The MCU Needs to Bring Kahhori’s ‘What If…? Story to Live-Action

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As a seasoned movie enthusiast and a proud member of the Native American community, I must say that the third season of What If…? has truly outdone itself yet again. The episode “What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?” is a standout among an already impressive series.

The way this episode weaves together historical events, Indigenous culture, and the Marvel Universe is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s like watching a traditional Native American story being told through the lens of comic book magic! And let me tell you, as someone who has spent countless hours in powwows and sweat lodges, I can appreciate the authenticity and respect this episode brings to its portrayal of Indigenous life.

The character of Kahhori is a powerful, inspiring figure who embodies resilience, bravery, and wisdom. Her journey is unique, new, and quite frankly, overdue in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I can just imagine her standing next to Captain Marvel or Black Widow, sharing stories of her battles against invading armies and giant beings from other dimensions.

Now, I’m not saying we need more superheroes with hammers or cosmic powers, but a Native American superhero who speaks in Mohawk and Spanish? Sign me up! And if that’s not enough to convince you, just imagine the jokes we could come up with about her being able to “weave enchantments” instead of spells. After all, who wouldn’t want to see Kahhori saying, “I’m going to need a bigger loom for this one!”?

In all seriousness, though, I believe that Kahhori’s story deserves to be told in the live-action MCU. It’s time for more representation of Indigenous people on screen, and Kahhori is the perfect character to do just that. So Disney, if you’re listening, let’s make it happen! After all, with great power comes great responsibility… or something like that.

The third season of “What If…?” just landed on Disney+ during the festive period, and once more, The Watcher (Jeffrey Wright) guides us through alternate stories, journeying across multiple realities and time frames. This unique Marvel Cinematic Universe series presents numerous tales featuring beloved characters, some of whom have yet to appear in any live-action movies or shows. Consequently, it serves as a great platform for these comic book characters to transition onto the screen.

Besides giving life to underappreciated characters, the series stands out because it provides a platform for numerous Marvel tales without the limitations typically found in live-action adaptations. At first glance, What If…? might seem like a collection of standalone episodes; however, it’s connected to the broader universe of the MCU due to the concept of the multiverse. Moreover, each episode weaves together a compelling narrative in creative and engaging ways throughout the seasons. Consequently, this series is widely regarded as one of the strongest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and among Disney+’s finest productions.

As a longtime Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiast who has grown up with these characters and their stories, I must say that the upcoming season of my beloved show is a bittersweet moment for me. Watching it unfold in its third and final season, I can’t help but reminisce about all the intriguing ‘What If…’ scenarios we’ve been introduced to over the years.

However, one particular story stands out to me as a fan, and I truly believe it would be breathtakingly captivating in the live-action world of the MCU. Picture this: a live-action adaptation of “What If… Captain Carter became the leader of the MCU?” This narrative would not only pay homage to the legacy of Peggy Carter but also offer a fresh, empowering perspective on what could have been for one of our favorite characters.

I can envision Captain Carter leading the Avengers with her unwavering determination and quick wit, guiding them through battles that even Steve Rogers himself might have struggled to conquer. The live-action version of this story would be a testament to the strength and resilience of women in the MCU, offering fans a new heroine to root for while still honoring the spirit of the original Captain America.

Of course, I understand that bringing such an ambitious concept to life is no easy task, given the countless ‘What If…’ episodes out there. But as a fan who’s been invested in these stories since day one, I can only hope and dream that this particular narrative will one day see the light of day on our screens. After all, the MCU has always been about exploring possibilities – and what if we got to witness Captain Carter leading the charge?

What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?

Among the numerous episodes of this series spanning three seasons, one stands out as an ideal candidate for a fresh take in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Specifically, we’re referring to Episode 6 of Season 2, which imagines a different scenario: the Tesseract crashing in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy instead of its original landing site, following the destruction of Asgard during Ragnarök. In this alternate timeline, a powerful Mohawk woman named Kahhori (Devery Jacobs) discovers and wields the Space Stone’s abilities. With these newfound powers, she protects her people from invading conquistadors who threaten their lands and community.

In their pursuit for the mythical Fountain of Youth, Spanish explorers pursue Kahhori and her sibling Wáhta (Kiawentiio) into a cave, capturing them both and wounding Kahhori. After this, she accidentally falls into a prohibited lake within the cave, leading to her being transported to a realm known as Sky World – a serene and tranquil place that lies beyond the boundaries of her familiar world. Despite her valiant attempts, she finds herself unable to escape and reunite with her brother.

In the realm above the clouds, she discovers the capabilities of the Tesseract that span every corner of this unfamiliar world she now inhabits. Yet, she’s torn between the allure of her new existence and longing for the loved ones back home. When explorers from another land invade Sky World and harass its tranquil populace, Kahhori eventually rallies everyone to act justly by utilizing the Tesseract’s powers in a way never before achieved. This world unlike any other we’ve seen in the multiverse would make for an intriguing journey delving into Kahhori’s tale.

Kahhori’s Story In the Multiverse is Unique and New

Without a doubt, one of the series’ standout episodes is exceptionally captivating and distinctive due to its predominant use of languages other than English, primarily Mohawk and Spanish – an unprecedented move for the show. This innovative approach makes it accessible and enjoyable even for those new to the subject matter. The character Kahhori becomes increasingly compelling as her story unfolds, making her a perfect fit for the live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Expanding Indigenous representation within the MCU would be a significant and beneficial step forward.

Apart from being an excellent standalone episode in live-action, Kahhori’s portrayal significantly advances the broader storyline of “What If…?” This could pave the way for other characters, including Captain Carter (played by Hayley Atwell), indirectly as well. While it’s undeniably true that Captain Carter’s tales fit well within the live-action MCU, Kahhori’s inclusion would also provide a platform for Captain Carter’s story. Their interactions within the series suggest that exploring Kahhori could lead to further exploration of Captain Carter.

To put it simply, Kahhori’s tale presents an unprecedented aspect that the live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has not experienced before, making it a perfect fit. Her narrative is original, fresh, and carries significant weight. In contrast to all other stories in the MCU, whether live-action or animated, Kahhori brings something entirely distinct to the table. Therefore, her story would undeniably enrich the live-action MCU.

All three seasons of What If…? are currently streaming on Disney+.

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2025-01-01 19:02