As a long-time Marvel enthusiast and someone who’s watched every single flick since the early days of Iron Man, I must say that this new season of “What If…?” looks absolutely thrilling! The trailer alone has got me hooked, and I can’t wait to see how these alternate storylines unfold.
On December 22, 2024, the third season of Marvel’s “What If…?” animated series will be back on Disney+. This series is loved for delving into various comic book storylines from the multiverse of Marvel that haven’t been shown on screen yet. An episode from this series even spawned the spin-off show, “Marvel Zombies,” rated TV-MA. Narrated by Jeffrey Wright as the all-knowing Watcher, “What If…?” reimagines famous Marvel characters or lesser-known ones in different universes where a single key detail is altered.
Season 3 promises the comeback of prominent characters like Captain Carter and Kahhori, who have previously appeared, as well as fresh faces from recently released Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) productions over the past three years. Previous seasons primarily centered around recurring heroes such as the Avengers, or alternate versions thereof. This upcoming season appears to expand Marvel’s current phase by integrating newer MCU characters into “What If…?” and offering a tantalizing glimpse of what lies ahead for fans.
Shang-Chi and Kate Bishop in the Old West
In this season, the gifted martial artist Shang-Chi steps into the spotlight for the first time in the “What If…” series, donning a Wild West theme. Previous seasons have incorporated aspects from “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” such as his father, Wenwu, playing a supporting role and Ta Lo, his mother’s village, serving as the backdrop for an episode. However, this season marks Shang-Chi’s first major appearance in the show.
As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that by my side, we have none other than Kate Bishop, who steps up as Clint Barton’s apprentice in the series “Hawkeye.” This dynamic duo isn’t just limited to the modern world; they’re also members of the Young Avengers. Just like the captivating Medieval England-themed episode from season 2, this upcoming installment will transport us to a fresh time or setting, where we’ll find Shang-Chi and Kate embroiled in an exciting adventure. The talented Simu Liu and Hailee Steinfeld are set to lend their voices once more to bring these iconic characters to life on screen.
Thor and Loki Rejoin The Party
It has been confirmed that Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth will reprise their roles as Loki and Thor respectively in season 3 of “What If…”, joined by Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie and Taika Waititi as Korg. Both Hiddleston and Hemsworth have been part of the series since its debut, while Thompson and Waititi made their entrance in Season 2’s Sakaar episode. While fans are eagerly speculating where these characters might show up, Marvel has kept mum about the specific episodes they will feature in. Nevertheless, it’s exciting to see familiar characters alongside the new ones.
Ironheart Fights White Vision
Following the events in Endgame, Wanda Maximoff stumbled upon her deceased husband, the Vision, in a SWORD lab. The filmmaker brought him back to life, this time as a radiant white being with illuminating blue eyes. In the animated series What If…?, we witness this revamped Vision functioning as an antagonist, squaring off against Riri Williams, who is known as Ironheart.
In the movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Riri was presented as Shuri’s ally, and it’s been announced that she will star in her own series coming up next year. Interestingly enough, she constructs her own versions of Iron Man’s armor suits, even including the Superior Iron Man armor, as you can see in this image. It appears that Vision has built an army, but Riri isn’t fighting solo. The trailer hints at her being supported by Asgardian ships and Wakandan warriors, implying a partnership of epic scale.
Agatha Harkness and the Eternals
For the first time since 2021, the characters from “Eternals” are set to make an appearance in a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) production. The trailer highlights two main characters: Kingo, the Eternal who found fame in Bollywood, portrayed by Kumail Nanjiani, and Arishem, the Celestial responsible for sending all the Eternals to Earth. Given that Marvel has not revealed any further plans for the Eternals’ storyline, this may be our last look at them for some time. Additionally, in this upcoming project, we will see Agatha Harkness, the witch from the hit Disney+ series “Agatha All Along”, played by Kathryn Hahn. Her character, now wielding cosmic power, places her on a similar level as the Eternals.
Red Guardian and Bucky Barnes Team Up
In this rendition: David Harbour and Sebastian Stan reprise their roles as Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov), Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes) respectively. An episode of “What If…” showcases a younger Alexei joining forces with Bucky, hinting at their upcoming collaboration in “Thunderbolts” set for release next May. While they will appear separately in different episodes, here they unite to battle a common adversary.
This episode was originally planned to air during the previous season, but it got postponed until this season, possibly to generate more anticipation for the upcoming series Thunderbolts*. In this installment, we might delve into the common past between Alexei and Bucky, who were both connected to the Red Room. This is suggested since Alexei appears considerably younger in this episode, unlike his appearance in Black Widow, where he was first introduced with a distinct beard.
Storm Is the Goddess of Thunder
In an exhilarating finale, the renowned mutant character, Storm, appears dramatically, sporting a cape and helmet similar to Thor’s iconic attire. Interestingly, in this trailer, she is depicted holding Mjolnir and declaring herself as the Goddess of Thunder. It’s intriguing (unintended pun), but it remains unclear if this version of Storm originates from Asgard instead of being a mutant.
It’s common knowledge that Alison Sealy-Smith lends her voice to the character she portrayed in the critically acclaimed series, X-Men ’97. Given that the X-Men’s mutant narrative is becoming increasingly integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as demonstrated by Deadpool and Wolverine, it seems probable that we’ll encounter more X-Men in upcoming projects. The fact that Storm appears in this season of What If…? suggests that significant developments related to mutants are on the horizon.
Return to the Dark Dimension
Fans have eagerly anticipated the return of Dormammu, the ruler of the Dark Dimension, in upcoming Doctor Strange movies, ever since it was hinted at. They wonder when he’ll show up again and what effect he’ll make on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although Benedict Cumberbatch lent his voice to the character, it’s been suggested that Denzel Washington might step into the role in future appearances.
In just one MCU movie thus far, Dormammu has made an appearance, but his role in “What If…” might provide some answers to lingering questions. Characters like Kaecilius, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen in “Doctor Strange“, will also be involved. This episode could explore the scenario where Kaecilius manages to release Dormammu from the Dark Dimension and into our world, with the possibility that he might emerge as the main antagonist for the season.
The Avengers Pilot a Robot
The climactic event in What If…? involves a fresh team of Avengers, headed by Sam Wilson as Captain America. This squad also includes Red Guardian, Monica Rambeau, and the introduction of Moon Knight in the animated series. The identity of their opponent remains a mystery, but what makes this team compelling is that they unite to pilot colossal Voltron-like robots for combat. These mechs incorporate Moon Knight’s Staff of Khonshu, Shang-Chi’s Ten Rings, a shield similar to Cap’s, and other distinctive elements related to specific characters. In one scene from the trailer, Sam orders the Avengers to gather, and their robots combine into an even larger and more potent mech.
In addition to beloved figures like Captain Carter and the fresh character Byrdie, What If…? appears to be highlighting some exciting newcomers in the MCU, hinting at their future developments. The series seems to bridge the gap between the old Marvel universe and its upcoming evolution, while maintaining a sense of familiarity for fans. If the episodes live up to the hype, What If…? could conclude as one of Disney+’s most memorable Marvel projects with a grand finale.
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2024-12-12 02:04