Best Easter Eggs and References in Marvel’s ‘What If…?’ Season 3

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As a longtime Marvel enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of these iconic characters over several decades, I find the finale of “What If…?” to be a truly exhilarating and enriching culmination of the series. The creative freedom showcased in the alternate versions of our beloved heroes is a testament to the boundless potential that lies within the Marvel Comics universe.

Having grown up with the original comic book stories, it’s heartening to see the creators drawing inspiration from such a diverse range of sources beyond the big screen adaptations. It feels as though the doors have been flung wide open for a wild and wondrous exploration of what-ifs that fans like myself have been yearning for.

And let me tell you, the sight of a multi-armed Spider-Man had me in stitches! I couldn’t help but wonder if that was a nod to the classic Spidey story where he gained an extra arm after being bitten by a radioactive spider and a gorilla. But hey, who am I kidding? The real question is: when are we getting a radioactive gorilla series? Because that’s just the kind of madness this world needs!

After completing its three-season run, the series titled “What If…?” wrapped up in the year 2024. Originally premiered on Disney+ in 2021, this show marked an exploration of the diverse realities introduced by The Multiverse Saga within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Narrated by The Watcher (portrayed by Jeffrey Wright), viewers were treated to alternate versions of their beloved characters – both heroes and villains. Over the course of 26 episodes, fans got a peek at storylines deviating from the canonical MCU timeline, with narratives inspired by famous comic book arcs such as “Marvel Zombies” and “1602”.

In the infinite realms of the multiverse, there were numerous chances for Easter eggs and nods to Marvel Comics’ rich history. Just like its predecessors, What If…? Season 3 didn’t shy away from incorporating numerous references and callbacks to earlier episodes and the expansive Marvel universe. From a Frog Thor to a potential tease about The Fantastic Four, here are some of the most significant Easter eggs and references found in What If…? Season 3.

15
Gamma Monsters Call Back to Marvel’s Early Day

In essence, the first episode of Season 3’s What If…? , titled “What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?”, appears to be more than just a humorous take on giant-robot and kaiju anime genres; it also seems to reimagine Marvel’s version of the classic film Pacific Rim. Interestingly, the concept of Marvel Comics featuring gigantic monsters is actually rooted in their early days, predating even their name change to Marvel. During the late 1940s up until the start of the 1960s, superhero comics were no longer popular among comic book enthusiasts. At this time, Atlas Comics (later known as Marvel) was producing a variety of comics, with giant monster comics being particularly well-received in the subgenre.

In comic books such as “Tales to Astonish” and “Strange Tales,” massive monster stories paved the way for legendary characters like Groot and Fin Fang Foom. Marvel, upon reentering the superhero comic world with The Fantastic Four in November 1961, made a transition by showcasing a giant monster on the cover of their debut issue. This initial issue didn’t depict the characters in traditional superhero attire, but it did highlight colossal kaiju-like monsters. Marvel revisited this theme from their past giant monster era in the 2017 series “Monsters Unleashed” and now continues the tradition in this “What If…?” episode with a Hulk-focused twist.

14
Meta Jokes About Marvel

In the second installment, titled “What If… Agatha Went to Hollywood?”, Agatha Harkness endeavors to execute a magical rite to draw Celestial Tiamut’s power from Earth’s core. She uses Howard Stark’s film venture of Cosmic Queen as bait, aiming to attract Eternal Kingo to Hollywood and harness his power. This episode is a playful nod to the Golden Age of Cinema, suggesting in this scenario, Howard Stark entered the movie industry around twenty years earlier than his counterpart from Agent Carter did in that timeline.

This episode’s narrative, focusing on Hollywood, offers Marvel an opportunity to insert some self-deprecating humor, much like they did in “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” and “Deadpool & Wolverine”. The moment when Howard Stark summons Edward Jarvis to inform him about more rewrites and reshoots is a nod to the common Marvel reshoot practice that gained attention prior to “Captain America: Brave New World”.

Jarvis seems to suggest a critique of Marvel Act 3’s action scenes, remarking, “Isn’t this just another round of mind-blowing action sequences, filled with intense battles and massive explosions? I feel like we’ve been there before.” It’s refreshing to see the MCU poking fun at its own formula.

