Marvel Studio’s What If…? is currently available for streaming on Disney+, providing fans with insights into every confirmed episode this season. The latest instalments of the MCU’s inaugural animated series resonate well with critics and fans. The second season is being hailed as “extremely entertaining and intriguing,” with the animation described as “even smoother” compared to its debut season.
Adding to the excitement, Season 2 introduces even more unconventional concepts, including a wholly original hero born from the Tesseract’s power, the Avengers from the early 1600s, the transformation of Happy Hogan into the Hulk, and other mind-bending scenarios.
The Release of What If…?
On December 22, 2023, the second season of “What If…?” debuted on Disney+, spanning a nine-day run and concluding with the finale on December 30. The opening episode, titled “What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?” explores an alternate reality where Ronan successfully topples Thanos, reshaping the narrative of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
The List of Episodes Unveiled
Episode 1 (22nd December 2023)
The season commences with “What If… Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?” In this alternate reality, Ronan’s successful overthrow of Thanos brings about a significant shift in the events of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
With the titular group absent, Xandar reinforces itself with a planetary shield. Nebula, now a member of the Nova Corps, investigates the demise of Yondu Udonta, introducing a Groot without the voice of Vin Diesel.
Episode 2 (23rd December 2023)
In a surprising turn of events, “What If… Peter Quill Attacked Earth’s Mightiest Heroes?” delves into a different reality. Yondu entrusts a young Peter Quill to his father, Ego.
The ensuing consequences trigger a retaliatory visit to Earth, giving rise to an unconventional Avengers team comprising Peggy Carter, Howard Stark, Bill Foster, King T’Chaka, Bucky Barnes, Dr. Wendy Lawson, Hank Pym, and Thor.
Episode 3 (24th December 2023)
The holiday season takes an unforeseen twist in “What If… Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?” when Justin Hammer infiltrates Avengers Tower during the team’s absence. This Die Hard-inspired story introduces a new purple Hulk, injecting a festive spin into the MCU mythology.
Episode 4 ( 25th December 2023)
Originally planned for Season 1, the episode “What If…Iron Man Crashed Into the Grandmaster?” features Gamora in a pivotal role, despite her absence in earlier episodes, becoming a focal point in the first season finale.
The narrative explores an alternate timeline where, rather than returning to Earth after launching the nuke into space in Avengers, Tony Stark plummets through multiple wormholes, crash-landing on Sakaar. This gladiatorial planet, ruled by Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster, becomes the backdrop for Stark’s unexpected arrival.
Episode 5 (26th December 2023)
“What If…Captain Carter Fought the Hydra Stomper?” brings audiences back into the storyline of the Captain Carter Variant from Season 1, picking up from her suspenseful cliffhanger moment—discovering Steve Rogers and the Hydra Stomper.
The ensuing narrative unfolds akin to an alternate rendition of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, incorporating entertaining and unexpected elements that tie into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Episode 6 (27th December 2023)
The episode “What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?” is a remarkable one. Marvel Studios announced the groundbreaking superhero Kahhori in early 2023, a young Mohawk woman whose encounter with the Tesseract grants her extraordinary powers.
This alternate reality unfolds into a world where the colonisation of America may never have taken root as it did in our history, showcasing the profound impact of Kahhori’s newfound abilities.
Episode 7 (28th December 2023)
In “What If… Hela Found the Ten Rings?”, as the title suggests, the narrative unfolds with Cate Blanchett’s Hela encountering the Ten Rings from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, currently held by Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s Wenwu.
Episode 8 (29th December 2023)
Exploring Marvel’s historical lore, “What If… the Avengers Assembled in 1602?” envisions an alternate reality where the Avengers emerged centuries earlier, drawing inspiration from the Marvel 1602 comics.
Although not a direct adaptation of the original Marvel 1602 comics released from November 2003 to June 2004, this episode draws significant inspiration from them.
Episode 9 (30th December 2023)
Cloaked in secrecy, “What If… Strange Supreme Intervened?” alludes to the resurgence of the mysterious Strange Supreme. As the multiverse unravels, expectations rise for potential consequences that may surpass even those of Infinity Ultron.
Final Words
The latest instalment of “What If…?” promises a lot. With a number of episodes out now, the season has a lot in store for us. Therefore, if you have not yet watched the episodes, it is the right time to do so. So, head straight to Disney+Hotstar and delve into the world of the superheroes.
Also read: Moon Knight Season 2 Release Date: When Does Moon Knight Season 2 Come Out!
