As a film enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I can wholeheartedly say that the impending finale of “What If…?” is bittersweet. This animated gem, which premiered on Disney+ in 2021, has been a thrilling ride through the multiverse, offering tantalizing glimpses into alternate realities and intriguing what-ifs.
The final chapters are underway for Marvel Studios’ “What If…?” The animated series, which debuted on Disney+ in 2021, has now started airing its last episodes, with a new installment premiering each day from today until the grand finale on Sunday, December 29. It’s been a joy ride for Marvel Cinematic Universe fans, taking us on a journey through various universes and showing us what could have transpired if events in the franchise had unfolded differently – however, even though the series is wrapping up, it doesn’t mean its impact will simply vanish from the canon.
Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ leader for Streaming, Television, and Animation, spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the upcoming final season of “What If…?”, indicating that the show’s end is tied to the direction of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of the final installments in the Multiverse Saga – “Avengers: Doomsday” (due May 2026) and “Avengers: Secret Wars” (due May 2027) – it seems that where the MCU’s first animated series concludes will be integral to what is yet to come. According to Winderbaum, this connection is intentional.
There are significant reasons from the wider universe to bring this to an end now. If you’re a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you might have observed that the first season debuted following Loki season 1, which marked the expansion of the Sacred Timeline into a multiverse. This was when we began exploring these new narratives in What If…?
There’s been speculation about whether the concept from the animated series What If… might make its way into live-action, and we’re still unsure if this will happen. Although it appears that this series operates independently of the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline due to its distinct medium and non-canonical stories, it’s fascinating to consider that it could fit into the bigger picture, much like the TVA-centered series Loki.
As a fan, I find it quite plausible that the third season finale of “What If…?” aligns well with the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Just as the end of “Loki” Season 2 neatly wrapped up Tom Hiddleston’s character arc as the God of Mischief, Brad Winderbaum hints that it serves a similar purpose for the narrative of The Watcher (voiced by Jeffrey Wright). However, he doesn’t rule out the possibility that this animated series could return in the MCU’s future. He added, “We’ll just have to wait and see.
At the conclusion of season 2, when the Watcher brings Peggy to observe the multiverse, it has transformed into the tree of stories where Loki resides in Loki season 2’s finale. This suggests that the climax of season 3 and the overall series aligns with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s grand design. Given the numerous narratives that What If…? presents, we may produce additional content. For the time being, though, it serves as a captivating ending to this chapter and the Watcher’s story.
At the moment when this article was released, you could already stream the first three episodes of “What If…?” on Disney+. The latest episode is called “What If… The Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?”. For updates on what’s coming next in the Marvel superhero universe, check out our guides on Upcoming Marvel Movies and Upcoming Marvel TV Shows.
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2024-12-25 03:07