13
Did Obadiah Stane Also Work with HYDRA in the Sacred Timeline?

In the third installment titled “What If… the Red Guardian Prevented the Winter Soldier?”, viewers catch a hint of the potential dynamic between Alexei Shostakov/The Red Guardian (played by David Harbour) and Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier (portrayed by Sebastian Stan). The story unfolds as the Red Guardian halts the Winter Soldier’s assassination of Howard and Maria Stark, an event that marked the start of Captain America: Civil War. Later, the pair embarks on a journey to locate a Russian informant known as “Rook”. Their investigation leads them to Las Vegas, where they uncover the shocking revelation that Rook is actually Obadiah Stane, the initial villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe from Iron Man.

Hinting at Obadiah Stane as the informant was subtly indicated by the codename “Rook,” since this character from the comics had a strong affinity for chess, and he even had agents called Chessmen. A subtle nod to Stane’s love for chess can be found in Iron Man, where a chessboard is visible in his room.

It seems as though “What If…?” suggests that although Red Guardian’s interference with the assassination marked the divergence from the Sacred Timeline, the initial conditions remained unchanged. This implies that in the original timeline depicted in Captain America: Civil War, it was Obadiah Stane who was responsible for the death of Howard and Maria Stark, long before he attempted to harm Tony Stark in Iron Man.

12
Howard the Duck and Darcie’s Daughter Is a Multi-Layered Reference

“A Holiday Special: Tying the Knot with Howard the Duck”

This episode, being the fourth in the series, was originally scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day. The choice of a Christmas release date seemed fitting as the storyline revolved around the unexpected union of Darcy Lewis (played by Kat Dennings) and Howard the Duck (voiced by Seth Green), who we first met in the Season 1 episode “What If…Thor was an Only Child”. This marriage, however, wasn’t your typical human-duck partnership; they had a child – or rather, an egg that showed immense cosmic potential.

This extraordinary egg attracted unwanted attention from various threats, including Kaecilius from Doctor Strange, Malekith from Thor: The Dark World, Zeus from Thor: Love and Thunder, S.H.I.E.L.D., and even the formidable Thanos himself, due to its potential power that could alter the course of the universe.

In a surprising twist, even with numerous appearances by previous Marvel characters, the most intriguing Easter Egg is the role of Howard the Duck himself. The thought of Howard the Duck being romantically linked to a human woman was disturbing for many who watched the 1986 Howard the Duck movie. In that film, Beverly suggested that Howard might have been sent to Earth for some significant reason, possibly tied to the cosmos. Now, in an alternate universe, Howard the Duck’s offspring is poised for greatness. The eventual unveiling of Howard and Darcy’s child, Byrdie, paves the way for the last two episodes of What If…?

11
The Hood Multiverse Variant Debuted Before the Sacred Timeline Version

In “What If… 1872?”, viewers are treated to an alternate timeline where Marvel Cinematic Universe characters are depicted in the Old West. This episode focuses on Shang-Chi, who goes by “The Ten Rings,” and his partner, Kate Bishop, known as Hawkeye (Hailee Steinfeld). Together they chase after a shadowy villain called The Hood, whose true identity remains hidden until the end of the episode. This unveiling of The Hood’s identity is quite impactful, but it feels strange because audiences are introduced to this version of The Hood before his official appearance in the main MCU storyline.

In comic books by Marvel, the character known as “The Hood,” originally named Parker Robbins, first appeared in “The Hood” #1 in July 2002. This character was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of writer Brian K. Vaughan and artists Kyle Hotz and Eric Powell. Initially scheduled to appear in “Ironheart” in 2024, with Anthony Ramos portraying him, The Hood was expected to make his appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, due to delays in the release of “Ironheart,” now set for summer 2025, viewers may not recognize The Hood as a significant name at this time. But when they see him in “Ironheart” and discover that he’s undergone a dramatic transformation, it might come as quite a surprise.

