Marvel’s Disappointing Decision on One of the Best Power Displays in MCU Phase 4

In the recently launched What If…? Season 3, a pivotal scene significantly alters one of the most impactful moments from the MCU’s Phase 4 film, Eternals, diminishing its overall effect. This final season of the beloved animated series premiered on December 22, 2024, and the second episode, titled What If… Agatha Went to Hollywood?, features a variant of Agatha Harkness, voiced by Kathryn Hahn, as she aims to seize the power of the Celestial Tiamut to prevent the Emergence. However, this quest for power leads to a showdown with the Eternals and other Celestials within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Although the reexamination of Eternals—a film that faced considerable backlash upon its 2021 release but has recently garnered some unexpected appreciation—was welcome, the creative twists in What If…? compromised several key moments from the original narrative. Looking ahead, the themes from Eternals will be revisited in the live-action feature Captain America: Brave New World, set for release in 2025. However, it appears that the adaptations made in What If…? did not benefit the original film, particularly in terms of depicting Arishem’s formidable cosmic presence.

Arishem’s Exit In Eternals: A Profound Display Of Power

How What If…? Affects Arishem’s Legacy

Arishem traveling using a singularity in Eternals

The culmination of Eternals features Arishem, a powerful Celestial, as he abducts Eternals members Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos from Earth. He promises to judge humanity based on whether Tiamut’s existence is worth sacrificing. Instead of a mere exit into the cosmos, Arishem used a stunning black hole-like singularity to teleport through space. This spectacular display of strength not only showcased his power but also firmly established the Celestials as formidable cosmic entities. Unfortunately, this impressive moment was significantly undermined in What If…?.

What If…? Season 3, Episode 2: Diminishing Arishem’s Threat Level

Arishem’s Diminished Presence in What If…?

In the second episode of Season 3, Arishem reacts to Agatha Harkness and Kingo’s plan to claim Tiamut’s power, making his way to Earth. In Eternals, he could have utilized a singularity and swiftly arrived to thwart their plans. Instead, the narrative attempts to create suspense by showing Arishem traveling through space as if he were an ordinary ship. This portrayal weakens his character significantly, undermining his previously established power set.

Ep.	What If…? Season 3 Episode Title	Release Date
1	“What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?”	December 22, 2024
2	“What If… Agatha Went to Hollywood?”	December 23, 2024
3	“What If… the Red Guardian Stopped the Winter Soldier?”	December 24, 2024
4	“What If… Howard the Duck Got Hitched?”	December 25, 2024
5	“What If… the Emergence Destroyed the Earth?”	December 26, 2024
6	“What If… 1872?”	December 27, 2024
7	“What If… the Watcher Disappeared?”	December 28, 2024
8	“What If… What If?”	December 29, 2024

The lengthy journey of Arishem to Earth resulted in Agatha successfully seizing the cosmic power she sought, culminating in a confrontation where she ultimately defeats him. This outcome is frustrating, especially considering the impressive visual portrayal of Agatha as a Celestial. Moving forward, it’s hoped that upcoming MCU projects will restore the Celestial power dynamic that fans have come to expect.

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