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What If...?

What If...?

20218
AnimationAction & AdventureSci-Fi & Fantasy
Released
Aug 11, 2021
Country
United States
Production
Marvel Studios
Taking inspiration from the comic books of the same name, each episode of this animated anthology series questions, revisits and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments.

About

Quick guide

Animated anthology that re‑imagines Marvel moments.

What If…? is a Disney+ animated series that revisits pivotal moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering fresh twists on familiar characters and events. Each of the nine original episodes presents a self‑contained alternate timeline, narrated by the Watcher. The show blends humor, action, and emotional stakes while exploring the far‑reaching consequences of small changes across the multiverse.

What to know

  • Every episode is a standalone alternate‑timeline story.
  • The series uses the same voice actors from the live‑action films.
  • Jeffrey Wright voices the omniscient Watcher narrator.
  • Episodes mix action, drama, and lighthearted moments.
  • Themes include responsibility, power, and the ripple effect of choices.
  • The animation style is cel‑shaded and faithful to MCU character designs.
  • Some episodes explore darker, tragic outcomes of beloved heroes.
  • The show ties together several narratives in the final episode.

Watch if

If you enjoy the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appreciate smart, character‑driven storytelling, and want a concise, animated take on what‑if scenarios that blend action with emotional depth, this series offers a fresh lens on familiar stories in under an hour a week.

Skip if

If you prefer long‑form series, dislike animation, or dislike stories that frequently end on dramatic or bleak twists, this fast‑paced anthology may feel too fragmented or too heavy for casual viewing.

dark tonefast pacedintense actionpsychological elementsfamily friendlypolitical themesfantasy violence
Premise Overview
What If…? takes the core premise of the Marvel comics – what if pivotal moments played out differently – and turns it into nine 30‑minute animated shorts. Each episode starts with a brief montage of the original film scene and then flips a key element, creating a new universe. The Watcher, a neutral observer, narrates each story, offering insights into the ramifications of the change.
Narration & Tone
Jeffrey Wright voices the Watcher, who delivers a calm, slightly sardonic commentary that frames each episode. The show balances humor with seriousness; some episodes take a lighthearted tone, while others explore tragic consequences of altered decisions. The narration keeps the series grounded despite the fantastical twists.
Animation Style
The series uses cel‑shaded animation that closely mirrors the live‑action character models. Each episode’s visual palette shifts to reflect its narrative tone, from bright, comic‑book hues to darker, muted colors for heavier stories. The animation is fast‑paced, ensuring action sequences stay engaging without long pauses.
Character Voices
Major MCU actors reprise their roles, from Chris Evans as Captain Carter to Chadwick Boseman as Star‑Lord T’Challa. New voices are added for alternate versions, and the writing emphasizes character traits that become amplified or inverted in the alternate universe. The result is a familiar yet distinctly fresh portrayal of beloved heroes.
Episode Themes
Common themes include the weight of responsibility, the ripple effect of small choices, and the moral complexities of power. Episodes also delve into political intrigue (e.g., the Avengers Initiative) and psychological horror (e.g., Doctor Strange’s alternate fate). The series plays with both lighthearted and dark storytelling techniques.
Finale & Continuity
The last episode brings together characters from the earlier stories into a crossover event that spans the multiverse. It ties loose threads, offers closure, and sets the stage for potential future seasons. While each episode stands alone, the finale rewards viewers who have followed the series’ overarching arc.
Production Notes
Directed by Bryan Andrews with A. C. Bradley as head writer, the series was produced by Marvel Studios Animation. Animation studios Blue Spirit, Squeeze, Flying Bark, and Stellar contributed to the visual diversity across episodes. The show’s writing team aimed for a balance between fan service and new narrative territory.

