Marvel’s “What If…?” Season 3: A Multiverse Of Possibilities

Dan Lalonde
Dec 25, 2024
2 min read

The third and final season of Marvel Animation’s “What If…?” has officially begun, with episodes dropping daily through Sunday, December 29th. Fans are eagerly tuning in, not only for the imaginative alternate realities but also for hints that may connect to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) upcoming blockbusters: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

As speculation swirls about how this series could pave the way for future MCU events, the creative process behind it offers a fascinating peek into Marvel Studios' meticulous planning.

Behind-the-Scenes Challenges: What’s Off the Table?

Series director Bryan Andrews recently revealed to Agents of Fandom the challenges of developing stories within the constraints of Marvel’s overarching plans. Characters like Beta Ray Bill, Ghost Rider, Iron Fist, and Shang-Chi were all considered for potential episodes, but Marvel had other ideas.

“They’re very careful about making sure we don’t step on the toes of films that are about to come out,” Andrews explained. He noted that writers often pitched concepts only to find that similar ideas were already in the works for upcoming films like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. This careful coordination ensures the animated series aligns seamlessly with the live-action MCU.

Hints at Future MCU Debuts

Marvel’s selective vetoes might also offer tantalizing clues about what’s next. The exclusion of Ghost Rider and Iron Fist suggests their MCU debuts could be on the horizon. With Marvel Television boss Brad Winderbaum teasing that this season “sets the table” for the third act of the Multiverse Saga, fans are speculating that these characters could play pivotal roles in the upcoming Secret Wars.

A Series That Shapes the Future

As “What If…?” draws to a close, it serves not only as a playground for creative storytelling but also as a bridge to Marvel’s broader cinematic universe. With its final episodes shrouded in secrecy, fans are on edge, waiting to see how it all ties together.

For now, all eyes are on the multiverse—and the boundless potential it holds.