The final episode, Episode 9, of Marvel’s “What If…?” Season 1, was released on October 6, 2021. While a new season is anticipated, the initial query regarding the season finale is now historical, but its impact on the MCU remains significant.
Understanding the What If…? Phenomenon
“What If…?” quickly became a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s expansion into animated storytelling. This anthology series, exploring alternate realities stemming from pivotal moments in established MCU canon, offered a fresh and often unsettling perspective on familiar heroes and villains. Its success hinged on its creative freedom and ability to deviate drastically from the established narrative, making each episode a surprising and thought-provoking experience.
The Show’s Unique Premise
The core concept of “What If…?” lies in its ability to explore the butterfly effect within the MCU timeline. By altering a single event, the show reveals the cascading consequences that ripple through entire universes. This allowed Marvel Studios to experiment with character pairings, power dynamics, and even apocalyptic scenarios without jeopardizing the main MCU narrative.
The Significance of Episode 9
Episode 9 served as the climax of Season 1, bringing together several characters from previous episodes in a team-up effort to combat a multiversal threat. This episode not only delivered a satisfying conclusion to the initial season’s arc but also hinted at the vast potential of the multiverse within the MCU’s future.
Delving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions About What If…?
Here are 12 frequently asked questions that will further illuminate your understanding of the “What If…?” series, its impact, and its future within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
FAQ 1: What overarching storyline connects the episodes of What If…? Season 1?
While each episode initially appears standalone, a common thread emerges: the growing awareness of The Watcher, Uatu. He’s the omniscient observer who chronicles these alternate realities but is forbidden from interfering. However, the final episodes see him break this oath, uniting heroes from different universes to fight a common enemy. The overarching narrative is the gradual shift in The Watcher’s role from passive observer to active participant.
FAQ 2: Who is the main antagonist in What If…? Episode 9?
The primary antagonist in Episode 9 is Ultron, who has successfully transferred his consciousness into Vision’s body and acquired all six Infinity Stones. This creates a being of immense power, capable of not only destroying his own universe but also threatening the entire multiverse. This version of Ultron presents a significantly greater challenge than the one encountered in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”
FAQ 3: Which characters team up in Episode 9 to fight Ultron?
To combat Infinity Ultron, The Watcher assembles a team of heroes dubbed the Guardians of the Multiverse. This team includes Captain Carter (Peggy Carter injected with the Super Soldier Serum), Star-Lord T’Challa (T’Challa as Star-Lord instead of Black Panther), Gamora (daughter of Thanos wielding Thanos’ double-edged sword), Party Thor (Thor without Odin’s authority), Doctor Strange Supreme (Doctor Strange who absorbed mystical beings for ultimate power), and Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff who managed to survive in the Ultron-dominated universe).
FAQ 4: How does Doctor Strange Supreme play a crucial role in Episode 9?
Doctor Strange Supreme, despite his earlier mistakes, proves to be a vital member of the team. He uses his vast knowledge of magic and the multiverse to create a time loop, trapping Ultron in a perpetual battle. This allows the other Guardians to exploit Ultron’s vulnerabilities and ultimately defeat him.
FAQ 5: What are the lasting consequences of the events in What If…? Episode 9 for the MCU?
The ending of Episode 9 strongly hints at the interconnectedness of the multiverse within the MCU. While “What If…?” operates in alternate realities, the show establishes that these realities are accessible and can have ramifications for the primary MCU timeline. The concept of incursions, where different universes collide, becomes a possibility, paving the way for future storylines.
FAQ 6: Is What If…? considered canon to the MCU?
This remains a topic of debate among fans. Officially, Marvel Studios maintains that “What If…?” is part of the broader multiverse, implying that the events within the show have some level of canonicity. While not directly impacting the main timeline in a linear fashion, the characters and concepts introduced could be revisited or referenced in future MCU projects.
FAQ 7: How did the animation style contribute to the overall storytelling in What If…?
The animation style of “What If…?” is uniquely its own, featuring a blend of cel-shading and a slightly stylized aesthetic. This allows for visually dynamic action sequences and the portrayal of exaggerated character expressions, enhancing the overall impact of the alternate storylines. The animation style also allowed for more creative freedom in depicting fantastical elements that might be difficult to achieve in live-action.
FAQ 8: What voice actors reprised their roles from the live-action MCU in What If…?
Many of the original actors from the MCU films reprised their roles in “What If…?”, including Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. The presence of these familiar voices helped to solidify the show’s connection to the established MCU lore.
FAQ 9: Were there any significant differences in the animated versions of characters compared to their live-action counterparts?
Yes, certain characters received significant redesigns or power enhancements in “What If…?”. For example, Captain Carter’s design was visually striking and her abilities were slightly amplified compared to Steve Rogers’ Captain America. Doctor Strange Supreme exhibited a significantly darker and more powerful persona due to his absorption of mystical beings. These alterations were crucial for exploring the unique narratives of each episode.
FAQ 10: What are the potential storylines that could be explored in future seasons of What If…?
The possibilities for future seasons are virtually limitless. Future storylines could explore variations of iconic events like the Snap, the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” or even the rise of Thanos. The show could also delve into entirely new scenarios, introducing alternate versions of existing characters or creating completely original storylines.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch What If…? episodes?
“What If…?” episodes are available for streaming exclusively on Disney+. A Disney+ subscription is required to access the series.
FAQ 12: Has a second season of What If…? been released and if so, when?
Yes, What If…? Season 2 was released on Disney+ from December 22, 2023, to December 30, 2023. Season 2 continues to explore alternate realities within the MCU, presenting new and exciting scenarios for familiar characters.
The Lasting Legacy of What If…?
“What If…?” not only entertained audiences with its creative twists on established MCU lore but also expanded the universe in significant ways. By introducing the concept of the multiverse and exploring its infinite possibilities, the show paved the way for future storylines and character introductions. While Episode 9 marked the end of Season 1, its impact on the MCU remains profound, shaping the future of the franchise and demonstrating the limitless potential of alternate realities. The show’s success ensures its continuing relevance and importance within the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.