showcasing the infinite possibilities of the multiverse and blurring the lines between different interpretations of the Marvel mythos. This is a high-risk, high-reward scenario that could generate significant buzz.