Why Marvel Should Keep What If…? Out of Canon in the Multiverse

Essential Insights on the Multiverse in Marvel

What If…? is officially recognized as part of the MCU multiverse but should exist independently of the primary narratives.
The series serves to investigate various alternate realities without pressuring characters into future story arcs.
Only well-known MCU characters are featured, with the possibility of variant interpretations appearing in significant film releases.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has increasingly engaged audiences with its exploration of the multiverse, making What If…? an exciting addition. The upcoming third season of this animated series on Disney+ is highly anticipated, showcasing some beloved Marvel heroes. However, a crucial question arises: To what extent should What If…? be considered part of the MCU canon?

It is clear that What If…? holds canonical status within the Marvel universe. Creator A.C. Bradley confirmed during the inaugural season that the events depicted in the series are indeed canon and integrated within the expansive MCU multiverse. Nonetheless, it would be prudent for the franchise to refrain from intertwining this animated series with the ongoing narrative threads of Phase Five and the forthcoming Phase Six live-action films.

The MCU’s Core Narrative Should Steer Clear of What If…?

Understanding the Purpose of What If…?

Official art of What If...? Season 2, featuring The Watcher

While opinions may differ among fans, several factors suggest that What If…? should remain independent from major MCU storylines, including the Multiverse or the Secret Wars Saga. The series was conceived even before Loki Season 1 opened the door for numerous timelines. In its initial phase, the show aimed to portray alternate scenarios within the MCU, such as, “What if Loki wielded Mjolnir?” These concepts evolved into the anthology format currently enjoyed by audiences.

Series Title	What If…?
Genres	Animation Superhero Anthology
Creator	A.C. Bradley
Episodes	Season 1: 9 Season 2: 9 Season 3: 8
Runtime	30–37 minutes
Platform	Disney+
Produced by	Marvel Studios Animation

Connection to Other Marvel Ventures

Following the conclusion of the Infinity Saga, the strategic use of animation allowed What If…? to delve into these untapped avenues without constraint. With the emergence of the multiverse, the series has proven itself integral to the Marvel brand. Kevin Feige has mentioned that the program focuses on altering significant moments from the MCU, reinforcing the notion that upcoming film and live-action projects should not integrate elements from What If…?

8 episodes left. 1 final watch. #WhatIf Season 3 arrives December 22 on @DisneyPlus. Unwrap a new episode daily for 8 days! pic.twitter.com/JcJhtJ2o1d

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) November 11, 2024

Ultimately, the core objective of What If…? is not to introduce new variations of existing characters for future MCU integration, but rather to showcase imaginative and alternative depictions of characters that wouldn’t necessarily find a place in mainstream projects. This approach benefits both the show and the broader MCU, allowing What If…? to thrive independently.

What If…? Should Remain Self-Contained

Embracing Creative Freedom in Alternate Narratives

Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ Head of Streaming, TV, and Animation, reiterated that the narratives do not need to parallel the primary MCU or comic book storylines exactly. The multiverse’s very nature affords them the flexibility to take bold narrative risks, providing an environment for deeper storytelling without the weight of future connectivity. In a 2021 interview with Screen Rant, Winderbaum stated:

“As we entered into a shared narrative with the MCU, I think it was creatively healthy to think about it as its own parallel world. It didn’t have to be a one-to-one adaptation of exactly what happened in the comics. It lives and breathes on its own terms. And in that way, we’ve always been telling What If…? stories.”

Focus on Familiar Characters

Marvel has strategically selected which characters to feature in What If…?, ensuring they resonate with the existing MCU audience. For instance, Sam Wilson, who takes on the Captain America mantle, is introduced only in the upcoming third season. This timing aligns with the release of his own series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, allowing for a more coherent introduction of the character.

Beyond the voice of the Watcher, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, the series has been judicious in its character choices, occasionally adding new figures, like Kahhori in the second season, to enhance the storytelling.

Characters from What If…? in Mainstream MCU Films

Captain Carter’s Brief Live-Action Appearance

A notable character crossover from What If…? to the MCU is Captain Carter, who was featured briefly in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This cameo highlighted the potential for variants to be included in live-action films, opening the door for the character to potentially star in future projects, particularly led by actress Hayley Atwell.

It’s essential to recognize that this version of Captain Carter hails from Earth-838, deviating from her original interpretation in What If…?. Her introduction signals the concept that alternate characters might find place within future narratives, similar to how alternate versions from Marvel Comics have incorporated themselves into the main continuity (Earth-616).

The Canceled T’Challa as Star-Lord Series

Additionally, the Star-Lord variant of T’Challa was slated for his own spinoff series, but the development stuttered following Chadwick Boseman’s tragic passing. These standalone projects face a challenge in fitting cohesively within the overarching MCU narrative. Given the complexity of the existing 34-film franchise, newcomers and veteran fans may find it challenging to navigate these interwoven tales.

Is What If…? Truly MCU Canon?

Minimal Impact on Central Narratives

Robert Downey Jr.'s Doom and a What If... Story

So, does What If…? genuinely qualify as MCU canon? In a broad sense, the animated series holds canonical weight as long as the multiverse concept remains relevant. Yet, the overarching intent of What If…? is to exist separately from the foundational comic narratives. Casual viewers need not be bogged down by intricate backstories, especially when characters stem from alternate universes in What If…?.

Thus, Marvel should honor the original vision for What If…? as a creative exploration of how the MCU might diverge under different circumstances, without the need to integrate its elements into future projects. Perhaps it’s time to embrace the notion of the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse.

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