Marvel Introduces the New Most Powerful MCU Villain Following an Illogical Major Upgrade

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for What If…? Season 3, episode 2

In an intriguing twist, Marvel’s What If…? Season 3, Episode 2 elevates an unexpected villain from the MCU to a formidable god-like entity, rivaling the Celestials in power. Over the years, various antagonists have vied for the title of the most potent villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Notable figures include Thanos, who decimated the Avengers and eliminated half of all life with a snap, Dormammu, capable of engulfing entire universes, and Kang the Conqueror, who is rumored to have obliterated numerous universes alongside multiple versions of the Avengers.

This animated series has also featured characters who could stake a claim to the title of the most powerful beings in the Marvel multiverse. For instance, Season 1’s Supreme Strange managed to disintegrate his entire timeline using corrupted magic, while young Peter Quill in Season 2 posed a significant threat to Earth with his Celestial abilities. Episode 2 of Season 3 presents another alternate version of a familiar MCU character, bestowed with immense power enhancement within the multiverse.

Agatha Makes a Comeback in What If…? Season 3 Episode 2

Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha Harkness Reimagined as a Hollywood Star

Agatha Harkness giving up Billy Maximoff

Agatha Harkness and Kingo in What If...?

Agatha Harkness showcasing her powers in WandaVision

In a striking departure from her fate in Agatha All Along, where Agatha Harkness meets her end after undergoing the Witches’ Road trials, an alternate version flourishes as a movie star during the 1930s. In this timeline presented in What If…? Season 3 Episode 2, Howard Stark reinvents himself from scientist to film studio mogul, leveraging his wealth and intelligence. With the assistance of Jarvis, Howard Stark produces an ambitious musical starring Agatha Harkness.

While the allure of stardom captivates her, this iteration of Agatha also harbors a desire for magical supremacy. Instead of chasing the chaos magic of the Scarlet Witch, she aims to absorb the power of Tiamut, a Celestial, before its emergence. To execute her plan, Agatha targets a fellow movie star, Kingo, seeking to siphon his Eternal power. Following an action-packed confrontation, Agatha successfully performs a ritual that enables her to absorb Kingo’s abilities, right before claiming Tiamut’s power in an epic showdown against Arishem.

Agatha’s Transformation into a Celestial God

Exploring Agatha’s Enhanced Powers in What If…? Season 3

In an interesting revelation, Kingo reminds Howard Stark and Jarvis that he is not a god or a mystical entity but rather a highly-advanced type of robot. Agatha ridicules Kingo’s “finger pistols,” yet she harnesses his abilities in a completely novel manner. Upon absorbing Kingo’s powers, Agatha establishes a connection with Tiamut beneath the Earth’s crust, evolving into a colossal being of pure mystical energy. In her transformed state, Agatha towers over Earth and engages Arishem in a fierce battle within space. Utilizing her vast knowledge of magic, she traps Arishem and drains his energy, employing an attack reminiscent of the rune-casting spell the Scarlet Witch used in the climactic battle against the original Agatha in WandaVision.

Agatha’s Power Surge Highlights a Plot Discrepancy

Creative Liberties in Portraying Agatha Harkness’ Abilities

Agatha Harkness steals magic in Agatha All Along and absorbs Celestial power in What If season 3 episode 2

This alternative Agatha variant possesses unique abilities compared to her Earth-616 counterpart, particularly her capacity to absorb the energy of non-magical entities effortlessly. In Agatha All Along, Agatha gained her powers by being significantly empowered after being attacked by witches. Conversely, in What If…? Season 3 Episode 2, Agatha drains Kingo and Tiamut’s powers directly, without needing provocation.

Furthermore, this episode underscores the idea that not every Marvel universe operates under the same rules as the main MCU timeline, showcasing significant deviations in character powers and narratives to explore diverse story arcs. For instance, in past episodes, What If…? has offered fresh takes, such as allowing Vision’s Mind Stone to independently vanquish Thanos or presenting Captain Carter wielding the Infinity Stones with overlooked consequences.

Ultimately, What If…? Season 3 Episode 2 illustrates the vast creative potential of Marvel storytelling, inviting audiences to reconsider the capabilities of iconic characters in imaginative new contexts.

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