[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”27834″ img_size=”800×533″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The ‘What If?’ series was announced for Disney+ at the Marvel Hall H panel at SDCC. Think of this series almost like Marvel’s ‘Twilight Zone’. Fill with stories and scenarios that explore a different path than one we’ve seen in the comics, this show has a lot of possibilities. While it will be an animated series, the ‘What If?’ stories will be woven into the MCU in a curious sort of way. Just like the host in the Twilight Zone, we have The Watcher. Who is voiced by legendary actor Jeffrey Wright. The Watcher will lead us through these alternate storylines and will be joined by many MCU actors lending their voices to their known characters. While this series won’t affect the canon of the movies, it still could play a big role within Phase 4. Especially when it comes to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
We have stories as What If Peggy Carter took the super-soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers. Hayley Atwell will reprise her role for that.
Here are some other great stories from the ‘What If?’ vault that could be used:
What If The Avengers Had Never Been?
This is the number three story from the comic series, created in 1977. This issue saw the Avengers disband after the Hulk Leaves. Thor returns to Asgard, Ant-Man and the Wasp settle down as civilians, and Tony Stark is the one who refuses to stop being a superhero. In this, the Hulk teams up with Namor and turns against the world. Stark builds new armor suits for himself, Rock Jones, Ant-Man, and the Wasp. Tony dies during battle by using the energy from his arc reactor to help a critically injured Ant-Man. The lineup is different in the current MCU, but seeing Tony go up against Hulk and maybe the introduction of Namor would be awesome.
What If Captain America and Bucky Had Both Survived World War II?
Not only had Captain America’s getting frozen in ice and Bucky’s death defined American history, but it defined both characters. In this fifth issue from 1977, we wonder what would happen if both Steve Rogers and Bucky had survived World War II. In this ‘What If?’, Captain America and Buck fight Communism in the 60s until President Johnson offers Steve the Director of SHIELD position. Nick Fury had died during the Korean War, leaving the space open. Rogers accepts and Buck becomes Cap. Rick Jones becomes the new Bucky. Zemo then returns and Buck is killed in battle, as well as Zemo; when Steve sends Buck in. Steve, who is now aging; honor’s his friend’s sacrifice and Rick Jones considers picking up the Cap America mantle.
Frankly, this seems like the easiest to consider!
What If Dr. Strange Had Never Become Master of the Mystic Arts?
In the MCU, it’s stated that not only was Dr. Stephen Strange always meant to become the master of the mystic arts, but he was supposed to be the best. In 1983’s 40th edition, Strange ends his quest to find the Ancient One to fix his hands. Instead, he finds peace within himself and goes off to teach medicine. Baron Mordo takes Strange’s place, thus defending the world from magical threats. Not everything can be peaceful for long, as Strange is plagued by nightmares that threaten his life’s course. While Strange tries to reach out with Mordo, you find out Mordo has made a deal with Nightmare. Strange uses some of his raw magical talents to battle Mordo, but ends up sacrificing himself during a battle against Nightmare and Dormammu. This will be interesting not only in a What If scenario, but also if it somehow shows up in the second installment of Doctor Strange.
What If…Civil War?
The ‘What If?’ Civil War No. 1 came out in 2008. The Watcher narrates as Tony mourns Cap’s death, telling a tale of how things could have gone differently. One scenario is Tony dying before any conflict begins. Captain America leads all of the heroes against the Registration Act. Because Tony is dead, the government comes down harder on everyone, killing many as a result.
The second scenario is Tony discussing his doubts about the Registration Act to Captain America and the two discuss it instead of fighting. Both Cap and Tony agree on a plan that will ensure public safety and safety for the superhero community. Wouldn’t that be something? Doesn’t make for a cinematic storyline, though; does it?
We could see so many ‘What If?’ scenarios. Speaking of Civil War, in the comics Tony originally [accidentally] kills Cap. Everyone was at the edge of their seats during Captain America: Civil War wondering how the scene would play out. What about a What If with Cap killing Tony? What if Gamora was never killed in Infinity War? There are so many possibilities.
Here’s mine – what if the Defenders existed in the MCU? I know, I know – probably a pipe dream, but a dream I’ll keep having.
What kind of scenarios would you like to see played out in the What If? Series?
Source: THR[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]