The highly anticipated third and final season of Marvel Studios’ animated anthology series What If...? premiered on Disney+ on December 22, 2024. As part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phase Five, this season continues to delve into alternate timelines within the multiverse, reimagining pivotal events from MCU films with unexpected twists. Produced by Marvel Studios Animation, the season boasts contributions from head writer Matthew Chauncey and directors Bryan Andrews and Stephan Franck.

What If...? Season 3

A New Narrative Perspective

Jeffrey Wright returns as the Watcher, the omniscient narrator guiding viewers through these alternate realities. With the third season concluding the series, fans can expect an emotional journey that explores the Watcher’s evolving humanity and introduces intriguing crossover possibilities with Marvel’s other animated projects.

Episodes Overview

This season’s six episodes showcase a variety of genres and concepts, ranging from anime-inspired battles to Western themes. Highlights include:

1. "What If... the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?"
• Bruce Banner inadvertently creates a gamma-fueled kaiju, the Apex, leading the Avengers to build giant mechs in a desperate battle. Banner’s ultimate transformation into a Mega-Hulk brings the conflict to a dramatic close.
• Notable Cast: Anthony Mackie, Mark Ruffalo, Simu Liu.
2. "What If... Agatha Went to Hollywood?"
• Agatha Harkness’s quest for Celestial power unfolds in the Golden Age of Hollywood, culminating in a partnership with Eternal Kingo for a celestial movie production.
• Notable Cast: Kathryn Hahn, Kumail Nanjiani.
3. "What If... the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?"
• Alexei Shostakov’s intervention reshapes the Winter Soldier’s mission, creating unexpected alliances and altering MCU history.
• Notable Cast: David Harbour, Sebastian Stan.
4. "What If... Howard the Duck Got Hitched?"
• A quirky intergalactic adventure featuring Howard the Duck and Darcy Lewis as parents of a cosmic prodigy.
• Notable Cast: Kat Dennings, Seth Green, Tom Hiddleston.
5. "What If... the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?"
• A dystopian tale where Quentin Beck’s Iron Federation controls Earth’s survivors, while Riri Williams leads the charge against tyranny.
• Notable Cast: Dominique Thorne, Alejandro Saab.
6. "What If... 1872?"
• A Western-themed reimagining of MCU characters set in a gritty 19th-century landscape.
• Notable Cast: Simu Liu, Hailee Steinfeld.

Production Insights

Development: Work on the season began in July 2022, with Matthew Chauncey stepping in as head writer. Bryan Andrews and Stephan Franck split directing duties across the eight-episode arc.

Writing and Themes: The season incorporates unused concepts from earlier seasons, exploring bolder, genre-bending stories. From anime to Bollywood musicals and classic Westerns, the episodes push creative boundaries while remaining rooted in the MCU’s expansive lore.

Casting: Over 35 actors reprise their MCU roles, including Anthony Mackie, Kathryn Hahn, and Hayley Atwell. The series also introduces new characters, such as Natasha Lyonne’s Byrdie and Jason Isaacs as the Eminence.

Why This Season Matters

As the final installment of What If...?, this season serves as a culmination of the series’ exploration of alternate realities. Marvel Studios’ executive Brad Winderbaum emphasized that the conclusion aligns with the broader narrative of the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, leaving room for potential future revivals.

For fans of the MCU and speculative storytelling, What If...? Season 3 is a must-watch. Its imaginative scenarios, stellar voice cast, and groundbreaking animation offer a fitting farewell to one of Marvel’s most innovative series.

Where to Watch

Episodes of What If...? Season 3 are available on Disney+, with new episodes released daily until December 29, 2024. Don’t miss this thrilling journey through the multiverse!

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