After three seasons of mind-bending storytelling and groundbreaking exploration of the Marvel Cinematic Universe multiverse, ‘What If…?’ has officially concluded. Marvel Studios’ TV Head, Brad Winderbaum, confirmed the news after the release of Season 3.
This left fans with mixed emotions, some grateful for the wild ride and others yearning for more stories. However, fans can still expect some of the characters to make appearances in other formats of the MCU.
Marvel’s ‘What If…?’ Officially Ends with Season 3
The animated anthology series ‘What If…?’ debuted in 2021 and served as a creative playground where alternate realities and “what if” scenarios took center stage. Each season brought a mix of unique narratives while building an overarching storyline for Uatu, the Watcher.
Related: ‘What If…?’ Season 3 Gives Fans Marvel’s Weirdest Episode Ever
However, Marvel TV Head Brad Winderbaum revealed that the show’s third season would serve as its finale. Speaking with The Geekcentric Podcast, he emphasized how ‘What If…?’ maintained its anthological roots while threading a larger narrative.
“We always looked at it as it’s an anthology first and foremost, but it would have an overarching narrative, especially when it comes to Uatu and his story as the Watcher and his struggle. Even though all three seasons culminate by the finish line…if you look at the final episodes of each season as a Watcher Act 1, Act 2, Act 3, I think it does stand alone as a Watcher story,” he explained.
Despite its end, ‘What If…?’ has left an indelible mark on the MCU. It was the first animated project by Marvel Studios and proved that fans were hungry for experimental, out-of-the-box narratives. From T’Challa becoming Star-Lord to Doctor Strange succumbing to his darker impulses, the show explored the possibilities of the multiverse.
Could The Exiles Be Next?
While ‘What If…?’ may be over, Marvel has dropped plenty of hints about potential spin-offs or expansions. The Season 3 finale showcased a montage of characters with unresolved arcs, leading many to speculate whether Marvel is planting seeds for future projects.
In case you missed it: Why Marvel’s Plans To Include Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine In ‘What If…?’ Fell Apart
One popular theory revolves around the Exiles, a Marvel Comics team consisting of characters who navigate the multiverse to correct imbalances. The animated series introduced ultra-powerful variants like Kahhori, Byrdie, Storm: Goddess of Thunder, and Captain Carter.
So, pairing them with Uatu, the Watcher, could open new doors for storytelling while retaining the spirit of the show. Moreover, Brad Winderbaum alluded to these possibilities during his interview with Phase Hero.
“Without going into detail, I think by the time you get to the end of this season, and then over the next couple of years as the Multiverse Saga reaches its exciting conclusion, you will see how it all balances out in a similar way.” Additionally, given Marvel’s knack for interconnected storytelling, it’s likely some characters from What If…? will reappear in live-action or other animated formats.
