Marvel Unveils Shocking Twist on Iconic Scene in Superhero Movie History

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for What If…? Season 3.

While the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seen immense popularity and success, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Marvel’s film adaptations. Recent developments, particularly a major superhero film released in 2024, have brought renewed scrutiny to Marvel’s less favorable cinematic history. From early 1940s serials featuring characters like Captain Marvel and Captain America to the unconventional films from the late 1970s—including Spider-Man and Captain America—the attempts to bring Marvel stories to life have often taken strange turns.

However, the 1980s marked a pivotal change as studios began investing significantly in Marvel properties, paving the way for groundbreaking films like Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and the original X-Men. Yet, one project from this transitional era remains infamous: Howard the Duck. This 1986 film, directed by Willard Huyck and produced with the involvement of George Lucas, has resurfaced in relevance due to today’s Marvel landscape.

The Legacy of Howard The Duck

The Flop that Became a Cult Classic

Following the success of the original Star Wars in 1977, Lucas shifted his focus from directing to producing and writing. Among his many projects, none have captured the same level of notoriety as Howard the Duck—the first significant Marvel feature film since 1944. The film’s bizarre premise and hefty budget of $37 million were destined for disaster. In stark contrast, 1986’s highest-grossing film, Top Gun, was made for only $15 million, and Howard the Duck limped home with a meager $16 million at the box office.

Critics were unrelenting, with Gene Siskel famously branding it a “stupid film.” Today, it holds a dismal 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a reference point for cinematic failures. Surprisingly, over the years, Howard the Duck has developed a cult following, celebrated for its outrageousness and undeniable oddness.

Controversial Moments in Howard The Duck

The Awkward Love Scene

One of the most controversial aspects of Howard the Duck is its adult tone, culminating in an uncomfortable love scene between Howard and Beverly Switzler, portrayed by Lea Thompson. The scene includes questionable foreplay and leaves much to the audience’s imagination, eliciting both laughter and discomfort. While the film intends to blend humor and cheekiness, it often borders on the inappropriate.

Marketed as a family-friendly comedy, it shocks viewers with unexpected adult themes, including a portrayal of Howard’s existential musings on female anatomy. Critics and audiences alike were appalled, particularly given the juxtaposition of its intended lightheartedness against such eccentricity and adult humor.

“I’ve given up trying to assimilate. I’ve got to get back to my own kind! [notices Beverly’s behind as he watches her crawl across the top of her bed in her underwear] Although, I have developed a greater appreciation for the female version of the human anatomy. Arooooo!”

Marvel’s Latest Exploration in What If…?

Marvel’s animated series What If…? has offered a unique platform for exploring creative scenarios within the superhero multiverse. Recently, Season 3 introduced some outlandish ideas, including Byrdie, the offspring of Howard the Duck and Darcy, played by Kat Dennings. The playful sarcasm of their romance is the focal point, but it takes a bizarre turn.

The episode reveals that their union results in a gigantic egg, emphasizing the absurdity of interspecies relationships in the Marvel universe. This unexpected twist raises unsettling questions about the implications of their love story and challenges viewers to reconsider the portrayal of Howard’s previous romantic escapades.

Reflecting on the Past and Present in Marvel Cinema

This new turn of events begs the question: is this revelation worse than Howard’s original love scene? The dissonance and absurdity might reignite discussions on how even the weirdest Marvel narratives have a place in a larger continuum, shedding light on the evolution of themes in superhero films.

New episodes of What If…? are set to release daily on Disney+ until December 29.

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