Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) can rejoice as the highly anticipated third and final season of What If...? premiered today on Disney+. This unique animated series, known for its exploration of alternate realities within the MCU, returns with compelling stories and fan-favorite characters.
According to Marvel Studios' Brad Winderbaum, the head of TV, streaming, and animation, this season will intricately connect with the overarching Multiverse Saga of the MCU. "I would say it fits within the saga as we enter the third act of the Multiverse Saga. The third season of What If...? sets the stage in many ways," Winderbaum stated during an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
What If...? first debuted to audiences back in 2021 and has since garnered attention for its innovative storytelling and representation of beloved characters. With this newest season comprising eight episodes, viewers can expect fresh narratives and the return of iconic heroes.
The opening episode launched on December 22, 2024, at 5 AM Brasília time, featuring Captain America leading a squad of Avengers equipped with advanced armor to subdue a rampaging Hulk. This thrilling premise is sure to captivate both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. For those fond of series like Pacific Rim and Power Rangers, this episode appears tailor-made to satiate your cravings for epic battles and dramatic confrontations.
The show's creator, Ashley Bradley, has successfully crafted each episode to challenge the established norms of the MCU, presenting alternate scenarios through the perspective of the Watcher, voiced by Jeffrey Wright. Notable members of the cast also include Hayley Atwell, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin, and Tom Hiddleston, who reprise their roles from the live-action films.
Each episode of What If...? poses tantalizing questions, such as, what if Peggy Carter received the super-soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers? The show’s foundations lie deep within the established comic book mythology, having started as an anthology series based on Marvel Comics' long-running series of the same name.
This year, Marvel has gone the extra mile to release new episodes daily until December 29, 2024, allowing fans to savor the content without the long wait usually associated with streaming series. The release schedule is as follows:
- Episode 3.01 – December 22, 2024
- Episode 3.02 – December 23, 2024
- Episode 3.03 – December 24, 2024
- Episode 3.04 – December 25, 2024
- Episode 3.05 – December 26, 2024
- Episode 3.06 – December 27, 2024
- Episode 3.07 – December 28, 2024
- Episode 3.08 – December 29, 2024 (series finale)
What truly excites fans is the variety of characters expected to appear, including the Winter Soldier, Moon Knight, Kate Bishop, and Shang-Chi, among others. New plots promise to integrate these characters within the fabric of the Marvel multiverse uniquely. For example, fans can look forward to interactions between Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier) and Red Guardian.
Marketing efforts for the season have highlighted art by renowned creators and teased content across various social media platforms, keeping anticipation high. New posters and trailers have showcased explosive moments and innovative story arcs, signaling Marvel's commitment to creating engaging content.
During its first two seasons, What If...? provided fans with alternate takes on pivotal MCU moments, such as the transformation of T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) as Star-Lord, which proved emotionally significant as it was Boseman's last performance as the character. With the final season, the stakes and excitement are sure to escalate, making every episode not just entertaining but also culturally significant.
Marvel's ambition with What If...? has been to expand narratives beyond conventional methods, offering fans new possibilities to engage with familiar characters. The third season is set to explore even more outrageous scenarios, including mechanized versions of classic heroes, tapping deeplyInto genres beloved by fans of all ages.
With the show's emphasis on exploring the consequences of actions taken (and not taken), the potential for beloved characters to reunite, or meet for the first time, within these created realities adds layers to each story presented. This commitment to depth and variety keeps the series fresh and most certainly cements What If...? as more than just another animated show.
The world of Marvel continues to evolve, and as fans settle down to enjoy the concluding season of What If...?, they will certainly learn more about their heroes and villains. The series opens the door to countless stories yet to be told, ensuring the MCU will thrive within the multiverse for years to come.