10
Shang-Chi 2 Teased

In “What If…1872?”, it’s possible that unmasking The Hood could have significant repercussions for the Sacred Timeline. Initially, Shang-Chi thought his sister Xu Xialing was kidnapped by The Hood. However, upon learning the truth, he is taken aback to find out that Xu Xialing has been acting as the villain for quite some time. In a surprising twist, she killed the previous owner of The Hood and assumed its role after being influenced by its power. This battle between Shang-Chi and his sister Xu Xialing mirrors their conflict in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” but may also offer clues about the direction of “Shang-Chi 2”.

As a passionate movie enthusiast who has followed the Marvel Cinematic Universe closely since the epic conclusion of “Endgame”, I must express my disappointment at the lack of official word regarding a sequel to “Shang-Chi”. Three years have passed, and yet no news on the follow-up to this beloved post-“Endgame” release.

The first film ended with an intriguing twist that hinted at potential sibling rivalry. While Shang-Chi was tasked with upholding his father’s legacy by wielding the actual Ten Rings, it was revealed that his sister, Xu Xialing, inherited another Ten Rings – the criminal organization. This suggests that a future “Shang-Chi 2” could see these two characters facing off, with Xu Xialing perhaps taking on a more villainous role to challenge her brother.

Recently, the animated series “What If…?” may have provided a glimpse into the conflict that awaits them in the Sacred Timeline’s future. Could it be that this hint points to an imminent confrontation between Shang-Chi and his sister? Only time will tell whether we’ll get to witness their battle on the big screen, but I eagerly anticipate any updates on “Shang-Chi 2”.

9
Iron Fist

In the series “What If…1872,” Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop team up with a character named Kwai Jun-Fan. To some, this name may ring a bell, as he is one of the many individuals who have taken on the role of the Iron Fist in Marvel Comics. In the main 616 Marvel Universe timeline, Kwai Jun-Fan was the Iron Fist during the Old West era. The closing scene hints at Kwai Jun-Fan’s future, as Kate Bishop references his “Iron Fist,” which suggests a significant role for him in the storyline.

The debut of Iron Fist in a Marvel Studios production marks its initial appearance. Previously, Iron Fist had his own show on Netflix for two seasons, with Finn Jones portraying the more well-known Danny Rand character. However, the reception to Iron Fist was unfavorable, both from critics and viewers. Particular criticism was directed towards Finn Jones’ acting abilities and the series’ adherence to the problematic narrative structure of the white savior tale.

As a longtime fan who has been following the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since its inception, I have to say that I am both excited and disappointed by the recent news about Iron Fist. On one hand, I’m thrilled that Daredevil is being brought back with “Daredevil: Born Again,” as it was one of my favorite shows in the MCU. However, the fact that there are no immediate plans for Danny Rand’s Iron Fist to appear in the MCU leaves me feeling a bit let down.

That being said, I must admit that the inclusion of Kwai Jun-Fan does give me some hope. It shows that Marvel Studios is still interested in the Iron Fist concept, and perhaps they will find a way to weave it back into the MCU at a later date. Only time will tell, but for now, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed and eagerly awaiting more updates from the MCU.

8
Past Episode Connections

In the concluding chapters of “What If…?”, we have a two-part finale that links several episodes from the series. The story commences on Xandar, where Nebula is now serving as Nova Prime, a role she assumed in the Season 2 opener titled “What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?“. Subsequently, Captain Peggy Carter makes an appearance, a character who debuted in the very first episode of “What If…?” and has since featured in numerous episodes, such as “What If…The Watcher Broke His Oath“, “What If… Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?“, “What If… The Avengers Assembled in 1602?” and “What If… Strange Supreme Intervened?“.

Other major episode callbacks include:

  • Kahhori (Devery Jacobs) from the episode “What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?” is part of Peggy Carter’s team after teaming up in “What If…Strange Supreme Intervened?”
  • A grown-up version of Brydie (Natasha Lyonne), the daughter of Howard the Duck and Darcy Lewis, from “What If…Howard the Duck Got Married”, itself a sequel to “What If…Thor Was an Only Child?”
  • A variant of the Ultron from “What If…Ultron Won?” appears as one of the last hope to save the Multiverse
  • The heroes must travel to the reality that Strange Supreme created in “What If…Strange Supreme Intervened”, which was initially destroyed in Season 1 episode “What If…Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?”