FAQ

43 Q&A
How is the Watcher different in 'What If...?' compared to the comics?
In the comics, the Watcher usually just observes. In the show, he starts to interfere.
Who voices the characters in 'What If...?'?
Many original Marvel actors voice their characters, but some are voiced by new actors.
What if Zombies were in the Marvel universe?
An episode shows a zombie outbreak affecting Earth's mightiest heroes.
What if Doctor Strange lost his heart instead of his hands?
This episode explores a different path for Doctor Strange, focusing on his emotional pain.
Who are the Guardians of the Multiverse?
They are a team of heroes from different universes assembled by the Watcher to save the multiverse.
What if Spider-Man joined the Fantastic Four?
This episode imagines Peter Parker joining Marvel's First Family.
Will there be a season 2 of 'What If...?'?
Yes, a second season of 'What If...?' has been confirmed.
What is the multiverse in Marvel?
The multiverse is the idea that there are many different universes, each with its own version of events and characters.
How many episodes are in 'What If...?' season 1?
There are 9 episodes in the first season of 'What If...?'.
Is Captain Carter a real Marvel character?
Captain Carter is a new character created for 'What If...?', based on Captain America.
What if the Avengers were superheroes in the 1600s?
This episode reimagines the Avengers as heroes in a much earlier time period.
What was the biggest change in the first episode of 'What If...?'?
The biggest change was Peggy Carter taking the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers.
What if the Avengers never assembled?
This scenario explores a Marvel universe where the Avengers never formed.
What happens at the end of 'What If...?' season 1?
The Watcher breaks his oath and intervenes to save the multiverse from Ultron.
Where can I watch 'What If...?'?
You can watch 'What If...?' on Disney+.
What is the show 'What If...?' about?
The show explores alternate realities and timelines in the Marvel multiverse.
What does 'canon' mean for a TV show?
Canon means that the events of the show are considered part of the official story.
When did 'What If...?' season 1 come out?
Season 1 of 'What If...?' was released in August 2021.
Is 'What If...?' based on Marvel comics?
Yes, 'What If...?' is based on the Marvel comic book series of the same name.
What if T'Challa became Star-Lord?
This episode shows T'Challa as a space pirate after being taken by the Ravagers.
Are the events in 'What If...?' canon to the main Marvel movies?
No, the events in 'What If...?' are not considered canon to the main Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Who narrates 'What If...?'?
The Watcher, voiced by Jeffrey Wright, narrates the series.
What is the Infinity Ultron story?
Infinity Ultron is an evil version of Ultron who gains control of the Infinity Stones and threatens the multiverse.
What happened to The Watcher in 'What If...?'?
The Watcher eventually breaks his vow of non-interference to save the multiverse.
Does Ultron win in 'What If...?'?
In one universe, Ultron wins and destroys almost all life.
What if Gamora joined the Avengers?
In an alternate story, Gamora teams up with Iron Man on Sakaar and they both go to confront Thanos.
What if Killmonger saved Tony Stark?
In this story, Killmonger saves Tony Stark and helps him escape captivity, and they work together.
What if Peggy Carter took the super-soldier serum?
In this story, Peggy Carter becomes Captain Carter and fights alongside Black Widow against HYDRA.
What if Loki was adopted by the Avengers?
This specific 'What If...?' scenario has not happened in the series, but fan fiction explores Loki being adopted by a human family on Earth.
What if the Mandarin was real?
This scenario is not explicitly shown in the 'What If...?' series, but there is a discussion about whether Shang-Chi could defeat Thanos with the Ten Rings.
What if Wanda Maximoff was in control of everything?
If Wanda Maximoff had full control of her powers, she could reshape reality and be nearly unstoppable.
What if Captain America was a zombie?
In a zombie outbreak universe, Captain America gets infected and becomes a zombie, fighting his former friends.
What if Black Widow was the only Avenger?
In one story, Black Widow was the only Avenger on the initiative when Loki attacked, and in another, she is seen as the only original Avenger who hasn't had an opposite-gender counterpart.
What if Shang-Chi fought the Ten Rings?
There is a 'What If...?' episode that involves Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings, exploring his fight with them and his powers.
What if Captain America was a woman?
In this scenario, Peggy Carter becomes Captain Carter after taking the super-soldier serum.
What if Jane Foster became Thor?
This scenario is not directly covered in the 'What If...?' series, but Jane Foster does interact with Thor in an episode where he visits Earth.
What if the Red Skull had the Tesseract?
This specific scenario has not been explored in the 'What If...?' series.
What if Iron Man became Sorcerer Supreme?
This scenario has not been explored in the 'What If...?' series.
What if the Guardians of the Galaxy were bad guys?
The 'What If...?' series has not explored a scenario where the Guardians of the Galaxy are bad guys, but it has featured villains like Ronan and Ego.
What if Vision was evil?
This specific scenario has not been explored in the 'What If...?' series.
What if Thanos was a good guy?
The 'What If...?' series has not explored a scenario where Thanos is a good guy, though one episode features a version of Gamora who confronts Thanos.
What if Thor was an only child?
In this story, Thor grows up without Loki and becomes a 'party prince' who travels the cosmos.
What if the Ancient One didn't die?
If the Ancient One had lived, she might have been able to fight Thanos more effectively, as she was a powerful protector of the Time Stone.

Actors

Jeffrey Wright
Jeffrey Wright
The Watcher (voice)