The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been one fantastic singular interconnective story featuring a collection of some of our favorite Marvel superheroes. But recently, they’ve delved into the world of the multiverse, where there is another universe with the same heroes and same stories just with an added twist. As such, the idea serves as the basis for the new Marvel Studios animated series “What If…?” This hypothetical-based series will see some of our favorite heroes in different scenarios. For instance, what if Peggy Carter got the super-soldier serum instead of Steve Rogers, or what if Yondu went to pick up T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman in his final role as the character before his passing), or what if the Winter Soldier had to fight zombified Avengers?
Sure, these stories may sound insane at first, especially if you are so invested in the MCU. But part of the fun of “What If…?” will be exploring those hypotheticals. And all of that will be under the observation of The Watcher (Jeffrey Wright). Though we’ve seen The Watcher in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” this version serves as the series’ narrator who can only observe everything that transpires but does not, cannot, and will not interfere.
Some of the more notable clips in the trailer start at the very beginning, where Tony Stark’s convoy is attacked. As he races out to find cover, a missile lands near him. And while we remember it explodes in “Iron Man,” “What If…?” takes a lcrumpledhat happens when it doesn’t explode because he is saved by Kilmonger (Michael B. Jordan), who tosses the missile as if it were a crumbled up ball of paper. As the two are walking away, Stark asks, “Do we know each other.?
The Ancient One is then overheard talking about how time and reality are changeable. That would undoubtedly be the case as the camera circling the Avengers in their first film is immediately flipped to the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Ultron (as the Vision?) chimes in, telling how “Every universe is different.” In one, we see Loki succeeding in leading a charge against the Asgardian army. In another, we see Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) as Captain Carter riding on the back of a large mecha piloted by Steve Rogers. Don’t worry if you are confused because Thor is just as lost. “Slow down a little bit. There are a few people in the room who don’t understand,” Thor says. “Not me, I get it.”
Things only get weirder as the compilation of clips are shown at a rapid pace, with one seeing Scott Lang’s head in a jar. Don’t worry, he’s alive, and he seems very happy about it.
Here’s the official plot synopsis:
Disney+ unveiled a new trailer and poster today for Marvel Studios’ “What If…?,” showcasing the compelling series that reimagines famous events from films in the MCU. Creating a multiverse of infinite possibilities, “What If… ?” features fan-favorite characters, including Peggy Carter, T’Challa, Doctor Strange, Killmonger, Thor and more. The new series, directed by Bryan Andrews with AC Bradley as head writer, features signature MCU action with a curious twist. Marvel Studios’ first-ever animated series launches on Disney+ on Wednesday, August 11.
Many actors who played the various characters in previous MCU films are reprising their roles for “What If…?” That includes the likes of Tom Holland, Mark Ruffalo, and Natalie Portman. But “What If…?” also features the final voice recording of Boseman as T’Challa.
The first episode of “What If…?” debuts exclusively on Disney+ on August 11, 2021.