7
The Exiles Make Their MCU Debut

From a cinephile’s perspective, I can’t help but be thrilled as “What If…The Watcher Disappeared?” kicks off with an explosive start! A motley crew of multiverse superheroes lands on Xandar, ready to aid Nova Prime against a terrifying tentacle monster. This fearsome team includes Captain Carter, Kohhori, Brydie, and a Mljonir-wielding Storm from the X-Men, who’s voiced by none other than Alison Sealy-Smith, star of “X-Men ’97.”

This dynamic group isn’t the Guardians of the Multiverse we saw in Season 1 of What If…?, but don’t be fooled – familiar faces like Star-Lord T’Challa and Party Thor are spotted in a group photo alongside this new team. Let me tell you, Captain Carter is leading The Exiles in this adventure!

In 2001, The Exiles were brought into existence by Judd Winnick and Mike McKone. They were a group of superheroes hailing from various dimensions or realities, displaced from time and space, tasked with rectifying issues in multiple alternate universes and timelines within the multiverse. This concept serves as inspiration for What If…?, albeit with a notable variation: The original Exiles team consisted of six members, whereas this version features only four characters.

As a fan, I pondered if Deadpool and Wolverine’s appearance might have hinted at the introduction of an Exiles squad featuring Elektra, Gambit, and Blade within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Though my prediction didn’t quite hit the mark regarding the team composition, it became evident that these characters were bound for the MCU, especially since Captain Carter became part of the Exiles in the comics from 2018 onward.

6
Peggy Carter Rides Kang’s Time Ship and Uses TVA Weapons

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice when something familiar grabs my attention on screen. When Captain Carter stepped onto Xandar, she was accompanied by a unique device that MCU fans will immediately recognize – none other than the time travel chair seen in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, used by Kang the Conqueror. It soon became apparent that this time chair wasn’t just an ordinary piece of technology; it turned out to be a drone, enabling Peggy Carter and The Exiles to journey effortlessly through various realities scattered across the Multiverse.

It remains unclear where they obtained this machine, but a plausible theory is that they might have gotten it from the Time Variance Authority (TVA). This assumption arises since it was discovered later in Loki Season 2 that they allegedly took time pruners from the TVA before the organization discontinued their operations due to leadership changes.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s not clear how or why Peggy Carter shared a chair with Kang the Conqueror, but it’s possible that this was part of the original scheme by Marvel Studios to make Kang the main antagonist in the Multiverse Saga. However, Kang has been replaced by Doctor Doom, leaving this chair as an enjoyable Easter egg for fans since a full-length episode about Kang the Conqueror in What If…? is no longer happening. This chair serves as a nod to a part of the MCU that appears to be concluded.

5
Madisynn

In the display of individuals whom The Watcher has rescued by meddling, several names are familiar to viewers, such as Riri Williams (from “What If…The Earth Was Destroyed”) and Kwai Jun-Fan (from “What If…1872”), but surprisingly, one name was not featured in the “What If…” series; instead, it emerged from another Disney+ show. It turns out that The Watchers saved the life of Madisynn, a character who appears in “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” though her name is slightly different, with two N’s, one Y, and an unusual spelling.

In the episode “It’s Not Real Magic” of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, actress Patty Guggenheim introduced the character Madisynn King as a boisterous party girl transported to another dimension by an inexperienced magician named Donny Blaze. Since then, fans have been eagerly anticipating more appearances of Madisynn within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Madisynn herself disclosed that she struck a deal with a demon, which she can’t disclose details about. She warned, “If I speak about it, he said he would ‘take my soul and the souls of those I care for,’ quite dramatic, wouldn’t you say?” It seems that in What If…? we may not have seen a variant of Madisynn saved by The Watcher, but rather her original timeline version.

4
Tease for ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’

In an upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, the character referred to as The Watcher might have saved someone with the potential alias of Reed Richards, which could be a significant clue. Notably, Reed Richards is Mister Fantastic from The Fantastic Four, and this superhero group has a rich history with The Watcher, having first appeared together in The Fantastic Four #13 back in April 1963. It’s possible that The Watcher could have engaged with any iteration of Reed Richards within the MCU Multiverse; however, it appears to point towards Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

As a dedicated movie critic, I’m thrilled to share that in an exciting twist, the upcoming film “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is confirmed to be set in an alternate timeline separate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s established narrative. Intriguingly, it seems as if Uatu, the Watcher, may have caught a glimpse of this other world and potentially intervened at crucial moments. This could mean that he altered the saving of Reed Richards during the formation of the Fantastic Four, leading to their acquisition of powers, or perhaps influenced the very events unfolding in the movie itself. A tantalizing prospect for fans eager to explore the multiverse!

In the renowned “Galactus Trilogy,” The Watcher plays a significant role, serving as a key influence for the film “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“. Given that Galactus is included in the movie, viewers may get an insight into The Watcher’s interactions with Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards).

3
Uatu Earns His Name

In the closing scene of the final episode of “What If…?”, it is disclosed that The Watcher relinquished his personal identity to become a spectator across the multiverse, but in the last moments, he declares his authentic name for the very first time: Uatu. This revelation was anticipated by comic book enthusiasts since the series’ inception, as Uatu served as the narrator of the “What If…?” comics that serve as the show’s inspiration. Remarkably, similar to how Rocket wasn’t officially named Rocket Raccoon until “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”, withholding the popular character name was part of the series’ narrative design.

It’s quite fitting that The Watcher remained nameless throughout the series “What If…?” until the last episode, given he was never officially named in the comics for twelve years following his debut. In fact, it wasn’t until Captain Marvel #39 in July 1975, more than a decade after his initial appearance in The Fantastic Four, that he was given the name Uatu. In the final episode of “What If…?”, Uatu delivers a modified version of his opening title monologue, finally revealing his name as Uatu instead of just being referred to as The Watcher.

2
Various Alternate Easter Egg Variants

At some stage, the malevolent Watchers pose a threat to annihilate The Exiles and all their counterparts from different universes. In a flash of light, viewers catch a peek at several of these alternate versions. Notably, one Storm variant is seen wearing her iconic attire from the first issue of Giant Size X-Men, a costume she started donning in the series X-Men ’97, thereby indicating that this Storm version is not a Thor counterpart but rather a Storm variant. Additionally, one of Byrdie’s variants is depicted as a full duck, reminiscent of the classic Howard the Duck design.

In this interpretation, there are Kahhori variants based on the X-Men villain Sabretooth and the hero Black Knight, as well as the Daredevil companion Elektra, and one that echoes an Asgardian character reminiscent of Valkyrie’s armor. The most diverse set of these variants are seen in Captain Carter. This is a delightful treasure trove for enthusiasts of Marvel Comics.

1
Ponder the Question…

The final episode of What If…? concludes much like every other episode, with the Watcher delivering a soliloquy accompanied by a sequence of images. Typically, this opening scene portrays Marvel Cinematic Universe iterations of legendary characters such as Captain Marvel, Thor, Black Panther, and Iron Man. However, unlike these familiar depictions, the end of What If…? presents radically altered versions of renowned Marvel heroes, such as a Spider-Man with multiple arms, a Wolverine resembling Thanos, a Riri Williams interpretation of The Punisher, among many others.

As a lifelong Marvel fan, I have always been captivated by the endless possibilities that the universe offers, and the “What If…?” series has been no exception. Having grown up reading comic books and watching the movies, I have come to appreciate the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting these stories. The ending of “What If…?” leaves me with a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come in the future.

The multiversal nature of the series allows for a much broader canvas to explore, one that is closer to the comics in terms of character origins, appearances, and storylines. As someone who has always been fascinated by the intricate tapestry of Marvel’s rich history, I can only imagine the amazing stories that could be told if the creators are given free rein to go truly wild with the “What If…?” concept.

I sincerely hope that Marvel Animation will revisit this series in the future and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible within the Marvel universe. With the limitless potential for creativity, I am eagerly awaiting the day when we can once again delve into the fascinating “What If…?” stories and explore the endless possibilities that lie within the Marvel multiverse.

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2024-12-29 21:04